A guide to Hyatt Elite status: What each tier offers

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When members of the World of Hyatt rewards program reach higher elite status levels, they can earn more points per stay and may become eligible for extra benefits such as late checkouts and room upgrades.



At a glance: World of Hyatt levels

World of Hyatt® features three status levels that you can earn beyond the basic membership. Here’s how they compare.

Nights to qualifyLate checkoutRoom upgradeLounge access
DiscoveristStay 10 nights per yearYes No No
ExploristStay 30 nights per yearYesYes No
GlobalistStay 60 nights per yearYesYesYes

World of Hyatt membership

It’s free to join the World of Hyatt rewards program as a member at the base level to begin earning points and accessing member rates.

World of Hyatt members earn five points per $1 spent on Hyatt stays and other eligible purchases at Hyatt properties, such as at hotel restaurants and spas.

You can redeem points for free nights starting at 3,500 points, and there are no blackout dates. Other redemption options include room upgrades, dining and spa credits and Avis car rental awards. You can also transfer points to a loyalty program for one of Hyatt’s airline partners.

World of Hyatt Discoverist

What does Discoverist status get you?

World of Hyatt Discoverist members can earn five points for every $1 they spend on eligible purchases at Hyatt properties — that’s five base points plus a 10% bonus on all points earned.

One of the biggest benefits of Discoverist status is that it qualifies you to check out as late as 2 p.m. for free. But it’s worth noting that these late checkout privileges may be subject to each hotel’s availability and are not offered at Hyatt Residence Club resorts.

At check-in, Discoverist members may also be offered a preferred room, which means you may receive a room on a higher floor or one with a more desirable view. But you won’t be offered a room with a higher price point, so it’s technically not an upgrade. And if you’re planning to stay at Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Destination by Hyatt Residences or Hyatt Vacation Club hotels and resorts, you won’t be able to get this perk.

Discoverist members may also receive free premium internet, which could be important if you’re planning on putting in some screen time during your stay. And if you’re an AAdvantage® member, you can link your loyalty accounts to begin earning one World of Hyatt Bonus Point for every $1 you spend on eligible American Airlines’ flights.

How do I qualify for Discoverist status?

To qualify for Discoverist status, you’ll need to stay a minimum of 10 qualifying nights at a participating Hyatt location, earn 25,000 base points during the calendar year, or hold three meetings or events at a qualifying location.

And if you’re a member who also has a World Of Hyatt Credit Card, the requirements are waived since World Of Hyatt Credit Card cardholders receive automatic Discoverist status. But it’s worth noting that while certain loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy™ offer multiple cards that provide different status levels, Hyatt offers only one card.

World of Hyatt Explorist

What does Explorist status get you?

World of Hyatt Explorist members can earn six points for every $1 they spend on eligible purchases at Hyatt properties (five base points plus a 20% bonus on all points earned).

In addition to the Member and Discoverist perks, Explorist members may be offered the best room available when they check in (excluding suites and rooms that include Club Lounge access). So, for example, an Explorist may be automatically upgraded from a standard room to a Deluxe at no extra charge. As with the Discoverist level, this perk is not offered at all Hyatt locations.

At the Explorist status tier, you may also receive guaranteed availability provided that you book your stay at least 72 hours in advance. This means that even if the hotel is “sold out,” you should be able to get a room. But blackout dates and certain restrictions may apply, varying by hotel.

How do I qualify for Explorist status?

To qualify for World of Hyatt Explorist status, you’ll need to stay a minimum of 30 qualifying nights at participating Hyatt locations, earn 50,000 base points during the calendar year or hold 10 events.

Having the World Of Hyatt Credit Card may help you reach Explorist even status faster. Card members can receive five tier-qualifying night credits each calendar year. Plus, they can earn two more night credits each time they spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on the card.

World of Hyatt Globalist

What does Globalist status get you?

World of Hyatt Globalist members can earn 6.5 points for every $1 they spend on eligible purchases at Hyatt properties — five base points plus a 30% bonus on all points earned.

In addition to the basic, Discoverist and Explorist member benefits, you may be able upgrade to a standard suite or a room with Club Lounge access as a Globalist member. And when you stay in a hotel that doesn’t have a Club Lounge, you and each of your registered guests (up to two adults and two kids) may also get to enjoy a free full breakfast every day during your stay.

Resort fees are already waived on free nights for all membership levels. But Globalist members don’t have to pay this fee for eligible regular bookings either. And Globalist members can access free parking at participating locations when they use their free night awards.

Globalist members can take advantage of the ability to gift someone a free night award — a benefit called “Guest of Honor.” Recipients of this perk can use the free night at participating locations, plus take advantage of all of the benefits typically available to those with Globalist status, including 4 p.m. late checkouts, free Club Lounge access and waived parking fees.

How do I qualify for Globalist status?

To reach Globalist status, you’ll need to stay a minimum of 60 eligible nights at participating Hyatt locations, earn 100,000 base points during the calendar year or hold 20 events.

These requirements may seem difficult to meet. But if you have the World Of Hyatt Credit Card, you’ll receive five tier-qualifying nights per calendar year, plus two more for every $5,000 spent on eligible purchases, so the card may help you make up the difference.

Which World of Hyatt status is right for me?

If you’re loyal to Hyatt, you could earn free nights and access more benefits by joining the World of Hyatt loyalty program. But which status level will be the best fit for your preferences and needs? Here are three tips to help you decide.

If you’re not a morning person

Looking to get a little extra snooze time before you check out — or maybe just some extra time in the pool? If so, the easiest way to extend your check out time to as late as 2 p.m. is to achieve Discoverist status. But if you want to stay even later, you’ll need Globalist status which entitles you to check out as late as 4 p.m.

If you’d like a different room

While Discoverist members may be offered a preferred room, which could be on a higher floor or have a view, the new room must be in the same category as the one that was originally booked. But if you’re looking for an upgrade to a higher-priced room, you’ll want to reach at least Explorist status. Just know that you may not be able to upgrade to a suite or a room with Club lounge access until you reach Globalist status.

If you’re a foodie

If you’re looking for the VIP treatment, with Globalist status, you can gain access to Hyatt Club Lounges at participating hotels during your stay. With Club lounge access you’ll get to enjoy a continental breakfast every morning and hors d’oeuvres during the evenings. But don’t worry, if your hotel or resort doesn’t have a Club lounge, you’ll still be able qualify for free breakfast.


World of Hyatt credit cards

World of Hyatt offers one credit card: the World Of Hyatt Credit Card. If you have the card, you may not only get a faster path to higher elite status, but you could also receive a free anniversary night each year at a Category 1-4 hotel or resort. Plus, you could earn nine total points for every eligible $1 spent on Hyatt stays with a World of Hyatt membership, and two points per $1 for purchases of eligible items like airline tickets, transit and commuting costs and even gym memberships.

It also bears mentioning that World of Hyatt is a Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel partner. This means you can transfer the points you earn with several Chase-branded cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, to World of Hyatt points at 1:1 ratio. While you can’t use transferred points towards reaching elite status, you can redeem them for free nights.


About the author: Clint Proctor is a freelance writer and founder of WalletWiseGuy.com, where he writes about how students and millennials can win with money. When he’s away from his keyboard, he enjoys drinking coffee, traveling, obse… Read more.