In early February, I reported that the Small Luxury Hotel of The World would be ending its relationship with Hyatt. At the time, no dates were given. However, we now know that the Hyatt-SLH drop dead date is May 15, 2024.
The loss of SLH is a serious blow for Hyatt, especially since they’re defecting to Hilton. Thankfully, Hyatt already has another large (and potentially better) partner lined up – Mr. & Mrs. Smith – which includes properties that have been on my radar, including the Post Ranch Inn, in Big Sur, California. However, that’s small consolation to anyone that has upcoming stays booked with SLH properties, especially after the termination date.
Hyatt-SLH Drop Dead Date is May 15
That termination date was the biggest question surrounding Hyatt and SLH’s separation, as it could have serious impacts on members’ travel planning. Unfortunately, at the time, neither party was ready to share any information beyond the fact that it was happening. So it’s great that we finally know that the Hyatt-SLH drop dead date is May 15, though I feel like two months notice is a bit unfair.
You see, while your reservations will not be impacted by the fact that the Hyatt-SLH drop dead date is May 15, virtually everything changing as of this date will impact everyone except for a select few. Per Hyatt, those changes include:
- For stays with check-in dates on or after May 16, 2024: World of Hyatt benefits like breakfast, earning points and nights toward tier status will no longer be available at Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
- New reservations via Hyatt can now only be made via Hyatt if your check-out date is May 15, 2024, or earlier.
- Changes or cancellations made after May 15, 2024, must be done through SLH by calling 1.212.953.0118, 44.207.802.289, or emailing Hyattreservations@slh.com
It’s worth noting some interesting nuances here:
- If you check-in for an eligible paid and award stays at Small Luxury Hotels of the World on or before May 15, 2024, your World of Hyatt benefits will be honored and you’ll continue to earn points and elite qualifying nights.
- Stays at SLH properties charged to your World of Hyatt Visa will continue to earn 4 bonus points per $1 spent through August 31, 2024.
Ouch.
Basically, if you have a reservation at an SLH property via Hyatt that occurs on May 16, 2024, or later, keeping that reservation means you’ll forego your earned benefits, like Globalists breakfasts, and won’t get credited for those stays in any way, shape, or form. So you’ll have to consider if it’s worth retaining the stay – that is if there are any alternatives around to begin with.
Final Thoughts
I really feel for those that booked with SLH with the intent of using those nights to help maintain or attain status, especially if there are not comparable Hyatt alternatives nearby. These people will likely have to suck it up and enjoy what will likely be a pleasant stay, albeit without the added benefits World of Hyatt brings with it. For those that redeemed for stays after this date, especially those who aren’t Globalists, then you’re the lease impacted by this, as literally nothing will change for you – unless you have to make changes to your reservation.
At any rate, Hyatt still has not announced a date for its new Mr. & Mrs. Smith relationship, which is a shame. I truly believe that this new partnership will take out the sting of losing SLH, and may even be better overall. But, at least for now, we’re stuck in limbo, with reduced options. Hopefully, they can get things up and running by the Hyatt-SLH drop dead date, or at least soon after. What a nice surprise that would be, eh? We’ll see what happens.