Hotels are changing award category for 2019. First was the Radisson Rewards and then Marriott. Now, we have learned that Hyatt is also updating award category for 2019. Half of the properties are going up on points, and half are going down on points, effective March 18, 2019.

Our focus here is to use the Haytt's free night certificate for the best Hyatt properties that will go down to category 4 starting March 18, and to evaluate whether to lock in now for the ones that will go up category or require more points on March 18. For those that are not familiar with Hyatt's free night certificate, there are two ways to earn it:
  • The Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card offers 1 free night every year. You receive one free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every year after your card member anniversary, and one additional free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after you spend $15,000 during your card member anniversary year. The annual fee of the Hyatt credit card is $95. Therefore, in order to maximize that fee, you really want to stay at a Hyatt property that costs more than $95.
  • Moreover for every Hyatt member status, you receive a free night at any category 1-4 Hyatt hotels or resorts once you stay at 5 different Hyatt brands.

 Best Haytt Properties Go Down to Category 4

 Best Hyatt Properties Go Up Category
A few of our favorite Hyatt properties are going up category and thus will require more points on March 18, 2019. If you have upcoming travel to those places, lock in now even your travel plan is not set in stone yet because points booking provide free cancellation, and that will allow you time to plan around it.


Category 1 (5,000) to Category 2 (8,000) Points Properties:
Category 3 (12,000) to Category 4 (15,000) Points Properties:
Category 4 (15,000) to Category 5 (20,000) Points Properties:
Category 5 (20,000) to Category 6 (25,000) Points Properties:
Category 6 (25,000) to Category 7 (30,000) Points Properties:
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