You can now book Hyatt suites with points online and save big
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Many airlines and hotels are using the downtime associated with the coronavirus pandemic to make adjustments to their loyalty programs and technology.
One of those programs is the World of Hyatt. While the hotel chain is delaying the implementation of peak and off-peak pricing and planned award category changes (except for five properties), it is speeding up some back-end upgrades.
The World of Hyatt program is now allowing members to use points to book or upgrade to suites online. As first reported by US Credit Card Guide, this new feature is available via Hyatt's website and mobile app and works for both standard and premium suites.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Booking Hyatt suites with points online
Being able to book Hyatt suites with points online is a big improvement for members. While the ability to book suites with points isn't new, you previously needed to call World of Hyatt customer service or message the concierge on Twitter to do so.
You can book standard and premium suites according to the following award chart using free night awards or Points + Cash awards (with award values based on TPG's valuations):
| hotel category | Standard suite points per night | Standard suite Points + Cash | Premium suite points per night | Premium suite Points + Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8,000 ($136) | 4,000 ($68) + cash | 10,000 ($170) | 5,000 ($85) + cash |
2 | 13,000 ($221) | 6,500 ($111) + cash | 16,000 ($272) | 8,000 ($136) + cash |
3 | 20,000 ($340) | 10,000 ($170) + cash | 24,000 ($408) | 12,000 ($204) + cash |
4 | 24,000 ($408) | 12,000 ($204) + cash | 30,000 ($510) | 15,000 ($255) + cash |
5 | 32,000 ($544) | 16,000 ($272) + cash | 40,000 ($680) | 20,000 ($340) + cash |
6 | 40,000 ($680) | 20,000 ($340) + cash | 50,000 ($850) | 25,000 ($425) + cash |
7 | 48,000 ($816) | 24,000 ($408) + cash | 60,000 ($1,020) | 30,000 ($510) + cash |
If you find a cheap paid night and would rather redeem points for a confirmed room upgrade, you can do so at the following rates:
- Regency Club or Grand Club upgrade: 3,000 points per night
- Standard suite upgrade: 6,000 points per night
- Premium suite upgrade: 9,000 points per night
Related: Your guide to the World of Hyatt award chart
Depending on the property and availability, you may be able to redeem your points for a presidential suite and get outsized value out of your points. On a sample search, I found a presidential suite available at the Hyatt Regency Orlando for 24,000 points for a random night in February. The cash rate for members is a whopping $11,671 (including taxes and fees), yielding an astonishing value of 48.63 cents per point, nearly 29 times TPG's most recent valuations.
Related: Suite deals for families with points and status
Bear in mind that booking these suites could be even more rewarding through October, as the World of Hyatt program is currently offering discounts of 15% or 25% for awards through Oct. 8, 2020. Note that registration is required, but if you have the World of Hyatt Credit Card in your wallet, you'll enjoy even better award rates for stays through the next couple of months.
And of course, remember that just because you can book these awards doesn't mean that they will always be available. If you're looking to snag a suite with your points and don't see availability online, you can always call World of Hyatt customer service at 1-800-544-9288 to inquire. However, our initial tests indicate that inventory over the phone matches the website and app.
Bottom line
It's great to see a new feature added to the booking process with the World of Hyatt program. It's especially valuable for booking stays at hotels that rarely have standard room award available or for travelers looking for more space on their next getaway. However, with a more streamlined process for booking suites online, it is possible that availability and complimentary upgrades for Globalist elite members will become harder to come by going forward.
Keep in mind that nearly all new Hyatt reservations – including both paid and award stays – with arrival dates through July 31, 2021 can be changed or canceled for no charge up to 24 hours before arrival. Hyatt is also extending elite status and expiration of rewards, such as upgrade certificates and free night awards (including those from the World of Hyatt Credit Card).
Related: The best hotel credit cards of 2020
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app