Hyatt's Category Changes Affect Florida Travelers: What to Know

Hyatt's Annual Category Changes: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know

The World of Hyatt rewards program recently announced its annual category changes, revealing that a total of 118 hotels will be moving up in award categories starting on March 25, 2025. For Florida residents relying on Hyatt for leisure stays or business trips, this news means higher points costs for many popular properties.

Among the affected hotels are some significant Florida locations, with the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport seeing increases in the required points for bookings. Specifically, the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay will see its award cost go from 12,000 points to 15,000 points per night, while the Hyatt Regency will rise from 15,000 to 20,000 points. Notably, the average increase is about 2,444 points, which although less severe than last year’s hike, still presents a challenge for loyal members.

Staying Ahead of Increased Costs

Every homeowner wants to get the most value from their expenses. For Florida homeowners accustomed to utilizing Hyatt's stunning properties, these adjustments warrant immediate action. Bookings made prior to the changes will still adhere to the current award pricing, making it critical for members to secure reservations as soon as possible. With popular leisure destinations in your own backyard, like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, choosing the right timing to book could save you hundreds of points.

Alternative Properties Offering Value

On a brighter note, 33 properties have decreased in category, providing an opportunity for savvy travelers to take advantage of lower point requirements. Newly categorized opportunities include the Hotel Figueroa and Dream South Beach now available for Category 1-4 certificates. These turns of events mean that despite the painful increases, there are still strategic areas where homeowners can benefit.

Rethinking Travel Plans

With changes to elite award nights and the decreasing value of certain credit card benefits, understanding the evolving landscape of the Hyatt program is vital. Homeowners may want to reconsider where they allocate their travel points and possibly even start exploring other rewards programs that align better with their travel goals. Additionally, those looking at using Hyatt’s Category 1-4 certs for high-demand properties need to act quickly as availability becomes limited.

Conclusion: Make Your Move Before Rates Rise

As looming changes come to the Hyatt program, it's crucial for Florida homeowners to capitalize on the current pricing before the March deadline. Consider booking now to secure favorable rates at your desired Hyatt properties and safeguard your points against future devaluations. This is an opportunity to ensure you get the best value for your travel experiences.