March 1 Marks Significant Changes to Hilton and Hyatt Loyalty Programs

For frequent travelers March came in like a lion as two major hoteliers, Hilton and Hyatt, debuted major changes to their guest loyalty programs.

Both programs have new names: Hyatt Gold Passport became World of Hyatt, while Hilton HHonors simplified by eliminating the redundant extra “H” to become Hilton Honors.

World of Hyatt has three tiers, namely Discoverist, Explorist, and Globalist. Discoverist will require ten qualifying nights or 25,000 base points, while Explorist will be earned with 30 qualifying nights or 50,000 base points. Globalist status will be attained with 60 qualifying nights or 100,000 base points.

Discoverist members will receive complimentary water, faster Wi-Fi, late checkout (to 2 p.m.), and a dedicated check-in area. In addition to all Discoverist benefits, Explorist members will receive four lounge passes and an upgraded room (although the upgrade will not extend to a suite or room on a club lounge floor). Globalist members receive all Discoverist and Explorist benefits plus room upgrades (including suites), lounge access, breakfast for up to two adults and two children in hotels without a club lounge, and a 4 p.m. late checkout.

Hilton added four new features to Hilton Honors, while keeping the current elite tiers. The new features are: Points Pooling with family and friends; Points and Money, a fully variable redemption of points and cash on a sliding scale; the ability to use points to make purchases at Amazon; and one-time extensions of Diamond elite status for members who have held that level for a minimum of three years, accumulated 250 nights or 500,000 base points, and didn’t requalify.

The Hilton Honors program is also eliminating the traditional award chart in favor of variable award pricing but officials there have promised that award pricing will not exceed what has been available up until now.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)