Currently, Hyatt hotels are divided into eight categories, each with three usage levels: low season, standard, and peak season. Starting in May, Hyatt will expand the structure to: 5 levels Within each category:
lowest; low; ordinary; Upper and top.
Hyatt says this allows for more accurate seasonal pricing without having to frequently move up and down entire hotel categories.
What this means in practice is that rather than a hotel jumping from Category 5 to Category 6 (which could significantly increase the number of points required throughout the year), Hyatt can adjust its prices more narrowly within its existing category range.
In theory, this should reduce the number of dramatic category changes over time.
Hyatt is not moving to dynamic pricing
These are the headlines that many members are most interested in.
Hyatt has confirmed that will be the case. Continue to use published award charts with fixed point thresholds.Instead of switching to dynamic pricing like other major hotel loyalty programs.
Dynamic pricing allows the number of points required to fluctuate daily based on demand or cash rates. Hyatt sticks to a set price range. This means you will still know the minimum and maximum number of points required for each category.
For frequent Hyatt guests, this predictability has long been one of the program’s greatest strengths.
Will the hotel immediately cost more?
Not immediately and not entirely.
Hyatt said that starting in 2026, a limited number of hotels will begin using the new top and highest price tiers for certain nights. The scope of use of these upper tiers is expected to gradually expand in the future.
This means that most properties will not suddenly move to the highest price levels throughout the timeline. Instead, that tier is expected to be used during periods of high demand.
That means travelers who regularly use points for peak season stays at popular resorts may need more points for some stays once top tiers become common.
Annual category changes are still planned – announcements included
Hyatt will continue its annual category review process and announce changes each April.
Importantly, Hyatt provides advance notice of category changes before they go into effect. If you book before a hotel moves up in a category, your reservation will be processed at a lower rate.
A few hotels are already switching categories.
Five hotels are moved up to 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.
Opening in 2026, Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa will rise into two categories.
Barnett, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, moves into one category.
If you have your eye on any of these properties, you might want to check sooner rather than later for bonus availability.
New benefits: Share points and access early bonuses
Hyatt also announced two new member-focused improvements.
Later this year, members will be able to: Share your points digitallyIt’s easier to combine balances with family or friends. This can be especially useful for topping up your account to get to awards night.
Additionally, certain members, including Explorists, Globalists, Lifetime Globalists and World of Hyatt Credit Card Members, receive the following benefits: Early access to awards night availability. Details aren’t out yet, but the goal is to give elite members more time to use their points to secure high-demand stays.
Hyatt’s portfolio expands
Starting in 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 lodging with Under Canvas.
For members, this means a variety of ways to redeem their points, from city hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts and glamping experiences.
What this means to you
If you value predictability, Hyatt’s decision to keep a published awards chart makes sense. Instead of daily fluctuations directly tied to the cash rate, you will still see a defined range of points.
As you move into the five pricing tiers, there are even more differences. This can help prevent major category shifts, but it also leaves room for higher prices during peak seasons.
If you’re planning a high-demand stay beyond 2026, especially in a popular holiday destination, booking early rather than later can help you secure lower repayment levels before upper and upper tiers are more widely adopted.
For now, the basics remain the same: fixed bonus 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 charts are becoming more detailed.
