World of Hyatt Adds More Luxury Properties Through Partnership

June CasagrandeOctober 28, 2019
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

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.

» Learn more: World of Hyatt expands loyalty program to 50 luxury hotels

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 2021, including those best for:

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Travel loyalty program reviews Here's how much your points and miles are worth

We want to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our users. Please help us keep our site clean and safe by following our posting guidelines, and avoid disclosing personal or sensitive information such as bank account or phone numbers. Any comments posted under NerdWallet’s official account are not reviewed or endorsed by representatives of financial institutions affiliated with the reviewed products, unless explicitly stated otherwise.