Hyatt, MGM Ending Points Partnership

Posted on: July 11, 2023, 05:33h. 

Last updated on: July 12, 2023, 01:35h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. and MGM Resorts International announced they’re ending a rewards club reciprocal agreement that dates back a decade.

World of Hyatt
MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip. The operator and Hyatt are ending their points-sharing agreement. (Image: Eater Vegas)

The World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards partnership will be scrapped effective September 30. Existing reservations made by World of Hyatt members for MGM Las Vegas properties prior to Sept. 30, 2023, will be honored. Tier matching ends on July 14.

Eligible stays with checkout dates prior to or on September 30, 2023 can earn World of Hyatt points and World of Hyatt Tier-Qualifying Night credits. However, for stays with checkouts after September 30, 2023, World of Hyatt members will no longer be eligible to earn World of Hyatt points or World of Hyatt Tier Qualifying Night,” according to MGM.

The gaming company, which is the largest operator on the Las Vegas Strip, added that members of the MGM Rewards program can still earn points and tier credits in connection with stays at its properties that were booked through Hyatt.

Hyatt, MGM Mum on Reasons for Ending Agreement

MGM noted the decision was made “under careful consideration.” But beyond that, the company and Hyatt aren’t commenting on why their lengthy partnership will end on September 30.

Such agreements are common in the gaming industry for multiple reasons. First, there’s obvious enthusiasm for travel and leisure rewards programs, including casino loyalty plans. Second, some hoteliers lack significant footprints in large gaming markets. Hyatt’s exposure in Las Vegas is a prime example.

Choice Hotels International and Penn Entertainment represent an example of a traditional hotel company partnering with a casino operator on a reciprocal points program. Caesars Entertainment’s Caesars Rewards has a similar agreement with Wyndham Rewards.

Specific to World of Hyatt, the rewards program may not be without a well-known Las Vegas partner for long. There’s unconfirmed speculation that when Dreamscape Companies assumes operational control of the Rio Hotel & Casino later this year, Hyatt will be its new hotel partner.

Important Details on End of Hyatt, MGM Accord

For points enthusiasts, there are important details to observe regarding the end of the Hyatt/MGM partnership.

“Effective September 30, 2023, World of Hyatt members will no longer be eligible to earn World of Hyatt points or World of Hyatt Tier Qualifying Nights for such stays at MGM Resorts destinations in Las Vegas where checkout is after September 30, 2023,” added MGM. “Therefore, stays at MGM Resorts destinations in Las Vegas that check out after September 30, 2023, will no longer be eligible to earn World of Hyatt points or World of Hyatt Tier Qualifying Nights for any portion of your stay.”

World of Hyatt members who tier-matched into MGM Rewards from Feb. 1, 2023, through July 14, 2023, will have that matched status honored through Jan. 31, 2024.

For stays completed at MGM Las Vegas properties by September 30, World of Hyatt members have up to a year from the end of the stay to request retroactive tier credits.