World of Hyatt, one of the leading hotel loyalty programs, made major changes to its program in late 2023. While these changes were mostly positive for loyalists, one area that saw significant changes was the Hyatt Milestone Rewards program. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the current Milestone Rewards program, discussing each perk and how to choose the best benefits for you at each milestone. Additionally, we will provide insights into the author’s personal choices for Milestone Rewards this year.
To start, let’s provide an overview of the Hyatt Milestone Rewards program. To earn Milestone Rewards, you need to have a minimum of 20 nights or 35,000 base points within a calendar year. However, if you have the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you will receive five qualifying nights each year, which means you only need 15 nights (or 35,000 base points) to earn a Milestone Reward annually.
Here is a breakdown of the Milestone Rewards you can earn at different milestones in a calendar year:
1. 20 nights or 35,000 base points:
– A 2K Next Stay award
– Two club access awards
– $25 Find Experiences credit
2. 30 nights or 50,000 base points:
– One Category 1-4 free night award
– Choice of a 2K Next Stay award, two club access awards, or a $25 Find Experiences credit
3. 40 nights or 65,000 base points:
– One Guest of Honor award
– Choice of 5,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, or a $150 Find Experiences credit
4. 50 nights or 80,000 base points:
– 5,000 bonus points
– Two suite upgrade awards
– $150 Find Experiences credit
5. 60 nights or 100,000 base points:
– Two Guest of Honor awards
– One Category 1-7 free night award
– Two suite upgrade awards
– Access to My Hyatt Concierge
6. 70, 80, and 90 nights:
– One Guest of Honor award
– Choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, or a $300 Find Experiences credit
7. 100 nights:
– One Category 1-7 free night award
– Choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, or a Miraval extra night award
8. 110, 120, 130, and 140 nights:
– One Guest of Honor award
– Choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, or a Miraval extra night award
9. 150 nights:
– One Ultimate free night award
– Choice of 10,000 bonus points, one suite upgrade award, or a Miraval extra night award
For milestones that offer a choice, you must select a perk within 90 days of reaching the milestone.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the Hyatt Milestone Rewards:
1. 2K Next Stay award:
– Available at 20 nights and 30 nights milestones
– Earn 2,000 bonus Hyatt points on your next stay at select Hyatt brands
– Valued at approximately $34 based on TPG’s valuations
– Must pay an eligible rate or redeem a free night award for a stay at qualifying brands within 180 days of selecting the award
2. Club access awards:
– Available at 20 nights and 30 nights milestones
– Two club access awards that can be used for club lounge access at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts
– Not valid at certain brands and requires an eligible rate or redemption of free night awards
– Not applicable if the stay includes other free night awards
3. Find Experiences credit:
– Available at multiple milestones
– Credit amount increases with higher milestones, ranging from $25 to $300
– Valid for the rest of the calendar year it is issued, plus 14 additional months
– Can be redeemed at checkout when booking a Find Experience through the World of Hyatt website
4. Category 1-4 free night award:
– Earned at 30 nights or 50,000 base points
– Valid for 180 days from issuance
– Can be used to book a standard room at Category 1, 2, 3, or 4 Hyatt hotels
5. Guest of Honor award:
– Uncoupled from Globalist status and now a Milestone Rewards perk
– Earned at various milestones, starting from 40 nights or 65,000 base points
– Provides in-hotel benefits typically reserved for World of Hyatt Globalist members
– Can be gifted to other members or used to obtain Globalist perks
– Earns one tier-qualifying night for the member who gifted the award
6. Bonus points:
– Available at almost every milestone, with options for 5,000 or 10,000 bonus points
– Valued at approximately $85 and $170 respectively based on TPG’s valuations
Based on these perks and their respective values, you can choose the benefits that align with your preferences and travel patterns at each milestone. Some factors to consider include the value of bonus points, the availability of club lounge access, and the desire for free night awards or suite upgrades.
In conclusion, the World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards program offers various perks at different milestones, allowing loyalists to choose benefits that suit their needs. By understanding the details of each reward and considering personal preferences, members can make informed decisions about their Milestone Rewards. With the recent changes to the program, it’s essential to evaluate the options and select the best benefits for an enhanced Hyatt experience.