I just got approved for Chase's New World of Hyatt Credit Card (Review here) and while looking into where I want to stay for my upcoming trip to Maui, Hawaii. I came across a couple Hyatt properties there. They both are resorts and therefore they do have resort fees. The nightly rate for February is also sky high expensive, and when you also factor in the resort fees that costs at least $32 plus tax, the expenses can really add up.

While checking into using Hyatt points to redeem for award stays at those two Hyatt resorts in Maui, I noticed that Hyatt does a good job on informing consumers that there will be applicable resort fees. This made me wonder, is booking using Hyatt points really a completely Free Night Award as Hyatt claims?

PHOTO CREDIT: HYATT REGENCY MAUI RESORT AND SPA
20,000 Hyatt Points Per Free Award Night
According to Hyatt's Terms and Conditions

Resort Fees on Hyatt Free Night Award Booking

"Resort, destination, or facility fees, where charged by the applicable hotel or resort, will be waived for Members redeeming a Free Night Award. This benefit is not valid at any Hyatt Residence Club resort or M life Rewards destinations. This benefit applies only to nights for which the Member has redeemed a Free Night Award."

Clearly, if you book a room using complete Hyatt points, the resort fee is waived regardless of what membership level you are in.

On the other hand, if you book a room using Hyatt points + cash, the rule is different.

Resort Fees on Hyatt Points + Cash Award Booking

"This benefit does not apply to any Room Upgrade Award, Points + Cash Award, Oasis Stay Credit, or any non-stay award (e.g., a Dining, Spa and More Award or a Future Meeting Credit.)"

Unfortunately, the resort fee is not waived if you book a room using Hyatt points + cash.


There you have it, for more information on the source of these terms and conditions, go here and read section 12. Waiver of Resort, Destination, or Facility Fee on Free Night Awards.