Another move to dynamic award pricing. As we’re all well aware at this point, nothing in this hobby is guaranteed. Following recent devaluations from Best Western, and in line with the industry trend to dynamic pricing, Hyatt has announced today that they’re adopting a dynamic pricing model.
Will this shift change how people value the Hyatt card? Remember, Hyatt almost made it to the Final Four in Card Madness 2019!
Hyatt Will Begin Dynamic Pricing of Awards in March 2020
This change will take place in March of 2020, from Hyatt:
Introducing Off-peak and Peak Point Redemption
Starting in March 2020, World of Hyatt will introduce Off-peak and Peak point redemption for free night awards. Under this new structure there will be three point redemption values, which will allow members more flexibility when it comes to getting the most out of their points for free nights at more than 1,000 hotels worldwide.
- Off-peak: Fewer points will be required during Off-peak times – starting at 3,500 points per night (the best value when hotels are less busy)
- Standard: Points required during standard redemption periods will follow today’s point requirements – starting at 5,000 points per night
- Peak – When hotels are the busiest, more points will be required for a free night – starting at 6,500 points per night and will be no more than 5,000 points above the Standard point requirement
The change isn’t massive, but it certainly puts a damper on that stash of Hyatt points. Points + Cash bookings will still be an option, and will not change – you’ll need 50% of the points required, and you’ll pay 50% of the room rate.
Hyatt is also boosting their dining/spa/room credit awards. In addition to this shift to dynamic pricing, Hyatt will boost the value of redeeming your points for hotel credits. They’re giving us this present a bit early, starting January 29th, you’ll be able to redeem 5,000 Hyatt points for $50 in value. Personally, I think even at 1 cent per point, this is a terrible value!
The Hyatt Award Chart
The current Hyatt award chart runs from 5,000 per “standard” night in Category 1, to a ceiling of 40,000 points per night in Category 8. If I’m understanding Hyatt’s changes correctly, we’ll be looking at a range now from 3,500 for Category 1 nights, all the way up to 45,000 points per night. This really isn’t that bad on the top of the chain (40k – 45k is only a ~13% increase), but the unknown is what scares me. What’s stopping Hyatt from saying 11 months out of the year are “Peak” nights? The categories themselves are not changing: still Categories 1 through 8.
(SEE ALSO – Should You Buy Hyatt Points with a 40% Bonus?)
Listen, we don’t know what’s going to happen in March. Will Peak pricing screw up your travel plans? I hope not! Here’s the good news – you’ll want to book prior to the change! If the points price goes down, members will receive an automatic one-time points refund. If the points price goes up after the change, you won’t be charged more!
I’m willing to bet the all-inclusive options will have a loooong list of peak dates.
For many, Hyatt was the go-to award redemption chain. With a good footprint and great award rates compared to the other hotels, it made sense. The transfer partnership with Chase Ultimate Rewards only helped more, and a lot of people transferred thier Chase points to Hyatt for easy redemptions.
Here’s hoping they keep a lot of Off-Peak availability!
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at 
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