If you’ve been collecting points and miles for travel, this is one update you don’t want to ignore.
After months of anticipation, Hyatt has officially announced that changes to its award chart will take effect on May 20, 2026, and they could significantly impact how far your points go.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what it means, and what you should do right now.
What’s Changing with the Hyatt Award Chart?
Hyatt is moving from its current 3-tier pricing model (off-peak, standard, peak) to a new 5-tier system.
While full details are still rolling out, here’s what we know:
- More pricing variability across dates
- Peak pricing will see the most significant increases
- Some of Hyatt’s best “sweet spot” redemptions may become more expensive
In simple terms: the days of ultra-predictable, high-value redemptions are becoming more limited.
@points.to.memories Hyatt just confirmed it: award chart changes are coming May 20 🚨 If you use points and miles, this is a BIG deal. Hyatt is moving from a 3-tier system to 5 tiers, and peak night pricing is expected to increase the most. That means some of the best Hyatt sweet spots could cost a lot more points very soon. If you’ve been thinking about booking a Hyatt stay with points… this is your sign to do it ASAP. Follow me for a full breakdown of the Hyatt award chart changes + check out my series on Hyatt hotels to book before May!
♬ original sound – Kaitlyn • Points & Miles Tips
Why This Matters for Points and Miles Travelers
Hyatt has long been considered one of the most valuable hotel programs, especially when you transfer points from programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards.
With properties like Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme or Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, it’s been possible to book luxury stays for a fraction of the cash price.
These are what we call “sweet spots” and they’re exactly what tends to disappear (or get more expensive) when award charts change.
What Will Likely Get More Expensive
While Hyatt hasn’t released every single pricing detail yet, historically, these are the areas most affected by changes like this:
- Luxury properties (Park Hyatt, Alila, Andaz)
- High-demand destinations (Hawaii, Europe, Japan)
- Peak travel dates (holidays, summer travel, school breaks)
- All-inclusive resorts (which have already seen major increases recently)
If you’ve been eyeing a bucket-list stay, there’s a good chance it will require more points after May 20.
What You Should Do Before May 20
Here’s the good news: you still have time to lock in current pricing.
1. Book Now (Even for Future Travel)
Hyatt typically allows bookings up to ~13 months in advance, so you can secure current rates for trips well into 2027.
2. Focus on High-Value Redemptions
Prioritize:
- Luxury hotels
- Resorts in expensive destinations
- Peak season trips
3. Use Points (or Transfer Them Strategically)
If you’re sitting on flexible points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards), consider transferring them to Hyatt only when you’re ready to book.
What’s Next?
As more details are released, I’ll be breaking down:
- Which specific hotels are increasing the most
- The best Hyatt properties to book before May 20
- Strategies to still get outsized value after the changes
If you’re trying to maximize your points, this is one of the most important updates of the year.
Hyatt has been one of the last remaining programs offering consistent, outsized value with points.
This change doesn’t eliminate that—but it does mean you’ll need to be more strategic moving forward.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a Hyatt stay with points, now is the time to act.