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The World of Hyatt program is fundamentally changing its point redemption chart effective May 20, 2026. The World of Hyatt category change affects both the pricing structure (from 3 to 5 levels) and the classification of 136 hotels, including three properties in Canada. In practice, the most sought-after nights will cost significantly more in points, while floor rates will decrease slightly.
Here is everything you need to know to adapt your point redemption strategy before the deadline. For a reminder of previous announcements, see our article on the major World of Hyatt devaluation planned for 2026.
Until now, World of Hyatt used three point pricing levels: Off-Peak, Standard, and Peak. Starting May 20, 2026, these three levels will disappear in favor of five new tiers:
The eight hotel categories (1 to 8) and the six all-inclusive resort categories (A to F) remain unchanged. It is the price gap within each category that is widening considerably.
The table below shows the point rates per night for a standard room according to the five new levels. Compare these figures with the current chart to measure the extent of the increase.
To fully understand the impact of the World of Hyatt category change, here is a comparison of the old and new floor and ceiling rates for several key categories.
The Moderate level, which roughly replaces the old Standard, shows an average increase of about 25%. For example, a night in Category 4 goes from 15,000 to 20,000 points at the Moderate level, and a night in Category 8 goes from 40,000 to 55,000 points.
Hyatt’s all-inclusive resorts (Inclusive Collection) retain their six categories (A to F) but also adopt the five pricing levels. The increases at the top are substantial.
In Category F, the ceiling increases from 58,000 points (old Peak) to 85,000 points (Top), an increase of approximately 47%. Travelers planning a high-end all-inclusive stay during peak season are the most affected.
Miraval wellness resorts are also moving to five levels. The Moderate level for a standard room with double occupancy reaches 70,000 points, compared to 65,000 previously. Nights at the Top level cost 23,000 to 25,000 points more than the old Peak rate, depending on the room type.
The World of Hyatt category change directly affects three Canadian hotels. All three are moving from Category 1 to Category 2, which changes their price range from 3,500–6,500 points to 3,000–15,000 points per night under the new chart.
As of May 2026, the floor rate for these three hotels increases from 3,500 to 6,000 points (+71%), and the ceiling increases from 6,500 to 15,000 points (+131%). If you are planning a stay at one of these establishments, book before May 20 to benefit from the old chart.
In total, 136 hotels are changing categories: 112 are moving up and 24 are moving down. Here are the most significant movements for Canadian travelers.
Good news for hotels moving down: Hyatt automatically refunds the difference in points for existing reservations.
Category 1-4 and Category 1-7 Free Night Awards are not directly affected by the five new pricing levels. As long as a standard room is available and the hotel remains within the category range of the certificate, it works as before.
However, a trap remains: if a hotel moves up a category, your certificate may no longer cover that establishment. For example, a hotel moving from Category 4 to Category 5 falls outside the scope of a Category 1-4 certificate. Therefore, keep an eye on World of Hyatt category changes for your favorite hotels.
The Points + Cash option is also moving to five levels. It combines 50% of the points required for a free night and a 50% to 70% discount on the standard paid rate. Here is the chart for hotels in a standard room.
To accompany these increases, Hyatt has announced two new features planned for later in 2026.
Currently, sharing World of Hyatt points requires a paper form signed by both members. Hyatt promises a digital tool that will simplify point transfers between accounts. This is a welcome improvement for couples and families who accumulate balances in multiple accounts.
Explorist, Globalist, Lifetime Globalist members, and World of Hyatt credit cardholders will get priority access to point night availability. Hyatt has not yet specified the lead time or exact terms. The idea remains promising, especially for high-demand hotels, but we will have to wait for the details to evaluate the real scope of this benefit.
If you accumulate World of Hyatt points or have transferable points, here are three concrete actions to consider before May 20, 2026.
It is also a good time to take advantage of World of Hyatt point purchase promotions if you have a specific stay in mind. Buying points now and booking before May 20 allows you to lock in the old rate.
The World of Hyatt category change marks a turning point for the program. Hyatt is keeping its published award chart, which remains an advantage compared to fully dynamic programs. However, the gap between the lowest and highest rates is widening considerably: up to a 67% increase at the ceiling in Category 8.
In Canada, the three affected Hyatt Place hotels (Edmonton, Windsor, Moncton) are moving to Category 2 with a ceiling that can reach 15,000 points per night. This is a reminder that even “entry-level” establishments are not spared.
To stay informed about this type of change and optimize your points, sign up for our newsletter. Also, check out our selection of the best credit cards in Canada to maximize your earnings in hotel programs.
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