World of Hyatt today confirmed the changes to its program effective November 1, 2018 that has been rumored for few days.
Hyatt is effectively killing Points + Cash by making the cash competent 50% off the Hyatt Daily Rate instead of fixed amount and making Premium suites available using points
You can access Hyatt’s page for changes here.
Premium Suite Awards
These are priced at double the rate for standard award.
Points + Cash
Standard Room
This effectively kills the Points + Cash because the Cash portion is based on the flexible Hyatt Daily Rate.
Here’s the previous Points + Cash award chart:
Suite
Premium Suite
Making Your Own Points + Cash
1. Pay For Some Nights & Use Points For Others
You can “create” your own Points + Cash awards by paying for the cheapest nights (using discounted rates) and then redeeming for the most expensive ones. This is certainly cheaper than the new Points + Cash that is based on the undiscounted Hyatt Daily Rate
2. Buy Points
Points + Cash has allowed members essentially buy points at a discount per the schedule below.
You can still buy points during Hyatt’s sales (one going right now – read more here) and create your own Points + Cash by redeeming a full award.
Conclusion
I don’t like that World of Hyatt is giving its members only one week notice about these changes to its program.
This change effectively guts the Points + Cash program, although the property participation has diminished as of late as the participation is voluntarily. Hotels only load these rates when their occupancy levels are soft. Regular award nights are available as long as standard rooms are available for sale.
Hyatt should keep in mind that they are effectively running a niche program (lack of properties) and the program has to be more compelling than those of their bigger competitors to gain traction among travelers.
