World of Hyatt has just announced its annual award chart updates which will take effect on 22 March 2022. There are no new categories added and the points required for each category remains the same. However, the award categories for 146 hotels will be adjusted. Of those hotels with award categories adjusted, 70 hotels will move to a higher category while 76 hotels will move to a lower category.
Here comes the bad news for those looking to make a redemption at an aspirational property; 9 of these properties will be moving to category 8, which was previously used only for certain SLH properties. The list of 9 properties are as follows:
- Alila Napa Valley
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
- Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Park Hyatt Kyoto
- Park Hyatt Milan
- Park Hyatt New York
- Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
- Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
- Park Hyatt Sydney
These are some of the most aspirational Hyatt properties and with the change, the points required for an award redemption will cost 33% more on a standard award and as much as 50% more on peak dates, which is a very negative change. We have included World of Hyatt’s award chart for your easy reference.
In addition to the 9 properties that are moving to category 8, here are some of the other luxury properties that have been affected by the change:
Luxury hotels that are moving to a higher category
Hotel | Country/ Region | Current Category | New Category |
Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort and Spa | China | 3 | 4 |
Park Hyatt Hangzhou | China | 4 | 5 |
Park Hyatt Suzhou | China | 3 | 4 |
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty | India | 1 | 2 |
Park Hyatt Busan | South Korea | 5 | 6 |
Hôtel Lou Pinet | France | 7 | 8 |
The Wellem | Germany | 3 | 4 |
Saint Ten Hotel | Serbia | 4 | 5 |
Park Hyatt Istanbul - Macka Palas | Turkey | 4 | 5 |
Park Hyatt Zanzibar | Tanzania | 4 | 5 |
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas | United States | 6 | 7 |
Luxury hotels that are moving to a lower category
Hotel | Country/ Region | Current Category | New Category |
Hotel Éclat Beijing | China | 4 | 3 |
The Sukhothai Shanghai | China | 5 | 4 |
Lanson Place Causeway Bay | Hong Kong, China | 4 | 3 |
Andaz Delhi | India | 3 | 2 |
Alila Ubud | Indonesia | 3 | 2 |
Grand Hyatt Bali | Indonesia | 2 | 1 |
The Luang Say Residence | Laos | 6 | 5 |
Grand Hyatt Macau | Macau, China | 5 | 4 |
The Fortress Resort & Spa | Sri Lanka | 6 | 5 |
Akyra Manor Chiang Mai | Thailand | 5 | 4 |
Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua Hin | Thailand | 5 | 4 |
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok | Thailand | 3 | 2 |
The Trident Hotel | Jamaica | 8 | 7 |
Schlosshotel Kronberg | Germany | 5 | 4 |
Boheme Hotel | Greece | 8 | 7 |
Grand Hotel Parker’s | Italy | 5 | 4 |
Il Melograno | Italy | 6 | 5 |
Hotel Bergs | Latvia | 5 | 4 |
Hotel Infante Sagres | Portugal | 6 | 5 |
Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness | Portugal | 6 | 5 |
The Marmara Bodrum | Turkey | 4 | 3 |
Tomtom Suites | Turkey | 4 | 3 |
Culloden Estate and Spa | United Kingdom | 4 | 3 |
The Grand Hotel | United Kingdom | 5 | 4 |
Grand Hyatt Muscat | Oman | 4 | 3 |
The Cellars-Hohenort | South Africa | 4 | 3 |
The Plettenberg | South Africa | 5 | 4 |
The full list of hotels changing categories and the FAQs can be found here.
In conclusion, it appears that more luxury hotels are moving to a lower category than to a higher category with this change which is a positive development.
However, a major negative change would be that 9 of the most popular aspirational properties will be moving to category 8 for the first time. If you have plans to book an award stay at these properties, we would urge you to make your reservations before 22 March 2022.
