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Hyatt previously announced that its 2025 Award Category changes will take effect on 25th March 2025, at 8:00 AM CT. This is your last chance to secure current rates before the changes impact 151 hotels globally. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Changes

• 118 hotels are moving to higher categories.
• 33 hotels are shifting to lower categories.
• Almost all the changes in Europe are upwards, as you can see below:

For a complete list of the changes, check out the details here.

How to Lock in Current Rates

1. Book Before 25th March 2025: Any reservations made before this date will adhere to the current award chart, regardless of your stay date.
2. Be Cautious with Modifications: Changes made after 25th March will follow the new award chart.
3. Points Advance Reservations: These do not secure current pricing. Suite upgrade certificates applied later will also reprice your award based on the new chart.

Refunds for Lower Categories

If you’ve booked a hotel moving to a lower category, Hyatt will automatically refund the point difference starting 26th March 2025. For example:

• Booking at a hotel transitioning from Category 2 (8,000 points) to Category 1 (5,000 points) will result in a 3,000 points refund.

Bottom Line

While the changes may not be as drastic as feared, they do affect the value of Hyatt’s free-night certificates and increase costs for many popular properties. If you’re considering a stay at a hotel moving to a higher category, now is the time to book and lock in the current rates before they rise.