Hyatt Hotels Corporation has recently revised the Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) of its World of Hyatt guest loyalty program, which took effect on February 20, 2025. Though these updates were not made public until yesterday, they are largely aimed at clarifying existing rules and enhancing members' experience with the program.
The World of Hyatt program remains open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age, and compliance with local legal requirements is mandatory for participation. The foundational changes to the program stipulate, among other things, the treatment of member inactivity. Any member's account inactive for twenty-four consecutive months will result in the forfeiture of all points, though the account will remain open for earning new points thereafter.
Members can maintain activity by earning points through various authorized means, including qualifying stays, earning credits through program partners, or redeeming points. New additions to the program include the clarification of which properties qualify for participation. Certain hotels, categorized as "non-participation properties," such as the Alila Purnama and several others, will not be eligible for point accrual or redemption, as outlined explicitly by the new terms.
Interestingly, Hyatt has also updated the benefits specific to their Point Properties. For example, the Ventana Campground is now classified as such but introduces limitations on awards redeemable at this location, including restrictions on offers like Free Night Awards and Room Upgrades. This reflects Hyatt's efforts to create clearer distinctions between property offerings within the program.
Hyatt members will accrue five points for each dollar spent at most participating properties, with two and a half points per dollar for stays at Hyatt Studios hotels. The new T&Cs continue to categorize points as either Base Points, which count toward elite status qualifications, or Bonus Points, which can also be redeemed for program awards.
Globalists, those who achieve elite status within the program, are entitled to special benefits such as access to club lounges and complimentary breakfast at participating properties. These benefits will vary based on the type of property, with certain hotels offering elevated options for breakfast.
Despite the extensive length of the T&Cs—spanning 31,000 words across 62 pages—the updates seem focused on clarity rather than introducing drastic new conditions. Industry observers have questioned whether such extensive legalese could have been condensed to maintain fundamental protections for members without overwhelming them with complexity.
Members are reminded to remain cognizant of their activities within the program to avoid any loss of points due to inactivity. The clarification of conditions and the introduction of specific property categories are part of Hyatt's broader strategy to improve customer service, maintain program integrity, and encourage continued loyalty among their guest base.
Whether members will appreciate the adjustments remains to be seen, but Hyatt’s commitment to refining the World of Hyatt experience through clearer guidelines shows their intent to maintain relevance and competitiveness within the hospitality sector.