Hyatt Delays Peak Pricing & Category Changes Till 2021
So much has changed with travel over the last few weeks. Flights are being canceled, borders are being closed and future trips are in jeopardy. It is something that most, if not all, of us are dealing with it. Some companies have handled it better than others and I would put Hyatt at the top of that list. First they offered points to members who had booked non refundable rooms. Now they have decided to delay peak pricing and category changes until 2021.
Changes Delayed
According to Running with Miles (I have not seen an official word on this yet) Hyatt has delayed most of the upcoming changes until 2021. If you remember peak pricing and hotel re-categorizations were supposed to happen this month. I am assuming this decision was made because of the turmoil the coronavirus is coming. There is no need to add confusion and more work to the system right now when people are simply struggling to cancel what travel they currently have booked.
According to Charlie at Running with Miles these 5 hotels will still change award category on March 22, 2020:
- Parky Hyatt Mallorca – From Category 6 to Category 5
- Hyatt Centric Park City – From Category 6 to Category 7
- Park Hyatt Shenzhen – From Category 4 to Category 5
- Alila Yanshuo – From Category 4 to Category 5
- Park Hyatt Ningbo – From Category 3 to Category 4
Final Thoughts
These are very trying times for companies and their customers. I know these decisions are not taken lightly but the companies that find solutions that work for everyone will create loyalty. Changes like this are one of the reasons that Hyatt is my preferred brand. That and Ultimate Rewards transfers 😂.
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They offered me 10,000 points for my free night. I think I’ll wait a bit to see if they reconsider. The njght doesn’t expire till 4/27.
I think that is a good plan. They could change their stance on it any day now
Wondering when they’re going to extend the Free Night certificates? We have a couple expiring soon and through the Summer……..doubt we will use them. I reached out via email and phone, and so far, the answer is “no”. Fingers crossed for a change of heart on this one. Stay safe all.
I hope so as well since the competition has already done it.
Hello
Just saw the following on the Hyatt website:
Waiving Change and Cancellation Fees
Guided by our purpose of care, we are temporarily adjusting our policies to allow for maximum flexibility to help you make the right decisions regarding travel at this time:
Existing reservations for upcoming travel between March 14 and April 30, 2020:
All existing reservations made before March 13, 2020 that are for arrivals between March 14 and April 30, 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This includes Advance Purchase Rate reservations.
New reservations for any future travel:
Any reservation you make between March 13, 2020, and April 30, 2020 – for any future arrival date – can be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival. This includes Advance Purchase Rate reservations.
Existing Advance Purchase Rate non-refundable reservations for travel through June 2020:
As announced earlier, special exceptions are in place for all Advance Purchase Rate non-refundable reservations made directly with Hyatt on or before March 8, 2020 for arrivals before June 30, 2020. Guests holding these fully prepaid reservations who have decided not to travel may still opt, at least 24 hours before their stay, to receive 10,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points compensation in lieu of both their stay and the offer above (if eligible). World of Hyatt points may be used toward future travel at any of our 900+ hotels across 17 brands globally.
Seems like you can now cancel advanced purchase reservations for complete refund
That is awesome news – thanks for sharing Patrick.