Hyatt adds online redemption for room, club upgrade awards

World of Hyatt Members can now apply gifted or earned room upgrade awards as well as club access award certificates to new bookings online or in the Hyatt app. This adds valuable flexibility for senior elite members who previously needed to call in to take advantage of these benefits.

If you want to add one of these certificates to your next registration as World of Hyatt Elite Member, Here’s everything you need to know.

Related: Is Hyatt’s globalist position worth it?

How to apply Hyatt suite upgrade rewards and club access rewards online

When searching for rooms at hyatt.com, look for the new buttons in the “Awards Eligible” section at the top of search results, next to any Guest of honor award you may have in your account.

These buttons allow you to apply kit upgrade bonuses or club access bonuses as you search.

Applying either award will show the room upgraded with the award applied to the original price, whether you pay with cash or World of Hyatt points.

When these awards are not available for your selected property on your selected dates, the new buttons will be grayed out. Keep in mind that many brands do not offer club rooms, while standard suites may be sold out on your desired dates.

If you booked through the Hyatt app, expand the “Available Awards” section by clicking the blue plus icon and select the award you want. We always recommend redeeming expiring rewards as soon as possible.

This new functionality not only makes it easier to use these awards, but also clarifies the exact room types that qualify for upgrades. Many properties designate the suites (or suites) that travelers can upgrade to with the verbiage, “This is a standard suite.” However, some do not, forcing members to call and inquire about eligible rooms before booking.

Now, it should be clear which properties can be booked with room upgrade rewards.

Unfortunately, World of Hyatt members cannot combine multiple awards within the same stay, so if you have Free night certificate and a set or club certificate to redeem, you must choose one or the other.

While testing new upgrade options, we were unable to add suite upgrade or club rewards to existing bookings, so World of Hyatt members may need to call for Hyatt to add these rewards manually.

Related: How to earn up to 6 free nights with Hyatt Brand Explorer

How to earn Hyatt suite upgrade rewards and club access rewards

The World of Hyatt program is one of the most generous in terms of upgrades for its elite members. The suite upgrade reward allows members to confirm an upgrade — in advance — to a standard suite for stays of up to seven consecutive nights (subject to availability). While leading globalist members may receive free space upgrades to suites upon registration, this is not guaranteed, so Globalist members may choose to apply for an award to ensure they can enjoy a suite for your chosen stay.

Globalist members receive two room upgrade awards for reaching 60 elite qualifying nights or 100,000 base points in a calendar year. However, they can earn more money as part of Hyatt Key Rewards program, as they can select them at the following thresholds:

• 40 elite qualifying nights or 65,000 base points in a calendar year: One suite upgrade, 5,000 bonus points or $150 Find experience credit
• 50 elite qualifying nights or 80,000 base points: Two additional certifications, 5,000 bonus points or $150 Experience Seeking credit
• 70, 80, and 90 nights of elite eligibility: One additional certificate, 10,000 bonus points or a $300 Experience Search credit
• 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 elite qualifying nights: One additional certificate, 10,000 bonus points, or one Miraval Extra night prizes

Related: How and when to use Hyatt upgrade certificates

The club access award gives members access to the hotel’s club lounge, which is available for stays of up to seven consecutive nights, with a continental breakfast served during lounge and daily evening hors d’oeuvres.

These rewards are also awarded as Key Rewards:

• 20 elite qualifying nights or 35,000 base points: Two club access award certificates, 2,000 bonus points or $25 Find Experiences credit
• 30 elite qualifying nights or 50,000 base points: Two additional award certificates, 2,000 bonus points or $25 Experience Search credit

Related: Instructions for World of Hyatt club lounge access rewards, including how to use them for others

Bottom line

World of Hyatt continues to reward members for their loyalty with benefits awarded not only for achieving new elite status levels but also perks for additional nights or elite points earned between grant this status. It’s great that frequent guests are given exclusive options for stays that go beyond Top Globalist status.

Another positive improvement is the new ability to apply suite upgrade awards and club access award certificates online at hyatt.com or through the Hyatt app. We hope that the ability to add these features to existing bookings will be available online soon.