World of Hyatt members have long valued the ability to turn a standard room booking into a premium suite stay through upgrade awards earned with qualifying nights. That option is now unavailable at two high-profile properties. The change reflects a broader pattern of hotels opting out of the program as demand for luxury accommodations grows.
The Suite Upgrade Award Explained
World of Hyatt issues Room Upgrade Awards that allow members to book a base room and then request a suite at no extra charge. These awards apply to standard rooms at hotels or deluxe rooms at resorts. The resulting suites often feature separate living areas, better views, and added amenities such as wet bars or dedicated service.
The awards represent meaningful value because suites frequently cost three to four times more than standard rooms. Members accumulate the certificates through repeated stays and points activity. Not every property participates, however, and Hyatt maintains an official list of exclusions that continues to expand.
Properties Now Excluded
Alila Napa Valley, a Category 8 resort in Northern California wine country near St. Helena, has joined the exclusion list. The property recently marked its fifth anniversary by suspending resort fees for a year, yet it simultaneously stopped accepting suite upgrade certificates. Summer rates at the resort average around $917 for a standard room and $2,738 for a suite.
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman, another Category 8 property, will also no longer honor the awards once it opens. Reservations begin October 31, 2026. Standard rooms start near $676 while suites begin around $2,942. Both locations illustrate how valuable the upgrade can be at properties where nightly rates already exceed typical award redemptions.
| Property | Location | Category | Sample Room Rate | Sample Suite Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alila Napa Valley | St. Helena, CA | 8 | $917 | $2,738 |
| Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman | Grand Cayman | 8 | $676 | $2,942 |
Practical Impact for Members
Loyalty program participants who hold unused upgrade certificates must now verify participation before booking either property. The growing exclusion list means members face more frequent checks when planning high-value redemptions. Properties cite operational and revenue considerations when deciding to opt out.
Travelers planning wine-country or Caribbean trips should review the current terms appendix on the World of Hyatt site before selecting dates. Alternative redemptions, such as standard award nights or cash-plus-points stays, remain available at both locations. Monitoring the list regularly helps avoid disappointment at checkout.
Next Steps for Award Holders
Members can contact Hyatt directly or consult the program’s terms before finalizing reservations at premium properties. Tracking certificate expiration dates also prevents wasted awards on ineligible stays. The policy change underscores the need for flexibility when using loyalty benefits at top-tier hotels.
