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When it comes to hotel loyalty programs, bigger is definitely better. If you’re considering two hotels and one will earn you points in a small chain without many properties in its portfolio while the other will earn you points in a huge chain with tons of hotels and resorts at every price point all over the world, the second option has a clear advantage.
That’s why a just-expanded partnership between World of Hyatt and Small Luxury Hotels of the World is good news for travelers. As of earlier last month, more SLH properties have been added to the World of Hyatt program, bringing the total to over 300 properties since the two hotel groups joined forces in late 2018.
Take, for example, the Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Scotland — a portal back to the 19th century, complete with stone walls, romantic turrets and stunning views of the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Until now, a traveler settling into one of its 17 historic rooms couldn’t enjoy any World of Hyatt program perks. But now, World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem Hyatt points there, while enjoying a host of other program benefits.
Program benefits you can enjoy
World of Hyatt members will earn 5 base points per eligible $1 spent at any participating SLH resort. They will also get complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in and late checkout and an upgrade to the next room category, if available.
Nights spent at a participating SLH property count toward elite tier status with World of Hyatt, and existing elite members get the same tier bonus points on eligible rooms:
Discoverist: 10%.
Explorist: 20%.
Globalist: 30%.
The expanded offerings make World of Hyatt membership more valuable in a world where bigger loyalty programs can mean better loyalty programs. Compared to behemoth Marriott Bonvoy, with over 7,000 participating hotels and resorts, Hyatt’s loyalty program is on the small side: just around 1,200 properties worldwide.
In terms of quality, the SLH properties add even more to World of Hyatt. Exquisite, luxurious and unique offerings include the Ka’ana Resort in San Ignaci, Belize. The property features luxurious private pool villas surrounded by the Maya Mountains.
The Calala Island is a private island resort in Nicaragua with just four beachfront suites, while the Esperanza Resort and Spa in Trakai, Lithuania, offers an eco-luxury retreat complete with exotic bird park and on-site Russian bath house.
» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you
The bottom line
Check these properties out next time you want to escape the chain experience while still enjoying all the benefits of World of Hyatt membership.
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 2020, including those best for:
Airline miles and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® card
Flat-rate rewards with no annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Premium travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you World of Hyatt: The complete guide World of Hyatt Card review: Lavish benefits, reasonable cost
