Hyatt’s recent acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith hotels has brought about a new era of luxury travel for the global hospitality giant. With over 700 boutique and luxury properties now under its wing, Hyatt has expanded its reach to include 20 additional countries, offering travelers a diverse range of destinations to explore.
The integration of Mr & Mrs Smith hotels into Hyatt’s World of Hyatt network has opened up exciting opportunities for travelers to redeem their Hyatt points at nearly 100 of these properties. However, unlike Hyatt’s traditional award chart system, Mr & Mrs Smith hotels will operate on a dynamic pricing model, making it challenging for guests to maximize the value of their points.
While this new partnership brings added flexibility and inventory for travelers, it also presents some limitations in terms of point redemption value. Research indicates that Hyatt members may receive less than 1.5 cents per point when booking at Mr & Mrs Smith hotels, compared to TPG’s valuation of 1.7 cents per point.
Despite these challenges, Hyatt assures that this dynamic pricing model is specific to Mr & Mrs Smith properties and does not signal a broader shift towards dynamic pricing across its portfolio. Elite members can still earn bonus points on eligible room rates and enjoy perks such as room upgrades and milestone rewards.
Overall, the partnership between Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith hotels offers a unique opportunity for travelers to explore new destinations and earn Hyatt points in the process. While the award rates may not always offer the best value for points, savvy travelers can still make the most of their rewards by strategically using them for stays at properties operating under the standard award chart pricing.