World of Hyatt announces hotel category changes for 2023

World of Hyatt has unveiled its annual hotel category changes for 2023, which take effect from 28 March 2023. A total of 372 hotels are impacted, with 214 (58%) moving to a higher category, and 158 (42%) moving to a lower category. 

Here’s the thing though: if you read the US blogs, you might think the sky were falling. OMAAT calls it “brutal”, TPG “bad news”, Frequent Miler “not a pretty sight”. But as much as I’m not thrilled about more properties going up than down, the changes seem fairly mild to me in Singapore. 

World of Hyatt 2023 category changes

World of Hyatt 2023 Category Changes

World of Hyatt’s category changes will kick in from 28 March 2023, 10 p.m SGT.

All bookings made prior to this date will follow the current award chart, even if your stay comes after the new chart kicks in.

• If you’ve booked a stay at a hotel moving down a category, you’ll receive an automatic one-time refund of the points difference from 28 March
• If you’ve booked a stay at a hotel moving up a category, no further payment will be required. However, if you subsequently change this booking from 28 March, you’ll need to pay the new prices

As a reminder, here’s World of Hyatt’s current award chart. Unlike Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt uses fixed peak and off-peak dates, decided at the start of each year. This means award rates will not be affected by last-minute events (like, I dunno, Singapore postponing its National Day Parade), which can present interesting redemption opportunities!

What’s changing?

A total of 372 hotels are changing categories worldwide:

• 214 hotels are moving to a higher category
• 158 hotels are moving to a lower category

Here’s a breakdown by region, which may explain why the ‘Muricans are so upset. As you can see, hotels in the USA, Canada, Caribbean and Latin America are overwhelmingly up (almost 4 hotels up for every 1 hotel down).

But for those of us elsewhere in the world, it’s a different story. In Asia a total of 55 hotels are changing category, with 36 moving down, and 19 moving up. 

Some noteworthy hotels moving down in Asia:

• Akyra Manor Chiang Mai down from 15,000 to 12,000 points
• Hidden Hills Villas Bali down from 25,000 to 20,000 points
• Hotel28 Myeondong down from 15,000 to 12,000 points
• Hotel Eclat Taipei down from 12,000 to 8,000 points
• Hyatt Place Kyoto down from 15,000 to 12,000 points
• Hyatt Regency Kyoto down from 25,000 to 20,000 points
• MUU Bangkok Hotel down from 12,000 to 8,000 points
• Sukothai Bangkok down from 15,000 to 12,000 points
• Twinpalms Phuket down from 25,000 to 20,000 points
• The Racha Phuket down from 25,000 to 20,000 points

Some noteworthy hotels moving up in Asia:

• Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok up from 8,000 to 12,000 points
• Grand Hyatt Bali up from 5,000 to 8,000 points
• Grand Hyatt Jeju up from 15,000 to 20,000 points
• Grand Hyatt Seoul up from 15,000 to 20,000 points
• Hotel Gajoen Tokyo up from 30,000 to 40,000 points
• Keemala Phuket up from 30,000 to 40,000 points
• Park Hyatt Bangkok up from 20,000 to 25,000 points
• Park Hyatt Saigon up from 15,000 to 20,000 points
• Viceroy Bali up from 30,000 to 40,000 points

There are no changes to any hotels in Singapore, Australia or New Zealand.

I suppose the main bad news for those looking at aspirational redemptions is that nine Hyatt hotels are moving up to Category 8, Hyatt’s most expensive tier. 

• 7Pines Resort Sardinia
• Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
• Carmel Valley Ranch
• Hotel Martinez Cannes
• Hyatt Carmel Highlands
• Hyatt Centric Key West
• Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
• Park Hyatt Zurich
• The Lodge at Spruce Creek

I’m not saying it’s all hunky dory- it’s a shame to see the Grand Hyatt Bali and Hyatt Regency Dubai moving to Category 2, and the Grand Hyatt Bangkok moving to Category 3. However, both The Racha and Twinpalms Phuket are moving down a category, while there’ll be cheaper options in Kyoto with the Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency moving down too. 

Conclusion

World of Hyatt will be implementing its annual category changes from 28 March 2023, and while it’s bad news for members in North America, it’s relatively benign for us in Singapore (unless of course you like to travel to the USA & Caribbean). 

If you’re planning to stay at a hotel that’s moving up a category, be sure to make your booking soon- and try not to touch it after that, since any changes will trigger the new pricing. 

What do you make of World of Hyatt’s 2023 category changes?