Every year, Hyatt breaks our little hearts when it announces which hotels are changing award categories because it means that some of our favorite properties will cost more World of Hyatt points. (In Hyatt’s defense, some properties go down, too.)
In February, we found out that 118 Hyatt hotels are shifting up in category, and our analysis discovered that the average award cost will increase by 2,444 points more per night once these changes take effect.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
That’s a bummer. But the good news is that it’s not too late to book these properties in their current category, as the changes don’t officially take effect until March 26. Let me reiterate that: You can book these properties for their current, lower rates through March 25 (the stay can be for any date as long as you book by March 25). All reservations or modifications starting March 26 will see higher prices.
Now the question is: Which Hyatt hotels should you book ASAP? Here are 10 of our favorites to consider.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth — and getting there with points and miles makes the entire experience feel even better. Sadly, the Grand Hyatt Kauai, on the south shore of the island, is moving into Hyatt’s most expensive Category. Rooms will start at 35,000 points per night.
Book now, and you can save thousands of points on a stay that includes whooshing down a 150-foot waterslide, relaxing at the spa, or enjoying a night of entertainment and delicious Hawaiian food at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau experience.
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile
It’s hard to find a better view of Paris than from the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, as the hotel is one of few tall buildings in the more central part of town. At the hotel, guests can enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower over a Champagne brunch in the sky or fall asleep watching the tower twinkle and glow at night.
Soon, though, those views will cost more. This sky-high Hyatt Regency is moving from Category 4 to Category 5, with award pricing starting at 17,000 points per night.
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Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Costa Rica
It’s not shocking to see that Costa Rica’s popular Andaz resort will soon be a top-priced Category 8 hotel; the resort just underwent a massive transformation across its 1,400 acres. Those changes, which were unveiled early last year, included adding new villas, opening a beach club and reimagining Ostra, the resort’s signature restaurant. Following the renovation, TPG went for a visit and found that the property “gives guests a taste of everything that makes Costa Rica so special.”
Now, that taste of Costa Rica will start at 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
For the last few years, it seems like everyone has been to or is going to Japan. And those trips usually start with a stay in Tokyo, one of the most vibrant cities in the world. One of its most magical hotels, especially for points and miles enthusiasts, is the Andaz Tokyo in Toranomon Hills, a neighborhood near plenty of tourist attractions like the iconic Tokyo Tower. The hotel is also famous for its breakfast spread, incredible views and green carpeting.
Now the Japanese hotel is saying sayonara to Category 7 and moving up to Category 8.
Related: The most amazing Andaz hotels in the world
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
Right in the center of Dublin, this Irish Hyatt Centric is a stone’s throw from all of the city’s best offerings. It’s a charming hotel with a lot of character, comfortable rooms, a friendly staff, a distillery-themed bar and a whimsical afternoon tea service called the Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea.
If you plan to visit Dublin in the next year, book now because this property will soon become a Category 5 hotel. But even though it will be more expensive to book, it still holds a spot as one of the best hotels in Ireland.
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
Moving from Category 4 up to Category 5, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach (nicknamed “The Newporter”) has a lot to offer guests looking for a Southern California stay. There are three pools, a golf course, live music throughout the year and even multiroom suites with private plunge pools for folks who need more space.
Sure, it’s increasing in price, but it’s still a great family-friendly resort you can book for spring break.
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Let’s cut to the chase: The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport may not be the sexiest hotel in the world. Still, it’s a TPG favorite because it’s efficient, affordable and the only in-airport hotel at Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you’re flying into Orlando, it’s a convenient way to save cash; you can arrive on a late flight, go straight to your room and rest up before moving to a theme park hotel near one of the parks.
Hot tip: Disney Resort hotels allow guests to enjoy a water park for free on the day they arrive. So, spending at night at this airport hotel and then moving the next can also help you get an entire free day at a Disney park because of smart timing.
But sadly, there will be a little less magic when the hotel shifts to Category 5.
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Whether you’re heading to Vancouver to explore the city’s beautiful scenery and vibrant nightlife or heading out for a cruise, this Hyatt Regency is a great home base. If you’re coming for a cruise, spend a lazy day lounging by the hotel pool or in the hot tub, and take comfort in knowing the cruise terminal is just a few blocks away. Or, if you’re in Vancouver for work or play, it has comfortable rooms, a handful of restaurants and a gym to keep your fitness on track.
Just be sure to book before it jumps up to Category 5 (and out of reach of Category 1-4 free night awards).
Related: Vancouver Island road trip: Victoria, British Columbia, and the Gulf Islands
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
Secrets Cap Cana is a fabulous adults-only all-inclusive resort on the pristine beaches of Cap Cana, a gated community with hotels and residential buildings just a quick drive from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The resort has a massive main pool that frequently features DJs and live music, a beautiful beach with lots of chairs to lounge on and a handful of restaurants, including a teppanyaki restaurant that guarantees a great time.
Hyatt has a separate award chart for all-inclusive properties, using letters instead of numbers and different points rates for additional guests. It’s important to account for all guests in pricing at all-inclusive resorts.
Secrets Cap Cana will be moving from Category D up to Category E, the second most expensive. Category E award rates start at 35,000 points for off-peak nights and cap out at 45,000 points per night based on double occupancy. Additional guests in Category E resorts start at 13,000 points per person on off-peak nights.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Hyatt certainly got the memo about tourists flocking to Japan. It’s also moving the behemoth Grand Hyatt Tokyo to Category 8, the very top of the award chart.
But even at the more expensive rates, you can’t deny that this hotel puts the “grand” in Grand Hyatt. Its Roppongi Hills location is full of shops, nightlife and entertainment. But the hotel itself is an oasis away from Tokyo’s busy streets and features 10 bars and restaurants, ranging from an all-day French bistro to an Edo-style sushi restaurant and a jazz lounge.
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