Matt4200

This thread will be open to discuss topics related to 2023 Category Changes which are typically announced in November and effective in March the following year.

One major issue I see is inflated ADR’s (Average Daily Rates) due to the pandemic’s pent up travel demand. These rates aren’t staying but they did play a big role. This is an issue because based on historical data Hyatt largely bases category changes on ADR’s. With the ADR’s being inflated to unrealistic rates and rates that are going to drop 30-50% (or more, if they haven’t already) that means many of these properties could receive an “upgraded” category assignment, many of them being ones who already received one last year as well.

Another problem or issue I see is many properties were slated to drop down a category in 2020, however due to the pandemic this never happened. Will Hyatt now that we’re semi-out of the pandemic drop these properties down?

As far as I’ve checked none of the MGM properties have ever changed categories despite many of them having an ADR that doesn’t match their category placement. Is it possible some will change this year? I think we can all agree Excalibur isn’t deserving of a Category 3 placement their ADR even factoring weekends and high season is maybe $80, or less.

All good topics to be discussed and definitely feel free to add more topics related to the 2023 Category Changes.

craigthemif

Seriously? You want to start a thread several months before a potential announcement? FWIW 2022's changes were announced in February 2022.

At least call it "total speculation" or something...

Aventine

I was wondering if Hyatt started early this year.

Matt4200

This thread is to discuss the likely and possible category changes especially with the multitude of issues that have piled up. Specifically why it’s titled as a “Discussion Thread” rather than a Master Thread for the 2023 Category Changes…

I definitely feel everything outlined in the opening post merits community discussion.

craigthemif

Room rates are up in the United States. Some hotels might go to a higher award category in 2-6 months.

Unless you have something specific to share, that's about the extent of it...

m0hamed

What an unnecessary thread…

Matt4200

The rates are artificially up which is massively different from being that ADR regularly. Which means categories could shift massively leading to an even greater devaluation.

And what about the properties slated to move downward in 2020? Are those just forgotten?

Matt4200

I’ve seen many many many more unnecessary threads.

For those not in the US sure it may be unnecessary as those people are largely unaffected by this issues. However, for those in the US or those who travel to the US frequently these are huge issues.

In the last couple years Hyatt created an 8th Category and tacked on Peak pricing jumping the maximum per night from 30k for a base room all the way to 45k. Not only that but they moved the majority of the desirable properties to this category.

The whole concept of the Category 1-7 Certificate was to give you a free night at basically any property. Just one night, it’s not a lot but it’s a reward for being a Globalist and earning 60 nights. With the change to allowing an 8th Category and artificial pricing even more properties shift to being unavailable and many more shift to being unavailable for a Category 1-4 Certificate.

Basing the decision on artificial ADR rather than historical is problematic, largely for WOH members and definitely merits discussion.

coleslaw

What are you referring to by “artificial”?

m0hamed

Once again you assume the US is the entire World and once again you make a sweeping assumption that is wrong. You also assumed that Hyatt hotel service in the US should be the best because that’s where it’s based when the opposite is true.

Revenge travel, post pandemic pricing and inflation have all lead to higher average room rates.

You won’t find a lead in room in a five star for less than 500GBP in London, 500 Euros in Paris or 500 AUD in Sydney.

Prices everywhere are high and guests are paying them.

Regardless, discussing category changes months before they’re announced is pointless.

It seems you are intent on increasing your post count for absolutely no reason.

beachfan

I predict all hotels will drop one category because….

I want them to.

Visconti

LOL...I clicked on it assuming Hyatt had announced early, and replying to it. So, I suppose it worked. My only interest is hoping that WOH will turn the 60 free night into a Cat 8. To date, I've yet to hear any persuasive argument on why this shouldn't be done, especially if they could just now make turn all the 6s into 7s and rake in more points.

xooz

If you wanted to narrow the discussion a little, maybe focus on what Cat 4s will move to 5. The increase of a hotel from Cat 4 to 5 is arguably the one which impacts the most people in a general way. Once you get to Cat 6-7 or 7-8 it's just points though there are plenty of Cat7 certs out there as well.

UA-NYC

I predict some will go down, relatively more will go up, and some will stay the same

antonius66

This exact thing right here. I should have seen who posted it and known better. Thought there was an actual announcement I missed and this thread was contributing actual value to the community.