If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably heard me (or other travel bloggers) mention the phrase “earn and burn.” This is because, just like cash, points and miles can lose value due to devaluations, category shifts, and other program changes.
Each year, World of Hyatt (WOH) re-evaluates its properties and shifts some hotels into higher or lower award categories, impacting how many points you need for a free night. This year 151 hotels and resorts worldwide will see changes, you can view all the changes here.
The 2025 changes take effect on March 25, 2025, so now is the time to review the updates, lock in award stays before increases hit, and strategize your future redemptions.
Notable Hotels Increasing & Decreasing in Category
🔺 Hotels Increasing in Category (Book Before March 25!)
- Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica (Moving from Category 7 → 8)
- Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Moving from Category 7 → 8)
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (Moving from Category 7 → 8)
- Park Hyatt Tokyo (Moving from Category 7 → 8)
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa (Moving from Category D → E)
- Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (Moving from Category 4 → 5)
🔻 Hotels Decreasing in Category (Consider Rebooking After March 25!)
- Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia (Moving from Category F → E)
- Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes (Moving from Category 3 → 2)
- Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí (Moving from Category 2 → 1)
Understanding the Hyatt Award Charts
Hyatt’s award pricing follows a category system, with standard, off-peak, and peak pricing. Below are the updated charts for both standard hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
Standard Hotel Award Chart:
(Based on category, with prices in points per night)
All-Inclusive Resort Award Chart:
(Based on category, with prices in points per night)
Key Takeaways from the 2025 World of Hyatt Category Changes
151 hotels worldwide will see changes:
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- 118 properties are increasing in category (requiring more points).
- 33 properties are decreasing in category (requiring fewer points).
- No new categories have been added, and the standard redemption rates for each category remain unchanged.
- Bookings made before March 25 will follow the current award rates—so if a hotel is increasing in category, you’ll want to lock it in now.
- If a hotel drops in category after March 25, Hyatt will automatically refund the difference in points.
One of the most notable shifts is in Asia-Pacific, including properties in Japan and Bali, where I’ve personally stayed and am so glad I booked before these increases!
How to Maximize Your Points Before the Changes
1. Book Now Before the Increases Take Effect
The biggest takeaway? If you’ve had your eye on a property that is increasing in category, book it now. Even if your travel dates are later in the year, reservations made before March 25, 2025, will lock in the current award rate.
💡 Pro Tip for Globalists: One of the best perks of WOH Globalist status is the ability to book points-in-advance stays. If you don’t currently have enough points, you can still secure a reservation at the lower rate and earn the points later!
2. Rebook After March 25 if Your Hotel Drops in Category
If you already have a booked award stay at a property that is decreasing in category, Hyatt will automatically refund you the difference in points. However, if you booked a cash + points stay, an adjustment will be applied to your reservation.
3. Use Free Night Certificates Before They Lose Value
If you have a Category 1-4 or Category 1-7 Free Night Award, be mindful of properties that will be moving up in category, as they will no longer be eligible for your certificate. Consider redeeming those certificates before the changes take effect.
Final Thoughts
Annual category changes are a reminder of why points and miles should be earned with a plan to use them. While some properties are increasing, there are also great opportunities to take advantage of decreases in key destinations.
Are any of your favorite Hyatt hotels affected? Will you be making any last-minute redemptions before the changes take effect? Let me know in the comments!
