Right now, Hyatt hotels fall into 8 categories, and each category has 3 redemption levels: off-peak, standard and peak. Beginning in May, Hyatt will expand that structure to five levels within each category:
Lowest; Low; Moderate; Upper and Top.
Hyatt says this allows for more precise seasonal pricing without shifting entire hotels up or down categories as often.
What that means in practical terms: instead of a hotel jumping from Category 5 to Category 6 (which can significantly increase the number of points required year-round), Hyatt can adjust pricing more narrowly within its existing category range.
In theory, that should reduce the number of dramatic category changes over time.
Hyatt Is Not Moving to Dynamic Pricing
This is the headline many members care about most.
Hyatt confirmed it will continue using a published award chart with fixed point thresholds, rather than switching to dynamic pricing like some other major hotel loyalty programs.
With dynamic pricing, the number of points required can fluctuate daily based on demand or cash rates. Hyatt is sticking with set pricing bands, which means you’ll still know the minimum and maximum number of points required within each category.
For frequent Hyatt guests, that predictability has long been one of the program’s biggest strengths.
Will Hotels Immediately Cost More?
Not immediately — and not across the board.
Hyatt says that starting in 2026, a limited number of hotels will begin using the new Upper and Top pricing tiers on select nights. Broader use of those higher tiers will roll out gradually in future years.
This suggests most properties won’t suddenly shift to the highest pricing levels across their calendars. Instead, those tiers are expected to be used during high-demand periods.
That said, travelers who regularly redeem points for peak-season stays at popular resorts may see some nights require more points once the Top tier becomes more common.
Annual Category Changes Are Still Coming — With Notice
Hyatt will continue its yearly category review process, announcing changes in April each year.
Importantly, Hyatt provides advance notice before category changes take effect. If you book before a hotel moves up in category, your reservation will be honored at the lower rate.
A handful of hotels are already shifting categories:
Five hotels are moving up one category, including Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Hyatt Centric Malta, Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort, Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest/Medical Center and Grand Hyatt Incheon.
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, opening in 2026, will move up two categories.
The Barnett, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, is moving down one category.
If you’ve been eyeing any of those properties, it may be worth checking award availability sooner rather than later.
New Perks: Points Sharing and Early Award Access
Hyatt also announced two new member-focused enhancements.
Later this year, members will be able to share points digitally, making it easier to combine balances with family or friends. That could be especially useful for topping off an account to reach an award night.
In addition, certain members — including Explorists, Globalists, Lifetime Globalists and World of Hyatt Credit Cardmembers — will receive early access to award night availability. Details are still forthcoming, but the goal is to give elite members more time to secure high-demand stays using points.
Hyatt’s Portfolio Has Expanded
Since 2021, Hyatt has significantly expanded its footprint. Members can now redeem points at brands including The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels, along with luxury all-inclusive options like Impression by Secrets, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts and Dreams Resorts & Spa. Hyatt has also added outdoor-focused stays through Under Canvas.
For members, that means more ways to use points — from city hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts to glamping experiences.
What This Means for You
If you value predictability, Hyatt’s decision to keep a published award chart is meaningful. You’ll still see defined point ranges instead of daily fluctuations tied directly to cash rates.
The move to five pricing tiers introduces more nuance. It may help avoid large category jumps, but it also creates room for higher pricing during peak periods.
If you’re planning a high-demand stay in 2026 or beyond — especially at popular resort destinations — booking earlier rather than later could help you lock in lower redemption levels before broader adoption of the Upper and Top tiers.
For now, the fundamentals remain intact: fixed award pricing, advance notice of category changes and one of the more transparent loyalty structures in the industry.
Your points still come with a clear chart. The chart is just getting a bit more detailed.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-25 20:24:00