World of Hyatt (WOH) continues to improve its booking and award systems, offering members new features and streamlined options. Earlier this year, WOH introduced significant updates, including the ability to gift awards like Free Night Certificates, Guest of Honor bookings, and Club Access Awards to other WOH members.
Previously, Guest of Honor bookings required a call to customer service, and the other two awards couldn’t be gifted at all. These changes were met with mixed reactions due to limitations such as capping Globalist members at 5 Guest of Honor awards per year—a benefit that now must be earned through milestone awards starting at 40 nights. For the first year of implementation, WOH allowed existing Globalists to exceed this cap, but moving forward, the new structure is in place.
Now, WOH has introduced another exciting update: members can apply Suite Upgrade Awards (SUAs) online! Previously, this process required contacting customer service, using chat support, or relying on a Globalist concierge. This change not only saves time but also enables members to confirm a suite at the time of booking, significantly enhancing the overall experience.
How It Works
Unfortunately, this new feature doesn’t apply to existing bookings, which still require the traditional methods mentioned above. Here’s how you can use it for new bookings:
- Run Your Search: Start your hotel search as usual.
- Toggle to Available Awards: Select the Suite Upgrade Award option from your available awards.
- Check Pricing: The cost will adjust to reflect the standard room rate, combined with the application of your Suite Upgrade Award.
For example, I tested this feature for a stay at the popular Hyatt Ziva Cancun next summer. Here’s what I found:
- Standard Room (Resort View King): 50,000 points per night or $547 cash per night (Member Rate).
- Club Access Ocean Front Suite: 80,000 points per night or $1,035 cash per night.
Using a Suite Upgrade Award, the cost for the suite adjusted to the standard room rate of 50,000 points per night or $547 cash.
This booking would save 30,000 points or $488 per night, up to 7 nights! That’s an amazing value to secure a 1,089 sq ft Ocean Front luxurious suite without relying on complimentary upgrades at the time of check-in, which are subject to availability.
A New Loophole for Suite Bookings
Another exciting discovery is that SUAs can unlock suite availability even when standard rooms are fully booked (this has been rumored to be available before but never confirmed). For instance, here, at Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, only a suite is available for 80,000 points per night.
However, when applying for a Suite Upgrade Award, the booking is adjusted to the standard room rate of 50,000 points per night plus the SUA. This workaround can save 40,000 points per night—a great loophole while it lasts, as typically, even agents or concierges cannot make this type of booking!
Why This Matters
This enhancement reinforces why I love the World of Hyatt rewards program and why its one of the best in the award travel game! It simplifies the booking process, saves significant time and points, and allows members to lock in premium accommodations confidently. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, these updates make a noticeable difference in planning and enjoying your stay.
What Do You Think?
How do you feel about these new enhancements? Share your thoughts and experiences!
