February 25, 2026
Changes to Hyatt’s Program 2026 (so far)
Pam
Say it ain’t so! But it is. Changes were made to the Hyatt program today. There are always Category changes each year, and we expect them. This year, the changes have started earlier and are worse. Here’s what we know so far.
Hyatt just dropped major award stay changes today, and here’s what Points Talk Squad members need to know: Hyatt announced updates to the World of Hyatt award chart that will directly affect how many points we need for free nights. Some of this is good. Some of it will cost us more points. And there’s a limited window to lock in current pricing.
Here’s the breakdown:
Level Changes
Hyatt is expanding the award chart from 3 pricing levels to 5. Right now, Hyatt hotels price award nights at off-peak, standard, or peak rates.
Starting in May 2026, Hyatt will use five pricing levels instead:
• Lowest
• Low
• Moderate
• Upper
• Top
Hyatt is still keeping its category system, which is great news compared to programs that are completely dynamic, but the spread between the cheapest and most expensive nights will be wider than before.
This means the same hotel could cost many more points on busy dates than it does today. And that could be bad news for people with less flexibility. I would expect holiday travel and summer travel could cost more points.😩
Pricing Increases
Top pricing is increasing at many properties, and this is where the biggest impact will be. High-end hotels, resorts, and peak season stays will see the largest increases at the new “Top” level. Some Category 7 and 8 properties could cost noticeably more points on peak dates than current peak pricing. This is the most distressing news for this bougie-loving traveler. Luckily, I have more flexibility than many people do.
On the flip side, the new “Lowest” and “Low” levels may offer better value during slower periods—but peak-demand dates are when most people redeem. Overall, this creates more variability in award pricing.
Hyatt also said this, “In April, we’ll share more information about the exact timing of these changes. Until then, view our upcoming expanded award chart below and discover other exciting program updates.”
In my opinion, this means the true impact will be TBD.
The Good News
Pretty soon, we will be able to digitally transfer Hyatt points! While that is definitely good news, it pales in comparison to the bad news above.
Free night and upgrade certificates will not be affected. They can be used at the “Top” pricing tier as well, potentially making them more valuable. TBD, when we see how the Category changes are affected.
Points Talk Squad Take
Hyatt is still one of the best hotel programs because it keeps an award chart. That alone puts it ahead of most competitors. But moving to five pricing levels clearly gives Hyatt more room to increase award costs, especially at premium properties and peak travel times.
The move right now is simple:
If you’ve been thinking about booking a Hyatt award stay, consider doing it before May. Locking in current rates could save a lot of points.
Our quick thoughts:
- Book now, or as soon as the actual Category increases and decreases are announced
- Plan on being more flexible with travel dates – maybe plan more off-season travel dates.
- Know that Hyatt is not the only hotel in town – Look at all the other cards that offer hotel credit!
- We’ve been around long enough to know that with the right pivot, travel can still be nearly free. Watch throughout the year as we and our entire community learn how to turn lemons into lemonade!
In the meantime, share your thoughts and strategies below, and feel free to vent. We feel ya, we are right there with you!
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I have so many plans for 2027 that I needed to book *right* after these changes go into effect. I’ll be at the 14 or 15 month mark for planning which means Hyatt won’t have their calendar open yet! Do you think if I put plans down for the 13 month mark and then later ask to move them they might later let me stay under the lower point/tier and not charge me higher points? Just an idea!
That would be awesome but they would rebook at the higher rate. I’m in the same position on some of the bookings I want to make so need to change my dates or plan to pay more, sadly.