Hyatt hotels to book today before they go up in category

Every year, Hyatt breaks our little hearts when it announces what hotels are changing award categories because it means that some of our favorite properties will cost more World of Hyatt points. (In Hyatt’s defense, some properties go down, too.)

In February, we found out that 137 Hyatt hotels are shifting up in category. Our analysis discovered that the average award cost will come in at more than 2,361 points more per night for hotels that went up in category once these changes take effect.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

That’s a bummer. But the good news is that it’s not too late to book these 137 properties in their current category, as the changes don’t officially take effect until March 26. Let me reiterate that: You can book these properties for their current, lower rates through March 25 (the stay can be for any time as long as you book by March 25), and then all reservations or modifications starting March 26 will see higher prices.

Now the question is: What Hyatt hotels should you book ASAP? Here are 10 of our favorites to consider.

Andaz Bali

If it feels like every person you know has been in Bali lately, it’s probably because they have been. And if you’ve heard anyone rave about the Andaz Bali, you’ll probably want to take this moment to book a future stay there. The property, which is on a beach off Denpasar, is about to move from Category 4 to Category 5. This means that a standard award night will soon be 20,000 points rather than 15,000.

One of the best Andaz resorts in the world, this Balinese property has lush landscaping, beautiful pools, suites and villas inspired by local design. It has a smattering of restaurants and bars ranging from an Asian steakhouse to Mediterranean fare to a beachfront restaurant serving classic food from the island.

The Everline Resort and Spa

Moving from Category 7 to Category 8, the most expensive on the Hyatt Award Chart, Lake Tahoe’s Everline Resort and Spa will now cost 40,000 points per night for a standard award. A great resort for summer mountain magic or winter sports, it’s not too late to book at the lower rate for dates in both seasons.

At the resort, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, spend a day on the golf course, go skiing or have a lazy spa day. Dining options range from a casual Asian-inspired noodle restaurant to a friendly pub and an upscale grill with sweeping mountain views.

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Hyatt Ziva/Zilara Cap Cana

One of the crown jewels of the Hyatt inclusive collection, the Hyatt Ziva/Zalara Capa Cana is a fan favorite as one side is a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort while the other is welcoming to families. With more than a dozen bars and restaurants, there’s food for every type of diner, plus tons of activities like a water park, live entertainment, multiple pools, tennis courts and a huge swath of beach with warm water perfect for swimming.

Unfortunately, both Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana are moving up to the top all-inclusive Category F, which means standard award nights will soon cost 50,000 points per night. Book now to save. Don’t forget that all-inclusive resorts can be a great use of points since pretty much everything you could want on vacation, including food and drinks, is included.

Andaz Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo

Andaz Costa Rica Peninsula Papagayo has long been a TPG favorite — it was even on our list of the most anticipated hotel openings for 2024. It has recently undergone a nice renovation, adding new residential-style accommodations to the resort. It’s also, sadly, moving from Category 6 to Category 7, with standard award nights costing 30,000 World of Hyatt points.

Book now, and you could save on a stay that includes an ocean-facing golf course, an adventure center with zip lining and mountain biking opportunities, the Onda Spa access, beautiful pools and beach access. Plus, there are more than enough bars and delicious restaurants to keep you busy and satisfied during your stay.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Hyatt loyalists had a lot to celebrate back when Alila started integrating into World of Hyatt, bringing an exciting and luxurious new brand into the fold. Now, we’re bummed to know that Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali is also getting more expensive. The stunning resort is currently a Category 7 resort and is moving up to the top at Category 8. Standard award nights will cost 40,000 points per night.

Guests of this Alila property can kick back by one of the many beautiful pools (bonus points if you snag a room with a pool), admire ocean views with a cocktail in hand at the Sunset Cabana Bar and find true zen at Alila Spa with a Balinese massage.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort

Just a short drive from Austin, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines resort is a TPG favorite — and one with a great lazy river for guests to enjoy. A popular resort for families, you can spend your days hiking in nature, learning a little bit about the ways of a cowboy, stargazing or eating everything from traditional Texas barbecue to a 10-course Japanese omakase meal.

Unfortunately, this experience will soon cost more — at least if you book with points. Right now, Lost Pines is a Category 5 property and will be moving up to Category 6, where standard award nights cost 25,000 points per night.

Vail Residences at Cascade Village

For folks looking for a longer stay or one with more space, the Vail Residences at Cascade Village, part of Destination by Hyatt, is a great option. Book now, and you can snag standard award nights at 30,000 points per night. However, it’ll cost 40,000 points once the property moves into the top slot of Category 8 by the end of the month.

Besides the resort’s prime location for winter sports, guests have plenty to take advantage of all year long. Options include fly fishing, daily yoga and spin classes, Champagne sabering, a pool, fire pits and more.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Japan is seriously making a comeback after lifting its pandemic travel restrictions. If the Land of the Rising Sun is in your future, book the dreamy Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Roppongi before it moves up to a Category 7 property with standard award nights at 30,000 points per night.

Related: Best hotels in Tokyo

This towering property is near public transit, so you can easily get around bustling Tokyo. Even if you decide to stay put, there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood, like dining and shopping. In the hotel, you can try Kappo-style Japanese food, feast on French cuisine or swim in the indoor pool following a spa treatment.

Hotel Du Palais Biarritz

Once the imperial residence of Napoleon III, the Hotel Du Palais Biarritz is now a stunning and stately hotel on the Cote Basque. It attracts history buffs, beach bums and everything in between. This is another Hyatt property moving to the top of the chart in Category 8. You have a few more days to book this hotel built for royalty before it gets more expensive.

At the resort, spend easy days suntanning by the pool or the beach, getting lost in the beauty and history of the property or visiting the spa for a treatment that will leave you feeling fresh and revitalized.

Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club

Another all-inclusive that’s taking a hit (on our wallets) this year is Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club. It isn’t just jumping one category in Hyatt’s all-inclusive chart — it’s jumping twice. It’ll go from Category B to Category D, meaning if you don’t book those Standard Award Nights now for 20,000 points per night (based on double occupancy), you’ll soon be paying 10,000 more points per night.

At this Secrets outpost, expect a modern vibe in a lush, tropical setting in downtown Tulum, with easy access to a nearby beach club. Inspired by Mexico’s famed cenotes, this resort has 300 rooms (including swim-up options), restaurants serving everything from steakhouse fare to the Mediterranean dishes, a spa and more activities than you can possibly enjoy on one single trip.

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