Hyatt’s new loyalty program (World of Hyatt) explained

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series or news.

Today (March 10, 2017): Travel Series: Hyatt’s new loyalty program (World of Hyatt) explained.

This month, the Hyatt Hotels group replaced its old complimentary loyalty program, Hyatt Gold Passport, by a new one, called ‘World of Hyatt‘. In some ways, the new program is very similar to the old program, as there are no changes to the number of points you earn for stays or the number of points needed to redeem for a free night. But with the new program, some major changes were introduced for reaching elite membership treshold and for the perks that are associated with elite status. With World of Hyatt, members can still earn Hyatt points and exchange them for valuable rewards when they stay at one of the more than 660 hotels & resorts, across Hyatt’s 12 brands all over the world: Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Hotels, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara & Ziva, Hyatt Residence club, Hyatt Centric, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

Park Hyatt and Andaz are the luxury hotel brands of the Hyatt Hotels group (and rank among my favorite hotel brands in the world).

In this overview, I explain the World of Hyatt  loyalty program:

• Membership tiers
• Earning points
• Redeeming awards (free travel)
• Pros & things I like about World of Hyatt
• Cons & things I don’t like about World of Hyatt
• My reviews of Hyatt properties around the world
• Key points
• Poll: what’s the best hotel loyalty program?

WORLD OF HYAYY: MEMBERSHIP TIERS

World of Hyatt is a top class awards structure offering a four-tier elite structure. World of Hyatt membership is the first level, Discoverist is the second, Explorist the third, and Globalist the top-level. Each level has its own benefits, and as the member moves from Discoverist to Explorist then Globalist, they become more valuable.

• World of Hyatt membership is the base level and will earn you 5 Hyatt points for every eligible U.S. dollar spent at Hyatt’s hotels & resorts.

• Discoverist membership is reached after completing 10 qualifying stays or spending $5,000 USD on hotel stays (= earning 25,000 Hyatt points) in a calendar year. As a Discoverist, you receive the following benefits:
  • A 10% point bonus.
  • A preferred room including rooms on higher floors or larger rooms, based on availability upon arrival.
  • Complimentary high-speed in-room internet access.
  • Daily complimentary bottle of water.
  • Resort fee waived on free night awards.
  • Priority check-in.
  • Late check out request (until 2:00 p.m) at participating properties.

• Explorist membership is reached after completing 30 qualifying stays or spending $10,000 USD on hotel stays (= earning 50,000 Hyatt points) in a calendar year. As an Explorist, you receive the following benefits:
  • A 20% point bonus.
  • Upgrade to the best room, based on availability upon arrival (excluding suites).
  • Complimentary high-speed in-room internet access.
  • Daily complimentary bottle of water.
  • Resort fee waived on free night awards.
  • Priority check-in.
  • Late check out request (until 2:00 p.m) at participating properties.
  • 4 Club lounge passes valid on eligible rates or when redeeming points for free night awards.
  • One free night award in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort (valid for 120 days from issuance).

• Globalist membership, World of Hyatt’s highest tier, is reached after completing 60 eligible stays or when you spend $20,000 USD on hotel stays (= earn 100,000 Hyatt points) in a calendar year. As a Globalist, you receive the following benefits:
  • A 30% point bonus.
  • Upgrade to the best room available upon arrival, including standard suites.
  • Complimentary high-speed in-room internet access.
  • Daily complimentary bottle of water.
  • Resort fee waived on free night awards and eligible rates.
  • Priority check-in.
  • Late check out request (until 4:00 pm).
  • Exclusive access to the Regency Club or Grand Club lounge (featuring complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres).
  • Daily complimentary full breakfast (in hotels without a club lounge).
  • Four suite upgrade per year (upgrade confirmed at the time of reservation on eligible paid nights).
  • Complimentary parking on free night awards at participating Hyatt hotels.
  • Priority access to available rooms when checking in early.
  • One free night award in a Category Hyatt hotel or resort (valid for 120 days from issuance).
  • Access to My Hyatt Concierge agent for reservations and personalized service.
  • Maintain Globalist status after 55 qualifying nights each subsequent year

WORLD OF HYATT: EARNING POINTS

There are a couple of ways to earn Hyatt points and boost your account.

• You can earn Hyatt Points when you stay at a hotel of the Hyatt Group. You will earn 5 Hyatt points for every eligible dollar spent at Hyatt whether you’re spending the day at one of Hyatt’s spas, the evening at one of Hyatt’s restaurants, or the night at one of Hyatt’s hotels.

• World of Hyatt elite members automatically receive a bonus on all the Hyatt points they earn: Discoverists earn a 10% bonus, Explorists a 20% bonus and Globalists a 30% bonus.

• You can earn Hyatt points when staying at of the MGM Resorts. These include some iconic properties on The Strip in Las Vegas, such as The Bellagio, The Delano, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Aria. As a World of Hyatt member, you also receive a matching status with M life Rewards, the loyalty program for MGM Resorts International.

• You earn 500 bonus points for each qualifying rental at participating Avis locations worldwide. A Hyatt stay is not required, and you can simply request your Hyatt points at the Avis rental counter.

• Hyatt points can also be directly purchased (albeit those points don’t count towards elite status). Points can be purchased in increments of 1,000, up to 55,000 points per calendar year.

• The Hyatt VISA credit card, only available in the USA, is one of the fastest ways to earn Hyatt points. Besides other great benefits (see below), the credit card earns you:
  • 3 points for every $1 spent at all Hyatt properties.
  • 2 points for every $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline and at car rental agencies.
  • 1 point for every $1 spent anywhere else you use your card.

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WORLD OF HYATT: REDEEMING AWARDS (FREE TRAVEL)

• You can redeem your Hyatt points for free hotel nights at Hyatt’s portfolio of hotels (no blackout dates). The number of points needed for a free or discounted night will depend upon the category of the hotel (Hyatt hotels come in 7 categories): just 5000 points for a free night at a category 1 hotel (standard room) to 48 000 points at a category 7 hotel (standard room).

• You can stretch your Hyatt points with “Cash&Points” and book a seriously discounted hotel room using a combination of points and cash. Cash&Points nights start at just 2500 points + $50 for a night at a category 1 hotel to 15 000 + 300 US$ at a category 7 hotel.

• You can use your Hyatt points to upgrade to a higher room category, where available, for as few as 3000 points at Hyatt Regency/Grand Club (or to a Suite for as few as 6000 points).

• You can redeem your Hyatt points for dining and spa experiences at participating hotels around the world, even when you’re not staying the night. Dining & spa credits range from $10 for 2,000 points to $1000 for 120,000 points.

• Your Hyatt points can be converted to airline miles.  You will receive 1 mile for every 2.5 Hyatt points you convert, starting with a minimum of 5,000 Hyatt points. In addition, you will earn 5,000 bonus miles when you convert 50,000 Hyatt points.

• Car Rental Awards can be redeemed at participating Avis car rental locations. You can redeem 6000 Hyatt points for a free intermediate-size car for one day. Reservation for a car rental award must be made over the phone (1-800-228-3360).

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE ABOUT WORLD OF HYATT

• The program is rather uncomplicated. There are not many earning options, and burning options are easy to understand as well.

• Hyatt’s portfolio includes some high-end luxury properties. I hereby present you an overview of the 12 Hyatt brands, with the 2 luxury brands placed at the top (Park Hyatt & Andaz):
  • Park Hyatt Hotels: smaller, luxury hotels designed to cater to discerning travelers.
  • Andaz: Hyatt’s hippest brand focuses on indulging guests with simple luxuries and unexpected details.
  • Grand Hyatt Hotels: grand in every sense, these hotels feature luxurious accommodations, dramatic architecture and state-of-the-art technology.
  • Hyatt Regency Hotels: Hyatt’s best-known hotels feature stylish, contemporary design, abundant meeting facilities and extraordinary restaurants.
  • Hyatt Hotels: located in prime destinations and business districts, these hotels offer an intimate environment for travelers eager to experience the local flair.
  • Hyatt Place: these hotels combines style with casual hospitality.  Featuring spacious guest rooms with the Cozy Corner, free Wi-Fi, the 24/7 Gallery Menu, Coffee to Cocktails Bar, and free a.m. Kitchen Skillet breakfast.
  • Hyatt House: these hotels offers upscale home comfort for extended stay guests, featuring residentially inspired suites with real kitchens and living rooms.
  • Hyatt Zilara & Hyatt Ziva: Hyatt Zilara, adult only all-inclusive resorts, and Hyatt Ziva, all-inclusive resorts open to all ages, include luxury accommodations, authentic dining options, world-class entertainment and locally inspired activities.
  • Hyatt Residence Club: these timeshare properties are located in some of the most exciting U.S. resort destinations.
  • Hyatt Centric: properties under this brand aim to be local home bases, preparing you to explore the best the USA cities have to offer.
  • The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: Collection of unique boutique hotels.

• World of Hyatt awards its member with a free nights galore, which is one if the program’s most interesting features.
  • All members get a free night award in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort when they stay at 5 different Hyatt brands and pay an eligible rate (valid for one year from issuance).
  • Explorists get one free night award in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort (valid for 120 days from issuance).
  • Gloablists get one free night award in a Category 1-7 Hyatt hotel or resort (valid for 120 days from issuance).

• Globalists get 4 suite upgrades yearly and upon qualifying for the first time. These can be used for stays up to 7 nights and don’t require you to book anything else than a qualifying rate.

• Globalists have access to unlimited suite upgrades. Whenever they check-in at a Hyatt hotel, they will be upgraded to a standard suite (if available).

• Globalists receive two complimentary United Club one-time passes annually.

• There are incremental benefits for Globalists who stay more than 60 nights at Hyatt hotels. Guest who stay 70, 80, 90 and 100 qualifying nights in a calendar year, will be awarded with a choice between 10,000 bonus Hyatt Points or a suite upgrade award.

• WiFi is free for all guests (no need to join Word of Hyatt or to book via Hyatt.com). You will, however, as a non-member need to pay in some hotels to receive ‘fast’ WiFi, suitable for video and streaming.  The faster service is free for Discoverists, Explorists and Globalists.

• Word of Hyatt members have access to exclusive Member Discount rates at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts.

• Word of Hyatt members can earn 500 miles per stay with 28 participating airlines (instead of Hyatt points). You simply have to present your frequent flyer and World of Hyatt membership numbers at check-in.

• World of Hyatt members can share points or eligible awards – including free nights, points + cash and select room upgrades – with any World of Hyatt member. It’s a great gift idea or an easier way to plan a vacation with family and friends.

• Hyatt points won’t expire as long as you show account activity once per 24 months. Otherwise, the account may be deleted and all points in the account forfeited. There are a number of easy ways to keep your membership active:
  • Earn or redeem points for stays at Hyatt hotels and resorts, on dining and spa treatments, and for stays at participating MGM properties.
  • Purchase or combine points, transfer free night awards or convert points to miles.
  • Maintain a Hyatt credit card account.

• Hyatt often launches promos that allow you to earn bonus Hyatt points on your stays, so that you can reach your preferred redemption faster (tip: subscribe to the World of Hyatt’s newsletter).

• There are no award blackout dates. As long as there is a standard room available, you can book it using your Hyatt Gold Passport points.

• You do earn Hyatt points, not only for hotel rooms, but also for food, beverages & spa treatments.

• Hyatt is one of the few chains, where all the benefits apply regardless of how the stay was booked. All the benefits apply even on Priceline or Hotwire stays.

• The program has remained relatively constant for many years, giving guests the certainty that the reward they are after will not be pulled away from under them. You will never see Hyatt making unannounced changes overnight or adding 75% to its top redemption rates as Hilton did in 2013. The replacement of Hyatt Gold Passport by World of Hyatt was announced long in advance.

• World of Hyatt awards its most loyal guests with lifetime Globalist status, after they earned 1000000 base points (that is $200000 in spending) over the course of your program membership.

• The Hyatt VISA credit card, only available in the USA, is one of the fastest ways to earn Hyatt Gold Passport points. This credit card comes with many benefits:
  • You will receive two free nights (at a category 1-4 property) after making $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months with the Hyatt Credit Card. This bonus offer is available to you as long as you have not received a new card member bonus for this product in the past 24 months.
  • You will earn 3 points for every $1 spent at all Hyatt properties with your Hyatt Credit Card.
  • You will earn 2 points for every $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline and at car rental agencies.
  • You will earn 1 point for every $1 spent anywhere else you use your card.
  • You will not pay foreign transaction fees when you use your Hyatt Credit Card on purchases made outside the U.S.
  • You will maintain Discoverist status for as long as you are a card member.
  • Every year after your card member anniversary, you will receive a free night at a category 1 to 4 property.

• Hyatt Gold Passport and MGM Resorts International have teamed up, which means you can enjoy the perks of membership in both programs when staying in Las Vegas at MGM Resorts or at any Hyatt hotel worldwide.

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CONS & THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT WORLD OF HYATT

• Hyatt used to offer one the best Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) programs in the industry with a 20% discount on all nights, but that all changed in August 2017. Hyatt’s current BRG program is poor compared to other hotel groups and its $50 USD voucher towards a future stay is pathetic compared to the room discount you used to get (especially for a multi-night stay).

• Hyatt is a really small chain and has less than 700 properties worldwide. Marriott (which acquired Starwood), Hilton and IHG have eight to ten times the number of properties compared to Hyatt.

• Hyatt has a very limited international representation with around 20% of its properties outside of North America. The chain is absent from many international markets. They are expanding rapidly however.

• Earning elite status with Hyatt is hard if not impossible, especially for those living outside the US since Hyatt only has a small global footprint.

• While World of Hyatt is very easy to understand, the earning & award options are limited.

• World of Hyatt’s elite members no longer receive Hyatt points or a food & beverage welcome amenity upon check-in.

• Hyatt suffers from a confusing brand structure as it only uses another name than Hyatt for Andaz properties. All the other brands are tied to the Hyatt “mother” brand for the good or the bad. All the other major hotel chains have distinct brand identities like Sheraton vs St Regis, or InterContinental versus Holiday Inn.

• Contrary to most loyalty hotel programs (Starwood, IHG or Hilton), award stays don’t count toward status: you will not receive stay (or night) credit for award stays (or nights) and these will not count towards your Hyatt Gold Passport elite qualification.

• Lifetime elite status requirement is ridiculous expensive compared to Starwood or Marriott ($200K Hyatt spend that is credited towards Hyatt points).

• World of Hyattt does not have decent airline partnerships. Both Starwood and Marriott have introduced partnerships with airline for some matched benefits. Starwood launched Crossover Rewards with Delta and Your Word Rewards with Emirates, while Marriott has RewardsPlus partnership with United.

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MY REVIEWS OF HYATT’S LUXURY HOTELS

Click the thumbnails to read our reviews of Hyatt Hotels around the globe:

• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Siem Reap (Cambodia)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Sydney (Australia)
• Hotel review: Andaz Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Shanghai (China)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Vienna (Austria)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt New York (USA)
• Review: Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires (Argentina)
• Hotel review: Andaz 5th Avenue, New York (USA)
• Review: “Lost in Translation” at the Park Hyatt Tokyo (Japan)
• Hotel review: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Japan)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Mallorca (Spain)
• Hotel review: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
• Review: Andaz Maui at Wailea (Hawaii, USA)
• Review: Park Hyatt Zanzibar (Tanzania)
• Review: Park Hyatt Hotel Bangkok (Thailand)
• Review: Park Hyatt Hamburg (Germany)

KEY POINTS

• World of Hyatt is a greatloyalty program, so be sure to subscribe to it when you stay at a Hyatt Hotel.

• There are not many earning options and the ways to burn points are limited as well.

• Always make a booking using a Best Rate Guarantee to throw in an additional discount of 20%.

• The best way to spend your Hyatt points is to use them for hotel stays.

• The worst way to spend your Hyatt points is to transfer them to airline miles.

• When not residing in the USA, World of Hyatt membership is rather useless since Hyatt’s international representation is small.

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