Hyatt just introduced two new stay certificate categories, Ultimate and Exclusive, so that there are now 7 categories of stay certificates. By way of background, Hyatt stay certificates are often either given out as gifts or received when people redeem points for them. If you're buying them for your own use, check out our FAQ below for answers to frequently asked questions.
Hyatt Stay Certificate FAQ
What Are All the Categories of Hyatt Stay Certificates?
With the new categories, there are now:
Ultimate: $461.11
Exclusive: $394.44
Inspire: $325.55
Elite: $260.00
Premier: $188.89
Choice: $152.22
Classic: $109.00
What Do These Stay Certificate Categories Mean?
Different Hyatt hotels accept different levels of stay certificates. The lower category properties accept all certificates, but you'd only want to use the cheapest certificate that you could for that hotel, so you don't overpay. Expensive hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Madeleine only accept the new Ultimate certificate, which costs $461.11. And a few Park Hyatts still don't accept any Hyatt Stay Certificates–more on that below.
Do Stay Certificates Cover Taxes?
Yes; but they don't cover resort fees.
Do Hyatt Stay Certificates Expire?
No.
Can I Earn Hyatt Points for Buying or Redeeming Hyatt Stay Certificates?
No; you do not earn Hyatt Gold Passport points for buying Hyatt Stay Certificates or for using them for a hotel night.
If I Use a Hyatt Stay Certificate Does My Stay Count Towards Elite Qualification?
No. That said, a few members have been lucky and a hotel stay using a certificate has counted for them. But don't count on it.
How Do I Check Whether the Hotel Has Availability for a Stay Using a Hyatt Stay Certificate?
When you're on the hotel's booking page, go to the Special Offer Code field and enter in the relevant Hyatt Stay Certificate code. If the property has availability using a certificates, the rate will show as “Rate is Confidential.” If there's nothing available for your dates, then you'll often get an error message in red noting the rate is not available.
Ultimate: HSULN1
Exclusive: HSXLN1
Inspire: HSINN1
Elite: HSELN1
Premier: HSPRN1
Choice: HSCHN1
Classic: HSCLN1
Is Availability for Using Hyatt Stay Certificates the Same as for Award Stays?
No; there are capacity controls, so just because a standard room is available (which would indicate you can use points for an award stay) doesn't mean that you'll necessarily be able to use a Hyatt Stay Certificate.
When and How Should I Buy a Hyatt Stay Certificate?
My recommendation would be to check the cost you'd otherwise pay for a property either in cash or points, and if the Hyatt Stay Certificate is a better deal to you, then check if there's availability to use a certificate. If there's availability, then hold the room and order your Hyatt Stay Certificates, preferably in increments of 1 night, as that gives you greater flexibility should you decide to increase or decrease your length of stay.
Where Do I Buy Hyatt Stay Certificates?
You can buy them online: https://www.certificates.hyatt.com/
Can You Upgrade to a Higher Room Category When Using a Hyatt Stay Certificate?
Officially no. But it's at each property's discretion whether to allow you to upgrade, typically using cash for the difference in cost between the rooms. You won't be able to upgrade by calling Hyatt Central Reservations, however.
Which Hyatt Properties Don't Accept Any Types of Hyatt Stay Certificates?
5 Park Hyatts don't accept any Hyatt Stay Certificates, not even the new Ultimate certificate. They are:
- Park Hyatt Paris Vendome
- Park Hyatt Milan
- Park Hyatt Maldives
- Park Hyatt Moscow
- Park Hyatt Zurich
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Have you used a Hyatt stay certificate and gotten a great deal? Share in the comments!
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