As of May 20, 2026, World of Hyatt is implementing substantial modifications to its award pricing framework by unveiling a new five-tier award chart, which will replace the existing three-tier system. This transformation may result in elevated costs for award redemptions, especially at the upper end of the range.
Alongside the changes to the award chart, World of Hyatt has revealed adjustments to hotel categories for 2026. These changes will determine which hotels are assigned to which categories, thus altering the points needed for complimentary night redemptions. Though Hyatt performs these adjustments each year, they are distinct from the comprehensive updates to the award chart.
The updates this year present a blend of positive and negative news. The favorable news is that the overall number of properties shifting categories is not as substantial as in some earlier years. Conversely, the unfavorable news is that a considerable proportion of properties are rising in category instead of falling.
136 Hyatt hotels changing categories on May 20
World of Hyatt’s hotel category updates for 2026 will come into effect for bookings made from 8 AM CT on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. On this day, 136 hotels will experience category changes, with 112 moving to a higher category and 24 to a lower category. A complete list of hotels undergoing category changes is available on Hyatt’s website.
Regarding booking logistics:
- All reservations made prior to May 20 will follow the current award chart, even if the stay takes place after this date.
- Members with bookings at hotels that drop in category will automatically receive a one-time refund of the points difference, starting May 20.
- Modifications made to bookings after the changes take effect will adhere to the new pricing.
It’s essential to recognize that there is a potential for double penalization in this scenario. On May 20, certain hotels will transition between categories, and there will also be a more extensive revision of Hyatt’s award pricing.
Some notable Hyatts changing categories in 2026
As previously indicated, 136 hotels are altering categories, with 112 hotels elevating to a higher category and 24 hotels descending to a lower category. This indicates that 82% of hotels changing categories are becoming more costly, while merely 18% are becoming less costly.
Here are some key World of Hyatt category upgrades:
- Andaz 5th Avenue New York is changing from Category 7 to Category 8
- Hotel du Louvre Paris is changing from Category 7 to Category 8
- Hyatt Regency Aruba is changing from Category 7 to Category 8
- Park Hyatt London River Thames is changing from Category 7 to Category 8
- Alila Mayakoba is changing from Category 6 to Category 7
- The Beekman New York is changing from Category 6 to Category 7
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is changing from Category 5 to Category 6
- Hotel Figueroa Los Angeles is changing from Category 4 to Category 5
- Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is changing from Category 4 to Category 5
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cyprus Orlando is changing from Category 4 to Category 5
- Hyatt Regency Jersey City is changing from Category 4 to Category 5
- Hyatt Regency Seattle is changing from Category 4 to Category 5
- Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is changing from Category 3 to Category 4
- Grand Hyatt Athens is changing from Category 3 to Category 4
Here are some key World of Hyatt category downgrades:
- Park Hyatt Sanya is changing from Category 7 to Category 6
- Hyatt Centric Delfina Santa Monica is changing from Category 6 to Category 5
- Andaz Macau is changing from Category 5 to Category 4
- Dream Nashville is changing from Category 5 to Category 4
- The Standard Singapore is changing from Category 5 to Category 4
- Hyatt Centric Playa Del Carmen is changing from Category 4 to Category 3
The rise in the number of Category 8 properties is especially noteworthy, with establishments like Andaz 5th Avenue, Hotel du Louvre, Hyatt Regency Aruba, and Park Hyatt London advancing to this premier category. This prompts questions about whether these properties genuinely embody the flagship status usually associated with Category 8.
The economics of World of Hyatt awards
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