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Hyatt VS Hilton: Which is Better?

Writer's picture: NoboundlifeNoboundlife

Updated: Jan 29


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If you are an avid traveler, choosing the right brand of hotel is a key factor in improving your stay. There are too many brand hotels on the market, and it is a very troublesome thing to check the experience one by one. Here, I recommend Hyatt and Hilton as two of the world’s leading hotel groups, each with their unique brand advantages and loyalty programs. So, which hotel is better, Hyatt vs. Hilton? That’s what we need to choose.


Here, this article will help you quickly understand the differences between Hyatt and Hilton by comparing the number of hotels, and membership levels. and points earned and redeemed. elite membership benefits, and more. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a budget. this article will provide you with valuable reference information to make the best choices for your next trip. Now, let’s get started!



Hyatt VS Hilton Comparison Table


The following table summarizes some of the differences between Hyatt and Hilton. The focus was on the number of hotels, membership levels, and most membership requirements. ways to earn points, relative points earning rate. most standard reward rates, resort fees, free fifth-night rewards, and resort fee waivers for award stays. redemption policies for Award stays, and availability of suite upgrade certificates. ability to use points to upgrade suites, most benefits, meaningful elite membership levels, And so on. Hopefully, this table will help you quickly understand the differences between the two.

Here is a comparison table showcasing the main features of Hilton and Hyatt:



Feature

Hilton

Hyatt

Number of Hotels

7500+ hotels / 22 brands

1,000+ hotels / 20 brands

Membership Levels

Member, Hilton Silver Status, Hilton Gold Status, Hilton Diamond Status

Member, Discoverist, Explorist, Globalist

Top Status

Hilton Diamond Status: 60 nights, or free with Aspire card

Globalist: 60 nights

Ways to Earn Points

Stays, credit cards, car rentals, cruises, dining events, airline partners, point purchases

Stays, credit cards, Avis car rentals, dining, spa services, events, American Airlines flights, partners, promotions

Relative Points Earning Rate

3X

1X

Highest Standard Award Price

120K to 150K points

45K points

Resort Fees

No

No

Fifth Night Free on Rewards

Yes

No

Waived Resort Fees on Rewards

Yes

Yes

Reward Stay Redemption

Fixed reward chart

Points can be redeemed even if standard award nights are sold out

Suite Upgrade Certificates

No

Available from 40 nights through milestone rewards

Upgrade Suites with Points

No

6K points/night for standard suites; 9K points/night for premium suites

Top Benefits

Upgrades, lounge access, bonus points, room upgrades, breakfast, etc.

Upgrades, lounge access, free breakfast, waived resort fees on paid stays, waived parking fees on points stays, 4 PM late checkout

Meaningful Elite Status

Gold status (free breakfast or food credits)

40 nights: elite rewards + suite upgrade awards

Related brand comparison articles:


Well, here’s a detailed comparison between Hyatt and Hilton to see which loyalty program is right for you. Please keep your pace and look down.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Brand Comparison


A hotel’s brand and awareness are arguably the most important topics for travelers. Because of travel, the quality of the accommodation experience depends on the operation, and consumption. and management of the hotel. You can choose a luxury hotel or a budget hotel, it all depends on your own final choice.


Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a global multinational hotel company that manages hundreds of hotels in 68 countries and regions around the world. It has more than 25 brands and more than 1,000 hotels.

Hilton is arguably one of the largest branded hotel chains in the world, covering 119 countries and regions. With 22 hotel brands, you can choose from 7,500 + quality hotel places around the world.

Through the above comparison between Hyatt and Hilton brands, although Hyatt is more than Hilton Hotel brands. But the number of hotels spread across the globe and beyond is much smaller. Hilton has more than six times as many hotels as Hyatt. If you are a keen traveler to travel around the world, then Hilton may have the edge. Choose more hotels.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Loyalty Program Elite Members Comparison


Hyatt Elite Levels and Benefits:


Hotel loyalty programs are an option every traveler should consider. The higher your hotel’s elite status, the more premium benefits and VIP privileges you can enjoy. But to get the top privilege level, you must stay, challenge, or use your credit card to accumulate hotel nights to earn elite status.


If basic membership is included, Hyatt World offers four elite status-level plans. You can earn your next elite status level by accumulating hotel stays and earning basic points. or hosting qualifying conferences or events.


  • Member: None.

  • Discoverist: 10 nights or 25,000 base points or 3 meetings/events.

  • Explorist: 30 nights or 50,000 base points or 10 meetings/events.

  • Globalist: 60 nights or 100,000 base points or 20 meetings/events.


Here are the benefits of Hyatt Elite status for you:


BENEFIT TYPE

Member

Discoverist

Explorist

Globalist

Base Point Earning

Earn 5 Base Points per eligible $1 USD spent at most Hyatt hotels and resorts (2.5 Base Points at Hyatt Studios).

Earn 5 Base Points per eligible USD 1 spent at most Hyatt hotels and resorts (2.5 Base Points at Hyatt Studios).

Earn 5 Base Points per eligible USD 1 spent at most Hyatt hotels and resorts (2.5 Base Points at Hyatt Studios).

Earn 5 Base Points per eligible $1 USD spent at most Hyatt hotels and resorts (2.5 Base Points at Hyatt Studios).

Eligible purchases are rewarded with points

10%

20%

30%

Free Nights

Member Rates

Resort Fees Benefit

Waived on Free Night Awards

Waived on Free Night Awards

Waived on Free Night Awards

Waived on Eligible Rates & Free Night Awards

Benefits with Mr & Mrs Smith

Premium Internet

Bottled Water

Room Upgrade (as available at check-in)

Preferred room within the type booked

Upgraded Rooms excluding Suites and Rooms with Club lounge access

Including Standard Suites

Elite Check-in

Late Checkout (as available at some locations)

2:00 PM

2:00 PM

4:00 PM

American Airlines AAdvantage® Bonus

Guaranteed Availability

72 hours

48 hours

Welcome Amenity at Hyatt Studios

Club Access or Breakfast

Free Parking on Free Nights

On Free Night Awards

Priority Access to Rooms


Note: If you want to quickly upgrade your Hyatt Discoverist, Hyatt Explorist, or Hyatt Globalist rank identity. And don’t want to challenge and stay any night. Then, please choose our fast track: VIP Hotel Flights. Upgrade Hyatt Elite Levels with Nobound Life, you can save time and effort and upgrade quickly. The main thing is to upgrade your identity without challenge.


Click here to view the Hyatt Elite Levels Program: Hyatt Status Upgrades and Hyatt Globalist Status Upgrade for 2 Years.


Click here for a detailed tutorial guide: The Top Guide to Get Hyatt Globalist Status.


Hilton Elite Levels and Benefits:


Hilton Honors offers four different levels, all of which you can earn membership status by joining without having to stay. Here are the requirements to achieve each level:


  • Member: 0-10nights

  • Silver: 10 nights, 4 stays, or 25000 base points

  • Hilton Gold: 40 nights, 20 stays, or 75000 base points

  • Hilton Diamond: 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points


Here are the benefits of Hilton Honors Elite status for you:


Benefit

Member0-10 nights

Silver10+ nights

Gold40+ nights

Diamond60+ nights

Guaranteed Hilton Honors Discount rate

Points toward free nights, travel partners and more

No resort fees on reward stays

Digital Check-in

Digital Check-out

Choose Your Room

Digital Key

Free WiFi*

Access to Exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences

20% Points earning Bonus on stays

×

Free bottled water

×

Fifth night free on reward stays

×

Elite Rollover Nights

×

All-Inclusive Spa Discount

×

80% Points earning Bonus on Stays

×

×

Space-available room upgrades

×

×

Daily Food and Beverage Credit or Continental Breakfast (varies by brand and region)

×

×

Milestone Bonuses

×

×

100% Points earning Bonus on stays

×

×

×

Space-available room upgrades

×

×

×

Executive lounge access

×

×

×

Diamond status extension

×

×

×

Premium WiFi

×

×

×

48-hour room guarantee

×

×

×

Elite status gifting

×

×

×


Note: If you want to quickly upgrade your Hilton Gold, Hilton Diamond rank identity. And don’t want to challenge and stay any night. Then, please choose our fast track: Nobound Life. Upgrade Hilton Honors Status Elite Levels with Nobound Life you can save time and effort and upgrade quickly. The main thing is to upgrade your identity without challenge.


Click here to view the Hyatt Elite Levels Program:


Click here for a detailed tutorial guide:


Both Hyatt and Hilton brand loyalty programs offer many benefits to elite members. As with Marriott and other loyalty programs, you need to level up or reach a certain level. and you must challenge and complete the corresponding character to gain elite status.


All in all, the benefits of the two brands are mostly similar, with the only difference being that Hyatt Universal members get free parking and gold status through M Life Rewards. while Hilton Diamond membership is easier to get and challenge than Hyatt’s highest-level membership. Also, the American Express Aspire card automatically provides a diamond identity. while the Hyatt card only provides a Discoverist identity. Under various comparisons, the Hilton loyalty program’s elite status is more in a leading position.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Ways to Earn Points

Hyatt Earns points:


  • Hotel stays/resorts: Earn 5 base points for every $1 spent.

  • Rent a car with Avis: Earn 500 rewards points /25% off price.

  • Experiences, including cruises: Earn 10 basic points on $1 spent.

  • Dining and spa services: Earn 5 base points for every $1 spent.

  • Transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • American Airlines: Earn 1 point for every dollar spent.

  • Mr & Mrs Smith: Earn 5 basic points without spending $1.

  • Credit Card Rewards and Purchases: 2 points for every dollar spent.

  • Point of buy

  • Meetings & Events

  • Partnerships and promotions


Hilton Honors Earn points:


  • Hotel accommodation

  • Points promotion

  • Use a credit card

  • Lyft ride

  • Have dinner

  • Purchase points

  • Events

  • Partnerships and promotions

  • Transit partners include Amex Membership Rewards, Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Amtrak


Hyatt and Hilton earn points in a variety of ways. But the most common way is to stay at a hotel and earn points. You can also earn points through the use of co-branded credits, which are common ways to earn. You can choose a plan that suits you according to your preferences. For example, Hilton has many transfer partners to help you accumulate points, but Hyatt has only one. But we still think Hyatt trumps Hilton here because of its unique partnership with American Airlines. Elite members with access to Hyatt can link their Hyatt Land and American Airlines AAdvantage ® accounts to earn 1 reward point for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines flights. as well as the miles already earned as an AAdvantage ® member. So , Hyatt has an advantage in this area.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Credits Exchange


As mentioned above, there are many ways to earn points. If you have earned a lot of points, but can not redeem it is also a very frustrating thing. Fortunately, Hyatt and Hilton both offer ways to redeem points, which you can quickly learn from below.


Points redemption: Hyatt


  • Book hotel accommodation

  • Upgrade hotel room

  • Book a car rental through Avis

  • Booking experience

  • Dining, spa and more

  • Schedule meetings or events: 15,000 points for a $200 credit.

  • Share and gift points

  • Transfer points to miles


Points redemption: Hilton


  • Free stay: Use any combination of points and cash to book a hotel stay.

  • Booking experience: You can get VIP treatment for concerts, dining, sports, events and more.

  • Lyft ride

  • Deduct points for purchases at Amazon.com and established stores.

  • Redeem points for car rentals from Alamo, National, and Enterprise.

  • Air transfer: Convert your points into air miles with our travel partners.


Compared with the points exchange methods of Hyatt and Hilton, from the above point of view, Hilton may have more advantages. You can use more car rental options and also pay for a Lyft ride or use points for shopping. Booking accommodation is one of the most common ways to return both.


But, Hilton and Hyatt both offer incentive stays starting at 5,000 points per night. If you’re a budget traveler, take advantage of this price exchange to stretch your wallet and travel further. Hilton does not publish reward charts, while Hyatt does. Compared to points, Hilton Honors points are typically worth 0.6 cents per point, while Hyatt Place Points are typically worth 1.7 cents per point. But, reward stays are a popular option for hotels to redeem points. So it is more helpful to compare the point value of Hyatt.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Credit Card


Using a co-branded credit card is one of the options for gaining elite status in hotel loyalty programs. For people who usually use credit cards, this is a benefit that kills two birds with one stone. Not only can you use the card to buy a lot of things, but you can also automatically get elite status benefit value.


Hyatt World Credit Card:


Hyatt introduced a co-branded card called the Hyatt World Credit Card. And the annual fee is affordable. It’s worth considering. Here is some information about the card.


  • The annual fee is $95 / year.

  • Spend $3,000 within three months of opening your account and earn 30,000 reward points.

  • Earn 2 reward points for every $1 spent within the first 6 months after opening an account.

  • Points are usually earned by spending one reward point, up to the greatest of $15,000.


Benefits:


  • Spend at Hyatt hotels and earn eligible points to earn 10% reward points.

  • Quality rooms with Internet

  • Late check-out until 2 pm is possible upon request.

  • Move towards a higher level each year with 5 qualifying accommodation points.

  • Each time you spend $5,000 with your card, you can be promoted to the next level. Plus 2 more nights of qualifying stay credits.

  • One free night per year, (One free night per year after the anniversary of your card membership at any Category 1-4 Hyatt Hotel or resort.)

  • If you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, get a more free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt Hotel or resort.


Earn points:


  • Earn up to 9X points when staying at Hyatt hotels. Earn 4 reward points for every $1 spent. Earn 5 Hyatt Basic Points for every $1 spent if you are a member.

  • Earn up to 2X points for every dollar spent on travel, dining, airline tickets, car rentals, health clubs, and more.

  • Earn 1X points for every dollar spent on purchases.


Hilton Honors Credit Card:


Hilton has partnered with American Express to launch four co-branded credit cards, including one designed for small business owners.



1. Hilton Honors Card:


Benefits:

  • No annual fee. Silver card level.

  • American Express does not charge any foreign exchange transaction fees.

  • After spending $20,000 in one calendar year, you can upgrade to a Gold membership by the end of the next calendar year.


Earn points:

  • Earn 7X rewards points when you spend directly at Hilton hotels and resorts

  • Earn 5X rewards points at US restaurants, US Gas stations, and US supermarkets

  • All other eligible purchases earn 3x reward points.


Limited time Special:

If you spend $2,000 on your card in the first 6 months after becoming a member, you will receive free stays and 70,000 reward points. The offer ends on July 31.


2. Hilton Honors Surpass® Card


Benefits:


  • $150 / year. Gold card level.

  • American Express does not charge any foreign exchange transaction fees.

  • After spending $40,000 on the card in one calendar year, you can upgrade to a Diamond membership by the end of the next calendar year.

  • Get a free stay bonus after spending $15,000 with your card in a calendar year. ‡

  • Spend your Hilton Honors ® card directly at a Hilton-owned hotel and earn up to $50 per quarter in billing credit. You can get up to $200 a year in billing credit.

  • Enjoy a free National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® membership. including benefits such as Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the United States and Canada. Cardholder members must use their card to register for National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive membership through their American Express Online account. Terms apply.


Limited time Special:


If you spend $2,000 on your card in the first 6 months after becoming a member, you will receive free stays and 70,000 reward points. The offer ends on July 31.


Earn points:


  • Earn 12X Rewards points when you spend directly at Hilton hotels or resorts.

  • Earn 6X reward points at US restaurants, US gas stations, and US supermarkets.

  • Earn 4x rewards points for online retail purchases in the US.

  • All other eligible purchases earn 3x reward points.


3. Hilton Honors Aspire Card


Benefits:


  • $550 / year. Drill card level.

  • American Express does not charge any foreign exchange transaction fees.

  • Card members can enjoy one free stay bonus per year.

  • Earn more free rewards after spending $30,000 or $60,000 on the card in a calendar year.

  • Use a Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card to earn up to $200 in semiannual billing credits for eligible purchases made directly at participating Hilton resorts. You can get up to $400 back per year.

  • Buy tickets directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com with a Hilton Honors Aspire card and earn up to $50 in statement rebates per quarter. for a total of up to $200 per year.

  • CLEAR® uses unique attributes such as eyes or fingerprints to digitally verify identity to help its members get through security faster at select airports across the country. When you pay for your CLEAR Plus membership (which is automatically renewable) with your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card. you can earn up to $189 per year in billing credits.

  • Enjoy a free National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® membership, including benefits such as Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the United States and Canada. Cardholder members must use their card to register for National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive membership through their American Express Online account. Terms apply.

  • Using your card, call 855-292-5757 to book at least 2 nights (please specify ZZAAP1 when booking by phone). Earn up to $100 in qualifying spend points at participating Waldorf Astoria® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad® Hotels & Resorts.


Earn points:


  • Earn 14x Rewards points when you spend directly at Hilton hotels and resorts.

  • Book your flights directly with your airline or Amex Travel, and book your car rental directly with your selected company. and dine at restaurants in the United States to earn 7X reward points

  • All other eligible purchases earn 3x reward points.


Limited time Special:

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Rewards Points when you spend $6,000 on the card within the first six months of membership. The offer ends on July 31.


4. Hilton Honors Business Card – Business Credit Cards


Benefits:


  • $195 / year. Gold card level.

  • Earn up to $240 back annually and up to $60 in quarterly billing credits on eligible Hilton purchases with a Hilton Honors American Express Business card.

  • After spending $40,000 with your card in one calendar year, you can upgrade to a Diamond membership by the end of the next calendar year.

  • Enjoy a free National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® membership. including benefits such as Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the United States and Canada. Cardholder members must use their card to register for National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive membership through their American Express Online account. Terms apply.


Earn points:


  • Earn 12X rewards points when you spend directly at Hilton hotels and resorts

  • On other purchases made with your card each year, you earn 5x rewards points on the first $100,000 buy and 3x points thereafter

  • Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Rewards Points when you spend $6,000 on the card within the first six months of membership.


The choice between Hyatt and Hilton credit cards largely depends on personal preferences and travel habits. The Hyatt Card is more affordable, has a lower annual fee, and offers great benefits for Hyatt accommodations. making it an excellent choice for moderate travelers. And it only has one must-have card, so if you can’t decide, Hilton offers a wide variety of credit cards with varying fees and benefits. providing flexibility for different spending levels and travel needs. For those looking for higher rewards and luxury treatment, the Hilton Aspire card has a higher annual fee. offers a wide range of benefits, free stay experiences, and the ability to earn annual points and top elite status. These benefits help offset the expensive annual fee. while the free Hilton Honors Card provides good value for infrequent travelers.


In short, more credit card options are Hilton at the top of the list. Comparing the two, I prefer Hilton.


Hyatt VS Hilton: Other aspects of credit card comparison


Credit Card Spending Comparison


Hyatt and Hilton offer different reward structures when you use your credit card to earn points. The Hyatt card offers 1x points on basic purchases, while it offers up to 4x points on branded purchases. 1.5 to 5 times points are available by transferring points in specific categories.


Hilton, so, offers 3x to 14x points depending on the spending category. And the multiplier for groceries, meals, and travel costs can be higher. Compared to the two, Hilton points earn faster, that is, every 1 Hyatt point can get 3 Hilton points, so the use of a Hilton card is more valuable for users.


Credit Card Rewards Comparison


Credit card rewards, both Hilton and Hyatt offer attractive orientation and referral rewards. Hilton generally offers more welcome reward options through a variety of member rewards cards. Hyatt offers many opportunities through Ink cards and rewards. About the use of recommendations. I find the Member Rewards card offered by Hilton has more flexibility to convert to any American Express Card. You can also enjoy the more benefits that come with it—for example, +10x points for restaurants. Hyatt usually offers 40K credit for referrals. While both programs have valuable rewards, Hilton’s range of options may be more appealing to those who can’t get them. However, it offers more options for people who need help to apply for a business card.


Hilton vs. Hyatt: Overall rating comparison


Using the website comparably.com, we can find CEO ratings, culture scores, brand rankings, and other ratings for Hilton and Hyatt. This was based on 1,747 Hilton employees and customers and 515 Hyatt employees and customers.


Video: Why Hyatt Is CRUSHING The Competition



If you want to do it a little faster than the traditional way, choose the Hyatt Globalist Challenge 2025.


FAQ


Is Hyatt considered high-end?


Hyatt Hotels Corporation remains the largest owner of Hyatt hotels, and high-end hotels are Hyatt’s core business. as the company recognized the need for long-stay hotels and launched Hyatt Studios in the mid-to-high-end long-stay segment in 2023. You could say Hyatt is a high-end hotel.


Is Hyatt or Hilton better?


Which is better, Hyatt or Hilton? It is up to you to choose, as each has its advantages. Both have thousands of hotels and resorts around the world. But Hilton has more hotels than Hyatt. volume, if you are a traveler who is keen to travel around the world, then Hilton’s options are better for you.


What is the difference between Hyatt and Hilton?


Hyatt and Hilton are two brand hotel groups, and they also include a lot of Canadian brands of hotels. Hyatt owns brands such as Park Hyatt, Hyatt Place, and Grand Hyatt. Hilton owns the Conrad, Waldorf, and Hampton Hotels. The differences between the two can be analyzed from various perspectives such as welfare and characteristics, and the specific differences are shown in the article.


Final thoughts: Which is better, Hilton vs. Hyatt?


Through a detailed comparison of Hyatt and Hilton in many aspects, we can see that each brand has its unique advantages in different areas. With its extensive global hotel network and extensive credit card selection. Hilton offers frequent travelers more convenience and flexibility. Hyatt, with its high-value points returns and unique partnerships. brings even more surprises and benefits to travelers seeking high-end experiences. So which is best? While Hilton beats Hyatt on most factors, the honest answer is that it depends on you, your location, and your priorities for hotel loyalty.


If you travel enough to earn a premium membership with Hyatt, the benefits you get as a global traveler will surpass those of Hilton, especially for families. Yet, Hilton may be more selective when it comes to credit card options and how points are earned, as well as how points are earned. I remember Nathan Clark, founder of GateA2AI, saying that Hyatt was his first choice, but having experienced Hyatt and Hilton. Hyatt is skewed toward upscale and now boutique hotels. while Hilton offers a broader range of brands to suit a variety of budgets and preferences. Which hotel brand you choose ultimately depends on your own needs. Whether you choose Hyatt or Hilton, you can enjoy a better travel experience by taking advantage of its loyalty programs. I hope this article can help you.


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