How to Redeem Hyatt Points for Maximum Value

Meg LeeMarch 9, 2020
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As one of the smaller hotel programs in the world, Hyatt boasts 20 brands across 875 properties in more than 60 countries worldwide. Earning Hyatt rewards might not work for every traveler, but those who do travel to destinations where Hyatt reigns can enjoy many exciting redemption opportunities.

With Hyatt accommodations ranging from standard comfort offerings to luxury all-inclusives in fabulous destinations (Jamaica, anyone?), there’s something for everyone. Citizens of the World of Hyatt can get the most value from their points by following these tips.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt: The complete guide

Use your Hyatt Points for hotel stays, and pay attention to location

Hyatt Points can be cashed in at any of its properties, which have each been classified into one of eight categories, varying from 5,000 to 40,000 points per night for a standard room.

To really increase the net value of your points, look for sweet spot redemptions abroad. For instance, you can stay in the Park Hyatt Chennai, a luxury five-star hotel in India, for just 5,000 points per night. You can read about even more amazing suites around the world you can book with Hyatt points here.

The difference in points cost can vary within a city, too. For instance, a stay at the Park Hyatt New York will cost you 30,000 points, while the Hyatt Place New York/Midtown-South will run you 20,000 points per night.

» Learn more: Your guide to the World of Hyatt award chart

Cash in your points for room upgrades

You can upgrade a room at a participating hotel or resort to a different type or category of room starting at only 3,000 points.

Depending on the price you paid for your original booking, this point redemption can be worth up to hundreds of dollars — a great way to maximize your Hyatt point values.

Redeem for all-inclusive properties whenever possible

One of the highest-value ways to redeem your Hyatt points is to book an all-inclusive resort stay. Not only will you get to enjoy a comfortable night’s stay, you’ll also gain access to delicious dining options, entertainment, and local excursions.

For 20,000-25,000 points per night, you can call one of these luxury Hyatt properties home:

  • Hyatt Zilara Cancun.

  • Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.

  • Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall.

  • Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.

  • Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta.

  • Hyatt Ziva Cancun.

  • Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.

  • Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall

» Learn more: 6 great all-inclusives you can book this winter with points

Use points + cash wisely

One perk available to World of Hyatt members is the ability to book rooms with both cash and points, rather than points or cash alone.

You can combine points and cash for stays at standard rooms, standard suites and premium suites across Hyatt brands, ranging in cost from 2,500 points + 50% of the standard rate at category 2 hotels, up to 30,000 points + 50% of the standard rate for category 7 hotels.

Note that the points and cash options for the luxurious Miraval Resorts are unique from other Hyatt properties, ranging from 22,500-62,500 points + 50% of the standard rate.

You can view a comprehensive breakdown of the cost for all Hyatt properties on their site. If you find a great deal on a hotel for the evening, this can be a great way to redeem your Hyatt points for maximum value.

Play the peak/off-peak game (harder)

Hyatt’s soon-to-be released new awards system (launching March 2020) gives Hyatt members even more reason to pay attention to peak and off-peak dates at their intended destinations.

Hyatt’s eight-category award system will remain the same in the rollout, but you can expect the points cost of a single standard night to vary by plus or minus 3,000-5,000 points, depending on the category.

To shave the total of redeemed points needed for any given stay, pay careful attention to extending your accommodation bookings across off-peak dates whenever possible. On the bright side, you don’t need to worry about dynamic pricing (for now) — Hyatt will keep costs consistent once the rate is published (up to 13 months in advance).

The bottom line

With the right eye on peak dates and the commitment to optimizing for free night certificates, you’re well on your way to getting the most value from Hyatt Points.

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: Find the best hotel credit card for you Snag these hotel loyalty perks, even if you’re disloyal Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies