How to Book Award Nights With Hyatt

Leila NajafiFeb 10, 2020
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With over 800 properties in over 60 countries, Hyatt Hotels is one of the leading hotel brands in the world. Members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can redeem points across 20 brands. Here’s what you need to know about booking award nights using your World of Hyatt points.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt: The complete guide

How many points are needed for a free night?

Point redemptions for free nights depend on the hotel category and type of accommodations you’re seeking. Points can be used to book a free night at Hyatt hotels and resorts, participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Miraval or M life Rewards destinations. Luckily, there are no blackout dates.

A minimum of 5,000 points is needed to redeem points for a standard room in a Category 1 hotel, and Category 8 properties can go up to 40,000 points.

For loftier accommodations, World of Hyatt members can redeem 10,000 points for a Premium Suite at a Category 1 hotel and up to 60,000 points at a Category 7 hotel. Be sure to check out some of the amazing suites around the world you can book with Hyatt points.

Hyatt’s all-inclusive Ziva and Zilara hotels range from 20,000-25,000 points per night for a standard room, while Miraval Resorts start at 45,000 points per night.

Off-peak rates

Beginning in 2021, you’ll have more options to redeem a free night award by taking advantage of off-peak rates, which start at 3,500 points per night. Hyatt plans to introduce “off-peak and peak point redemptions” starting in mid-October 2021, which will be implemented for stays in March 2022 and beyond.

When that happens, hotels are expected to require more points for reservations during holidays or other busy travel seasons. On the flip side, that'll save you points if your schedule allows you to be more flexible.

Points + cash

If you don’t have enough points for a free night, you can also book a Points + Cash award at Hyatt hotels and resorts, Hyatt Residence Club resorts and MGM Resorts Destinations in Las Vegas. These awards require 50% of the points and half the cost of the paid rate.

» Learn more: Guide to the World of Hyatt award chart

How many World of Hyatt points will I earn on hotel stays, and how can I use them?

At a minimum, you will earn 5 base points per $1 spent. Elite members earn additional bonus points:

  • Discoverist: 10% bonus points.

  • Explorist: 20% bonus points.

  • Globalist: 30% bonus points.

» Learn more: 3 things to know about World of Hyatt

How else can I earn Hyatt points?

You can earn 5 points per $1 spent on dining, spa services and other activities by providing your Hyatt number during booking.

Member-only experiences

If you enjoy unique experiences, you can earn 10 points for $1 spent on over 200 member-only FIND experiences. Experiences include activities like horseback riding in Abu Dhabi, baking with an executive chef, a cycling excursion followed by lunch in Saint Helena and a private dinner on a boat in Paris.

Exhale Wellness Centers

Other ways to earn points include money spent at Exhale wellness centers. You’ll earn 10 points for every $1 spent at participating locations and Exhale on-demand subscriptions.

Lindblad Expeditions

If you’re an adventure seeker, World of Hyatt has partnered with Lindblad Expeditions so you can earn 5 points for every $1 spent on expeditions. Additionally, World of Hyatt members receive a $250 onboard credit per reservation.

Earn more points with World of Hyatt Credit Card

The fastest way to earn free hotel nights is apply for the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which will get you automatic Discoverist elite status. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. If you’re already a cardmember, you can earn up to 25,000 bonus points per year for referring a friend who also becomes a cardmember.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt Card review: Lavish benefits, reasonable cost

How else can you use World of Hyatt points?

Aside from free hotel nights, you can use your World of Hyatt points for a myriad of perks, including:

  • Dining and spa services starting at just 2,000 points.

  • Room upgrades starting at 3,000 points per night.

  • Member-only FIND experiences for as low as 3,000 points.

  • Fitness classes and spa therapies at Exhale starting at 2,000 points.

  • Avis car rental starting at 6,000 points per day.

  • Airline miles starting at 5,000 points for 2,000 airline miles.

The bottom line

Through World of Hyatt, there are a number of ways to earn and redeem points. And if you decide to use your points for a free night, you can select the hotel brand and accommodations that fit your needs at one of their many hotel properties around the world.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: The complete guide to earning Hyatt points How to rack up points and miles with everyday spending Find the best travel credit card for you

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