Every year, Hyatt reshuffles its award chart, shifting hotels between categories. If you’ve ever spent time carefully saving up points for Hyatt’s loyalty programs for a dream stay, only to find out it now costs more world of hyatt points, you know how frustrating this can be. But if you act strategically, these hyatt category changes can actually work in your favor.
This year, several hyatt properties I’ve stayed at—including some of my most memorable family stays—are moving up in higher category, making them more number of points to redeem. Others are moving down, meaning if you hold off, you can score luxury stays at the popular hotels for fewer points.
Before you rush to book for future stay, let me walk you through the nine exact hyatt properties I and my family personally stayed at, why they matter for family travel, and how to make the most of these changes. I’ll break this down into “Book Now” and “Hold Off” with real experiences—because these hotels aren’t just a list to me. They’re places where I’ve celebrated, relaxed, and made lifelong memories and you always refer to all the times.
Book Now—These Hyatt Hotels Are About to Cost More
These hotels will move up in category, meaning they’ll soon require more points per night or become ineligible for Hyatt free night certificates. If you were planning to stay at one of these properties, I recommend locking in your reservation before March 25 to lock in the current lower rate.
1. Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills (Moving from Category 7 to 8, from 30,000 to 40,000 points/night)
Strategy: Book before March 25, 2025 with 1-7 certificate or lock in the lower award pricing
My family’s all-time favorite award stay in Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills delivers sleek, modern rooms, panoramic city views, and impeccable service. From the early days, this was a no-brainer for a family of four, thanks to its spacious 550 sq. ft. room that easily accommodated us.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
One of Andaz’s signature perks is complimentary in-room drinks. It is a small but thoughtful touch—especially since this property doesn’t have a club lounge like Grand Hyatt Tokyo. At 30,000 points, it was already a premium redemption. But at 40,000 points, it’s creeping into Park Hyatt Tokyo pricing. If Andaz has been on your list, now’s the time to book.
2. Grand Hyatt Tokyo (Moving from Category 7 to 8, from 30,000 to 40,000 points/night)
Strategy: Book now if you value a top-tier Hyatt club lounge and a prime location in Roppongi Hills. Use 1-7 certificate.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo is woven into my travel story—it was my home base while launching my blog. I spent entire days working from the club lounge, sipping coffee, writing drafts, and mapping out how to turn my passion into something bigger. Beyond its sentimental value, Grand Hyatt Tokyo delivers a true luxury experience. Located in Roppongi Hills, it offers one of Hyatt’s good value club lounges in Japan, with stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Tower, and fantastic breakfast and evening cocktails.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
At 40,000 points per night, the value equation changes. If club lounge access and a central location are your family’s priorities, book now before the award pricing increases. Otherwise, consider Park Hyatt Tokyo, which offers a more premium experience for the same number of points cost after March 25.
3. Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya (Moving from Category 4 to 5, 15K to 20K points per night)
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Strategy: Book now if you use Category 1-4 free night awards before it moves to higher category
When it comes to family-friendly stays in Tokyo, one game-changer always tops my list: in-room laundry facilities. At Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya, every room—from cozy singles to spacious suites—includes a 2-in-1 washer and dryer. If you’ve ever explored Tokyo with kids, you know how much of a lifesaver this is after a long day of sightseeing.
Currently as a Category 4 hotel, you can redeem an award stay at 12K–18K points per night for the cash rates of $450 – 600. The best move is to lock in your stay before March 25 prior to it increases to 20,000 from 15,000 points per night.
4. Hyatt Regency Tokyo (Moving from Category 4 → 5, 15K → 20K points/night)
Photo Credit: Hyatt
Strategy: Book now if using Category 1-4 certificates before the current award chart change.
For families planning a Tokyo adventure, Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a solid win—especially when redeeming Hyatt award stay. Located in Shinjuku, the vibrant heart of Tokyo, this hotel offers access to JR trains, the Shinkansen, and quick airport connections, putting you at the center of it all.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
What makes it ideal for families is the Regency Club. While not ultra-luxurious, it’s a comfortable retreat to recharge after a day of exploring. Families can enjoy complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks, and evening cocktails—a welcome perk for parents winding down after sightseeing.
5. Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo (Moving from Category 6 to 7, 25K to 30K points per night)
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Strategy: Lock in your stay before March 25 to secure the old rates of 25,000 points per night rate before it increases to 30,000 (Category 7)
Located in the heart of Ginza, this nice hotel offers an unbeatable location for exploring Tokyo’s most prestigious shopping and dining district. We’ve stayed here twice and loved how convenient it was to return for a midday break after a shopping spree, especially during Tokyo’s hot summers. In winter, the walk from the hotel to Tokyo Station is surprisingly pleasant—just off the beaten path, making the stroll quieter and special. The breakfast spread, and views of iconic luxury brand billboards add to the experience, giving you the ultimate Tokyo trendy vibe.
After the hyatt award chart change on March 25, This is a nice hotel for burning 1-7 free night certificates.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
6. Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars (Moving from Category 5 to 6, 20K to 25K points per night)
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Strategy: Book now before moving into higher category from category 5 to 6, which means more number of points from 20,000 to 25,000 for an award stay.
While most travelers focus on Hyatt Regency Churchill or Park Hyatt London, Blackfriars is a hidden gem worth considering. For our sister getaway, we used a suite upgrade award, and it did not disappoint. One of the biggest surprises was the daily happy hour at their restaurant, where guests enjoy two hours of complimentary drinks and Hors d’oeuvres items—a true standout for a Hyatt property in Britain.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Another unexpected perk—the Tube station is right across from the hotel, making it far more convenient than Park Hyatt London, where we also stayed for a sister getaway in the fall. If you’re looking for value, luxury, and an ultra-convenient location, this is one to book before the hotel jump to higher category and cost more number of points (i.e. Category 5 starting 25K on March 25)
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
7. Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile (Moving from Category 4 to 5, 15K to 20K points per night)
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Strategy: Book now if you are using Category 1-4 certificates, as it won’t be bookable with 1-4 certificates at Category 5 hyatt hotel after March 25
For families visiting Paris, this has been a fantastic redemption—especially compared to Park Hyatt Paris, which we also tried. While Park Hyatt delivers ultra-luxury, Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile offers a more family-friendly vibe, with plenty of cafés, easy metro access, and stunning Eiffel Tower views from our suite room. At 15K points, it was an absolute steal. Even with the increase to 20K, I’d still consider staying here for its unbeatable location and value.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Hold Off—These Hotels Will Soon Be a Better Deal
Good news! If a hotel is moving down in category, it will cost fewer points after March 25. Wait and save those points!
8. Park Hyatt Busan (Moving from Category 6 to 5, 25K to 20K points/night)
Strategy: Hold off until March 25 to book and save 5,000 points per night.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
A hidden gem in South Korea, this was one of the standout stays from our 7-week family adventure across Asia Pacific. We were upgraded to a Family Executive Suite which was a standard suite. It offered stunning panoramic views. Nestled in an upscale residential district, the location provides a fascinating glimpse into local life, with a direct bus to Gimhae Airport. At 25,000 points, it was already a strong redemption—but now, at 20,000, it’s an even better value.
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
Photo Credit: Maria Fung
9. Hotel Figueroa, Los Angeles (Moving from Category 5 to 4, 20K to 15K points per night)
Strategy: Wait until March 26 to lock in the lower rate or book it with a Category 1-4 free night certificate.
Originally opened in 1926 as a women’s-only hotel, Hotel Figueroa is now a Spanish Colonial gem with a modern twist. We stayed here on a quick trip to LA, and it was a fantastic boutique property in Downtown LA. At 20K points, it felt borderline, but at 15K, it’s a steal. Even better, this will qualify for the Hyatt Category 1-4 free night certificate, making it an easy choice for a stylish weekend getaway.
The Big Takeaways:
Over the years, I’ve learned that timing is everything in award travel, especially when booking luxury hotels for family vacations. Some of our most unforgettable trips—whether it was waking up to the Auckland SkyTower at Park Hyatt Auckland last year or enjoying a villa at Carmel—only happened because we locked in lower rates before an award chart change.
Hyatt’s upcoming category shifts mean that some properties will cost more points after March 25, while others may drop to a lower category. If you’re planning a trip, here’s how to turn your points smarter and secure the best value for your next luxury stay:
- Book Now – properties moving up in category as soon as possible to lock in the lower rate before the hyatt category changes.
- Hold off – on booking properties that are dropping in category—waiting until after March 26 means you’ll use fewer points.
- Check award availability early – especially for family-friendly suites and multi-room accommodations, as they tend to disappear fast in popular hotels.
Related reading: MaxMyPoint: The Ultimate Tool For Finding Hotel Award Availability
Final Thoughts:
Award travel is about more than just saving points—it’s about getting the best possible experience for your family. A little planning can mean the difference between a standard room and a suite with a private plunge pool, or having additional points left over for another unforgettable trip at Hyatt properties.
If you’re eyeing a luxury family vacation from Asia Pacific to Europe to the other parts of the world, now is the time to review your award stay bookings at Hyatt hotels and make any adjustments before Hyatt award chart changes take effect on March 25, 2025.
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