World of Hyatt Award Chart Changes: Key Hotels Jump 2-5K Points

World of Hyatt has announced category changes effective March 15, 2026. Several popular properties are moving up in category, requiring more points per night:

Notable increases: - Park Hyatt Maldives: Category 7 → Category 8 (30K → 40K/night) - Andaz Maui: Category 6 → Category 7 (25K → 30K/night) - Hyatt Regency Waikiki: Category 5 → Category 6 (20K → 25K/night) - Park Hyatt New York: Category 7 → Category 8 (30K → 40K/night)

Notable decreases: - Several Hyatt Place and Hyatt House properties dropped 1 category - Select international properties in lower-cost markets

What to do: If you have a specific redemption in mind at one of the increasing properties, book before March 15. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, making the Sapphire Preferred and Reserve valuable for hotel stays.

This is Hyatt's annual category review — while increases are never fun, Hyatt's award chart still offers some of the best value in the hotel loyalty space.