The 12 Best World of Hyatt Category 1 Hotels [2024]

While luxury hotel award redemptions often grab attention, many travelers prefer booking inexpensive hotels for more nights. The World of Hyatt program shines in this area, allowing for some of the most reasonably priced redemption opportunities of any hotel rewards program.

The program recently went through its yearly award category update, with more than 180 hotels changing categories. While the vast majority of hotels increased in rating, a few also decreased, which means there are some new Category 1 World of Hyatt properties.

Let’s look at some of the best Category 1 hotels you can book using World of Hyatt points.

World of Hyatt Category Basics

The World of Hyatt loyalty program is the hotel loyalty program of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which has more than 1,300 properties in 77 countries.

Hyatt categorizes its hotels from Category 1 to 8. As you increase in category, you’ll pay more points for a room. However, this is not always true when it comes to cash rates.

For points redemptions, Hyatt uses off-peak, standard, and peak pricing for all redemption types. This means the points needed for an award redemption will depend on the dates you want to stay. 

Since this guide is for the best Category 1 hotels, we will focus on award redemptions specifically for Category 1 hotels. Category 1 Hyatt properties can be booked at the following rates:

• 3,500 points (off-peak season)
• 5,000 points (standard season)
• 6,500 points (peak season)

Although they are the lowest on the totem pole according to Hyatt, Category 1 hotels can provide incredible value, especially if you want to redeem World of Hyatt points. In fact, many Category 1 hotels can be upwards of $200 per night during busy travel seasons.

Hot Tip:

Remember that Category 1 properties are also eligible for Hyatt’s Category 1-4 free night certificate — have a look at how you can maximize this powerful tool.

Earning World of Hyatt Points

The first step in scoring free nights at Hyatt properties is to earn World of Hyatt points. This is fairly easy to do, as the World of Hyatt program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards. You can earn transferrable rewards on cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card and transfer them directly to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

You can also easily earn World of Hyatt points by spending on the 2 Chase co-branded World of Hyatt credit cards.

Recommended World of Hyatt Credit Cards

The 6 Best World of Hyatt Category 1 Hotels in Asia

1. Alila Manggis (Indonesia)

Situated amidst a coconut grove between Bali’s eastern coast and Mount Agung, Alila Manggis offers a serene retreat from the hectic sites around the rest of the island.

The property features grand rooms starting at 366 square feet. All rooms and suites face the ocean with clear views across the straits to Nusa Penida. The rooms are housed in traditional 2-story Balinese pavilions.

Alila Manggis offers many activities, such as Balinese cooking classes, hiking, snorkeling, and diving excursions. The hotel also offers a Surya yoga retreat wellness program.

The hotel boasts several on-site restaurants, including Seasalt, which blends Indonesian and Western cuisines, and Ocean Bar, which serves light snacks and drinks right on the beach.

2. Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, situated in the Brickfields neighborhood, offers convenient access to Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station and the rest of the Malaysian capital.

The hotel is located on the upper floors of the Establishment building, featuring a sky-level lobby on the 41st floor. It also features a 3-story atrium filled with trees, creating a serene atmosphere in the bustling city.

All guest rooms are on floors 35 to 40, offering stunning city views. The property also features an outdoor pool and fitness center on the 40th floor.

The property features 2 on-site restaurants: Entier, which serves French cuisine with a Japanese 1-star Michelin chef, and Botanica + Co, which serves Asian and international dishes in a garden-like atmosphere.

3. Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit (Thailand)

The Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit is located in Sukhumvit’s bustling nightlife district. It is within walking distance of Phrom Phong BTS SkyTrain station and offers convenience and comfort in central Bangkok.

Nearby attractions include several world-class shopping malls, including Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere.

The property has 222 spacious rooms with modern design elements, ensuring a comfortable stay. Rooms on the higher floors offer incredible views of Bangkok. The hotel also has an outdoor rooftop pool and fitness center.

The hotel features 1 on-site restaurant, Gallery Lobby, which serves authentic Thai cuisine, including curries, soups, and plant-based dishes. Additionally, the rooftop AIRE BAR on the 28th floor offers stunning views of the Bangkok skyline and the Chao Phraya River.

4. Park Hyatt Chennai (India)

The only Category 1 Park Hyatt in the world, the Park Hyatt Chennai is a 5-star luxury hotel located just 15 minutes from Chennai International Airport (MAA) in the Little Mount neighborhood. The hotel provides thoughtful amenities and exquisite decor overlooking the Guindy Forest.

The property has 180 guest rooms and 20 suites and boasts several award-winning restaurants: The Flying Elephant, Mr. Ong – The Flavours of Singapore, and The Dining Room.

The property has a rooftop infinity pool, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness center, and more. A lily pond is also in the center of the hotel’s inner courtyard.

5. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu (Malaysia)

The Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a luxury 5-star waterfront hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, that overlooks the scenic coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Nearby attractions include the Handicraft Market and Night Food Market, easily accessible from the property.

The property features 288 spacious rooms and suites, exquisitely designed with sophisticated comfort in mind. The rooms are furnished with contemporary decor and flat-screen satellite TVs.

The hotel also offers some of the best views of the South China Sea and downtown Kota Kinabalu. Even the most basic rooms offer city or sea views.

The property boasts several on-site restaurants, including Nagisa Japanese Restaurant, which serves authentic Japanese cuisine, and Tanjung Ria Kitchen, a Halal-certified restaurant that serves traditional Malaysian cuisine with a live cooking show.

Additionally, amenities include a Regency Club Lounge, a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool with private cabanas, a large fitness center, and a spa.

6. Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort (Malaysia)

The Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort is a 5-star family-friendly beachfront resort in Kuantan, Malaysia. The property is situated along the picturesque Teluk Cempedak beach on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers, with 301 renovated rooms and suites that blend modern aesthetics with traditional Malaysian influences.

The property boasts several on-site restaurants, including:

• Kampung, an all-day dining restaurant that includes a live show kitchen showcasing traditional Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisines, as well as Western delights
• Italian Bistro, which serves classic Italian antipasti, gourmet pizzas, and pasta
• Chukka, a bar serving international cocktails in a setting with live musical performances
• Sampan Bar, a beachfront bar that serves a variety of signature cocktails and house pours

The resort offers an incredible number of amenities, including a Regency Club, 2 outdoor swimming pools that overlook the South China Sea, a swim-up bar, a tennis court, a fully equipped 24-hour gym, a spa, and a private section of the beach exclusively for hotel guests.

The 3 Best World of Hyatt Category 1 Hotels in Europe

1. Hyatt Regency Baku (Azerbaijan)

The Hyatt Regency Baku is a 5-star property in the historic part of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The hotel is a 5-minute drive from the entertainment and shopping found on Baku Boulevard and Baku Old City.

The hotel has 159 premium, spacious guestrooms facing the pool, garden, or city.

Several on-site dining options include Mezzo, which serves the best of European and Azerbaijani cuisine, and The Lounge & Bar, which offers tailored cocktails and specialties from the chef.

The property features a Regency Club offering complimentary evening cocktails, afternoon tea, coffee, light snacks, and desserts. An on-site fitness center, pool, and a massive meeting room are also available.

2. Hyatt Regency Izmir IstinyePark (Türkiye)

The Hyatt Regency Izmir IstinyePark is located on the Gulf of Izmir. The hotel is connected to the IstinyePark Shopping Mall, which offers some of the finest shopping and dining in the city.

The property boasts 144 spacious rooms and 16 suites with views of the Gulf of Izmir. The property also features a unique 19th-floor penthouse suite with a spacious bedroom, a luxurious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and an expansive terrace with panoramic sea views.

The hotel has an all-day dining international restaurant, The Bay, which features a live kitchen show offering the perfect atmosphere for a blissful dining experience. The hotel also has The Park Bar, which specializes in fresh cocktails and Aegean-inspired snacks.

The Hyatt Regency Izmir IstinyePark also offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and a sauna.

3. Lindner Hotel Vienna Am Belvedere (Austria)

Ideally located in the center of the Austrian capital, the Lindner Hotel Vienna Am Belvedere is a part of the Jdv by Hyatt brand. The hotel is in a prime location, directly opposite Belvedere and the Botanical Garden. Nearby attractions include Hofburg and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

The hotel boasts 219 elegantly designed rooms with a modern design and minimal aesthetic.

The hotel features several on-site restaurants, including Heuriger Am Belvedere (wine tavern), which serves authentic Austrian specialty dishes; Taste It, which features a balanced breakfast buffet; and Canaletto Bar, which specializes in Viennese coffee and cakes.

The hotel is a premier conference and event location with 3 flexible conference and event rooms for up to 150 people and 2 stylish boardrooms. All conference rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art event technology and mobile partition walls.

The 3 Best World of Hyatt Category 1 Hotels in The Americas

1. Hyatt Regency Merida (Mexico)

Located in the heart of the city, the Hyatt Regency Merida is close to Mérida’s commercial and tourist areas. The archaeological zone of Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is less than 2 hours from the property by car.

The property features 286 recently renovated guest rooms and suites, all with modern designs and resort-like luxury.

The property boasts several on-site restaurants, including Peregrina Bistro, which serves Yucatecan cuisine, and Spasso Cucina Italiana, which offers contemporary Italian cuisine. Papillon Bakery & Market also offers a variety of artisanal pastries, cheese pastry bites, bakeries, gourmet food, and drinks.

The hotel offers several amenities, such as a 17th-floor Regency Club Lounge, a pool bar, a lobby bar, a fitness center, a whirlpool, a tennis court, and meeting facilities.

2. Hyatt Regency Rochester (New York)

The Hyatt Regency Rochester is about 500 feet from the Genesee River and connected to the Rochester Riverside Convention Center by a sky bridge. The hotel is less than a mile from the Strong National Museum of Play, and Rochester International Airport (ROC) is just 15 minutes away by car.

The property boasts newly renovated, contemporary guestrooms with modern conveniences and luxurious amenities.

The property features 1 main on-site restaurant, Astor On Main, which offers a fusion of elevated comfort food with southern flair. The Street Craft Bar & Cocktails offers a variety of wine, beer, spirits, and craft cocktails. There is also an on-site Starbucks location.

Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool, fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and more than 20,000 square feet of event space.

3. Hyatt Regency Wichita (Kansas)

The Hyatt Regency Wichita is a contemporary hotel in the heart of downtown Wichita, Kansas. The property is connected to the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. Nearby attractions include Intrust Bank Arena, Riverfront Stadium, and Old Town.

The Hyatt Regency Wichita’s rooms offer beautiful views of the city or Arkansas River. All rooms are equipped with 65-inch flat-screen TVs.

The property features 1 on-site restaurant, Harvest Kitchen & Bar, which serves local, seasonal cuisine. Perks Market serves a variety of Starbucks coffees.

Hotel amenities include a pool, 24-hour fitness center, several meeting spaces, and a private venue, often used for weddings and conferences.

Final Thoughts

Category 1 Hyatt hotels can provide immense value, especially when redeeming World of Hyatt points. With Hyatt’s annual category changes now in effect, the list of Category 1 hotels has changed slightly.

Fortunately, there are still some incredible Category 1 hotels worldwide. Consider one of these properties on your next trip with Hyatt!