Hyatt’s new Las Vegas plan emerges post-MGM Resorts divorce
Just because Hyatt and MGM Resorts are no longer partners doesn't mean World of Hyatt loyalists are devoid of options regarding casino resorts in Sin City.
World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at Rio Hotel & Casino, Hyatt announced Friday morning. The sprawling resort just off the Las Vegas Strip is underway with a $340 million renovation that will result in the all-suite hotel joining Hyatt's Independent Collection under the Destination by Hyatt brand.
Plans for renovating the 2,500-suite property and its planned absorption into the Hyatt network were first announced in 2021, but details were light then.
"Destination by Hyatt hotels are individual at heart and embody the true spirit of the destination, and Rio Hotel & Casino will be no exception," David Tarr, Hyatt's senior vice president of development for the Americas region, said in a statement. "This renovation will serve as a gateway for guests to experience a place of purposefully crafted entertainment and immersive experiences, infused with authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. We look forward to providing World of Hyatt members and guests an authentic and unforgettable experience in Las Vegas."
The first phase of the renovation, slated to be completed this fall, includes an overhaul of the 1,501-room Ipanema Tower, arrival area, building exterior, lobby, gaming floor, sports book, several food and beverage outlets, meeting spaces and the outdoor pool area. The second phase includes a renovation and redesign of the 1,012-room Masquerade Tower, but no timeline was provided.
With Rio now tapped into the World of Hyatt network, the casino resort will offer members free parking while Globalists can enjoy an "enhanced arrival experience" along with the complimentary breakfast (full menu) amenity that goes with the highest-tier World of Hyatt status. World of Hyatt also offers 500 bonus points for each qualifying night at Rio Hotel & Casino on stays from April 1 to June 30 this year.
Hyatt's new approach to Las Vegas
It was a loyalty sucker punch last August when it emerged that Hyatt and MGM Resorts were splitting up in favor of MGM running off with Marriott in a deeper partnership. That integration, which is still underway, has most MGM properties in the U.S. taking on various Marriott brand affiliations.
But the Rio offering at least throws Hyatt loyalists a life raft when it comes to wanting to earn and use points in Las Vegas. Of course, it doesn't come with nearly the variety or depth of the MGM Resorts deal: MGM's Las Vegas portfolio includes more than 37,000 rooms compared to Rio's 2,500-room count.
That's not exactly a jackpot for Hyatt in the top gaming destination in the U.S. Alas, 2,500 rooms are better than nothing. Take what you can get, World of Hyatt aficionados.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees