Looks like Hyatt is introducing Category 9 at 50k and Category 10 at 60k per night. Most of the big Park Hyatts that are already Cat 8, like Paris and Tokyo, are expected to move up to Cat 9. Sounds like Cat 10 will be very limited, maybe even just Park Hyatt Kyoto at launch.
Does not seem like other brands will move into 9 or 10. Feels like they are really trying to push Park Hyatt as the true top tier.
Free night certs are expanding though. The 1 to 4 becomes 1 to 5, and 1 to 7 becomes 1 to 8. Top off is becoming more official too. Explorists can top a 1 to 5 up to Cat 7. Globalists can top off pretty much anywhere, but the extra points are based on standard rates only.
There is also a new super peak setup for select service brands during big events. Pricing can float higher, up to two categories above, but capped in a specific way. Sounds like a way to handle crazy event pricing without fully dynamic awards.
And apparently a new premium Park Hyatt credit card is coming. 795 annual fee, 100k bonus, automatic Explorist, 20 nights each year, strong earn rates, lounge access. You can earn Globalist through it, but milestone rewards like suite upgrades still require actually hitting 60 nights.
Overall feels like Hyatt is adding more flexibility at the top end while trying to protect the core chart. Not shocking, but definitely a shift.
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