Over the last decade, I have redeemed over 3 million points and miles for leisure travel across numerous airline and hotel loyalty programs. These points and miles have afforded me the opportunity to travel the world for less than I could have ever imagined.Fortunately, hundreds of loyalty programs are available across nearly every major banking platform, airline, and hotel chain. However, one transferrable rewards currency stands above the rest for me: Chase Ultimate Rewards. In my opinion, here are the 3 ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) has announced the opening of Secrets Mirabel Cancun Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the award-winning Secrets Resorts & Spas brand. Ideally situated in the heart of Cancun's coveted Hotel Zone, the adult-only, all-inclusive resort builds on the brand's momentum and complements its thoughtful expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean following the recent openings of Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba and Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa.Loc ...

Core Insights - Hyatt Hotels Corporation is expanding its partnership with Chase to enhance rewards for World of Hyatt cardmembers, aiming to grow and engage with loyal travelers [1][2] - The World of Hyatt loyalty program has over 60 million members and is the fastest-growing in the global hospitality industry, with a growth rate of nearly 30% per year since 2017 [2] Strategic Highlights - The partnership is expected to contribute approximately $50 million to adjusted EBITDA in 2025, increasing to around $105 million by 2027, along with $47 million in upfront cash in late 2025 [3] - The expansion is designed to drive additional stays at Hyatt properties from Chase cardmembers through Chase Travel and Chase Ultimate Rewards [6] Financial Performance - Hyatt's third-quarter earnings report indicates a 0.3% increase in comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR, with net rooms growth at 12.1% [7] - The company reported a net loss of $49 million, contrasting with a net income of $471 million in the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 5.6% to $291 million [7] Future Outlook - For the full year 2025, Hyatt projects comparable system-wide hotels RevPAR growth between 2% to 2.5%, net rooms growth of 6.3% to 7.0%, and net income between $70 million and $86 million [8] - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $1,090 million and $1,110 million, reflecting a 7% to 9% increase after adjusting for assets sold in 2024, with capital returns to shareholders projected at approximately $350 million [8]

Core Insights - Hyatt Place Cancun Airport opens as the first Hyatt Place hotel in Quintana Roo, Mexico, marking the sixth Hyatt Place hotel in the country [1][7] - The hotel features 156 rooms and is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, providing a seamless experience close to Cancun International Airport [4][6] Hotel Features - The hotel offers 24/7 conveniences, including a complimentary airport shuttle, on-site parking, and proximity to local attractions such as Go Grand Outlet Riviera Maya and Xoximilco Cancun [2][3] - Guests can enjoy high ceilings, flexible workspaces, a 24-hour fitness center, and a nearly 50-foot outdoor swimming pool [3][4] Guest Amenities - Each guestroom includes Free Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and a Cozy Corner sofa, with a modern color palette inspired by the local environment [4] - The hotel provides complimentary breakfast, a 24/7 market for grab-and-go items, and a lobby bar serving local cuisine and beverages [5] Future Developments - The opening of Hyatt Place Cancun Airport is part of a multi-deal collaboration with Parks Hospitality Holdings, with additional developments planned, including Park Hyatt Cancun in 2026 and Grand Hyatt Los Cabos in 2027 [7][12] - A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for November 26, 2025, to celebrate the hotel's official opening on November 12, 2025 [7] Loyalty Program - World of Hyatt members can earn an extra 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Place Cancun Airport for stays between November 12, 2025, and February 28, 2026 [8]

Group 1 - The article discusses the planning and booking process for a trip to Christmas markets in Europe, focusing on utilizing points and miles for travel expenses [1][27] - The destinations considered for the trip included southeast Germany and Strasbourg, with a final focus on France, Germany, and surrounding areas [2][3] - Flexibility in travel dates was crucial for finding award flight availability, especially during peak travel season [3][6] Group 2 - The booking process for business class flights involved using Delta SkyMiles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points, with a focus on transfer partners for better availability [6][8] - A flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was booked for 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points plus $56.98 in taxes and fees, highlighting the importance of timely point transfers [8][11] - The return flight from Zürich to New York was secured for 60,000 Aeroplan points plus $113.30 in taxes and fees, demonstrating effective use of points for international travel [11][27] Group 3 - Hotel accommodations were booked using points, including a stay at Kimpton Main Frankfurt for 58,765 Chase points, which would have cost $1,175 in cash [28][35] - In Stuttgart, three nights were booked at Le Meridien Stuttgart using Marriott free night certificates, which would have otherwise cost $830 [30][33] - A night at Park Hyatt Zürich was booked for 35,000 World of Hyatt points, valued at approximately $966.46, showcasing the value of points in luxury hotel stays [35][37] Group 4 - The total cost for the trip, including flights and hotel stays, amounted to $363.88 out of pocket, with a total cash value of over $7,300 if booked without points [27][38] - The article emphasizes the transformative power of points and miles in making expensive trips feasible, highlighting the real-life value beyond cash savings [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR growth was reported at 0.3% for the quarter, impacted by a holiday shift and lapping one-time events from the previous year [8][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $291 million, in line with expectations, with owned and leased segment adjusted EBITDA increasing by 7% when adjusted for asset sales [20][21] - Total liquidity as of September 30, 2025, was approximately $2.2 billion, including $1.5 billion in capacity on a revolving credit facility [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR increased by 1.6% year-over-year, with luxury brands seeing an approximate 6% increase [8] - Business transient RevPAR was flat, but improved performance in the U.S. showed a 3% growth compared to last year [9] - Group RevPAR declined by 4.9%, in line with expectations due to difficult year-over-year comparisons [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR outside of the U.S. performed well, with Europe seeing positive growth driven by strong international inbound travel [18] - Greater China experienced RevPAR growth due to increases in leisure transient demand [19] - All-inclusive portfolio net package RevPAR grew by 7.6% compared to the third quarter of 2024, indicating strong demand for leisure travel [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exceed a 90% asset-led earnings mix in the near term and has a strong development pipeline of approximately 141,000 rooms [11][12] - The introduction of new brands, such as Hyatt Select and Unscripted, is expected to drive organic growth and enhance the development pipeline [11][12] - The loyalty program, World of Hyatt, surpassed 61 million members, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase, and is positioned as a strategic asset for driving customer engagement [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about forward-looking booking trends, particularly for group bookings in the U.S. and internationally [10][35] - The company anticipates average rates to increase in the low to mid-single digit range in 2026 compared to 2025 [10] - Management highlighted strong leisure demand, with October showing a 3% increase in the U.S. and 7% globally [77] Other Important Information - The company expects to incur approximately $50 million in restructuring charges this year, primarily recorded in the third quarter [17] - Adjusted G&A costs are expected to be moderately below full-year 2024 levels despite inflation and additional costs from acquisitions [17] - The company plans to return approximately $350 million to shareholders in 2025, inclusive of share repurchases and dividends [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on net rooms growth for 2026 - Management indicated strong organic growth momentum, expecting 6%-7% growth in net rooms for 2026 based on current trends [29][30] Question: Group pace expectations for 2026 - Management reported high single-digit growth in group pace for 2026, with strong bookings in October [34][36] Question: Clarification on G&A expectations - Management confirmed expectations for adjusted G&A in 2026 to be slightly down compared to 2024, driven by organizational efficiencies [39][40] Question: Capital returns and restructuring charges - Management explained that the increase in capital returns is linked to the new credit card agreement and restructuring charges factored into free cash flow [42][44] Question: Economic intensity of the Home Inns agreement - Management highlighted the successful partnership with Home Inns, focusing on quality and strategic growth in the Chinese market [50][51] Question: Cost initiatives and organizational changes - Management discussed the shift towards an insight-led and brand-focused organization, emphasizing efficiency and agility in operations [57][60] Question: RevPAR outlook for 2026 - Management expressed confidence in RevPAR growth driven by upcoming events and strong leisure demand, expecting positive results both in the U.S. and internationally [75][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR growth was reported at 0.3% for the quarter, impacted by a holiday shift and lapping one-time events from the previous year [8][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $291 million, in line with expectations, with owned and leased segment adjusted EBITDA increasing by 7% when adjusted for asset sales [20][21] - Total liquidity as of September 30, 2025, was approximately $2.2 billion, including $1.5 billion in capacity on a revolving credit facility [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR increased by 1.6% year-over-year, with luxury brands seeing approximately 6% growth [8] - Business transient RevPAR was flat, but improved performance in the U.S. grew by 3% compared to last year [9] - Group RevPAR declined by 4.9%, in line with expectations due to difficult year-over-year comparisons [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR outside the U.S. performed well, with Europe seeing positive growth driven by strong international inbound travel [18] - Greater China experienced RevPAR growth due to increases in leisure transient demand [19] - The all-inclusive portfolio reported net package RevPAR growth of 7.6%, reflecting strong demand for leisure travel [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exceed a 90% asset-led earnings mix in the near term and has a strong development pipeline of approximately 141,000 rooms [11][12] - The introduction of new brands, Hyatt Select and Unscripted, is expected to drive organic growth and momentum in signings [10][11] - The loyalty program, World of Hyatt, surpassed 61 million members, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase, enhancing customer engagement and brand loyalty [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about forward-looking booking trends, with group pace for full-service U.S. hotels up in the high single digits [10][34] - The company expects average rates to increase in the low to mid-single digit range in 2026 compared to 2025 [10] - Management remains confident in the strength of leisure demand, with October showing a 3% increase in the U.S. and 7% globally [76] Other Important Information - The company plans to return approximately $350 million to shareholders in 2025, inclusive of share repurchases and dividends [25][62] - Adjusted G&A costs are expected to be moderately below full year 2024 levels, despite inflation and additional costs from acquisitions [17][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on net rooms growth and pipeline for 2026 - Management indicated strong organic growth momentum, expecting 6%-7% growth in net rooms for 2026, with 38 hotels planned to open in Q4 [29][30] Question: Group pace in the U.S. and internationally for 2026 - Group pace was reported up in the high single digits, with strong bookings in October, indicating confidence in future group business [34][35] Question: Clarification on G&A expectations for 2026 - Management confirmed expectations for adjusted G&A to be slightly down in 2026 due to organizational changes and efficiencies [38][39] Question: Capital returns and free cash flow - The increase in capital returns was attributed to the new credit card agreement and restructuring charges, with a goal of closer to 100% of free cash flow returned to shareholders in 2026 [41][43] Question: Economic intensity of the master agreement with Homeinns - Management highlighted the successful partnership with Homeinns, focusing on quality and strategic growth in the Chinese market [49][50] Question: Insights on cost initiatives and organizational changes - The company is moving towards an insight-led and brand-focused organization, emphasizing efficiency and agility in operations [56][58] Question: RevPAR outlook for 2026 - Management expressed confidence in RevPAR growth due to upcoming events like the World Cup and strong leisure demand, expecting positive results both in the U.S. and internationally [72][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR growth was reported at 0.3% for the quarter, impacted by a holiday shift and lapping one-time events from the previous year [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter was $291 million, in line with expectations, with owned and leased segment adjusted EBITDA increasing by 7% when adjusted for asset sales [20][25] - Total liquidity as of September 30, 2025, was approximately $2.2 billion, including $1.5 billion in capacity on a revolving credit facility [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR increased by 1.6% year-over-year, with luxury brands seeing approximately 6% growth [6][7] - Business transient RevPAR was flat for the quarter, but improved by 3% in the United States [8][19] - Group RevPAR declined by 4.9%, in line with expectations due to difficult year-over-year comparisons [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR outside of the U.S. performed well, with Europe seeing positive growth driven by strong international inbound travel [18] - Greater China experienced RevPAR growth due to increases in leisure transient demand [19] - The all-inclusive portfolio reported net package RevPAR growth of 7.6% compared to the third quarter of 2024 [7][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exceed a 90% asset-led earnings mix in the near term and has a strong development pipeline of approximately 141,000 rooms [10][11] - The introduction of new brands, such as Hyatt Select and Unscripted, is expected to drive growth and enhance the company's market presence [10][11] - The loyalty program, World of Hyatt, surpassed 61 million members, reflecting a 20% year-over-year increase, and is positioned as a key strategic asset [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about forward-looking booking trends, particularly for group business, which is up in the high single digits for full-service U.S. hotels [9][35] - The company anticipates average rates to increase in the low to mid-single digit range in 2026 compared to 2025 [9] - Management noted that leisure demand remains strong, with October RevPAR increasing by approximately 1% in the U.S. and 5% globally [24][75] Other Important Information - The company expects to incur approximately $50 million in restructuring charges this year, primarily recorded in the third quarter [17] - The full-year adjusted EBITDA outlook is expected to be in the range of $1.09-$1.11 billion, reflecting an 8% increase at the midpoint compared to last year [25] - The company plans to return approximately $350 million to shareholders in 2025, inclusive of share repurchases and dividends [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on net rooms growth for 2026 - Management indicated strong organic growth, expecting continued acceleration in signings and a net rooms growth of 6%-7% for 2026 [29][31] Question: Group pace in the U.S. and internationally for 2026 - Group pace was reported to be up in the high single digits, with strong bookings in October, indicating confidence in future group business [35][36] Question: Clarification on G&A expectations - Management expects adjusted G&A in 2026 to be moderately below 2024 levels due to organizational changes and efficiencies [39][40] Question: Capital returns and restructuring charges - The increase in capital returns is attributed to the new agreement with Chase and the restructuring charges factored into free cash flow [42][43] Question: Economic intensity of the master agreement with Home Inns - The partnership with Home Inns is expected to provide significant growth opportunities, with a focus on quality and strategic locations [48][49] Question: Cost program initiatives - The company is moving towards an insight-led and brand-focused organization, aiming for greater efficiency and improved performance [54][56] Question: Confidence in the RevPAR environment for next year - Management expressed optimism about RevPAR growth due to upcoming events like the World Cup and strong leisure demand [71][75] Question: Current sentiment regarding China - Management feels incrementally better about the Chinese market, noting strong performance in luxury brands despite some challenges [77][82]

Summary of Hyatt Hotels Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) - **Date of Conference**: September 04, 2025 Key Points Industry and Market Outlook - **Travel Demand**: The company has a constructive outlook for the remainder of the year, with modest total growth expected. Corporate travel is rebounding with clarity and conviction, particularly in group and business transient segments [14][15] - **Leisure Travel**: Leisure travel remains strong, with expectations for business transient travel to pick up in September. Group bookings for next year are also reported to be strong [15][20] - **Booking Trends**: The company noted a mid to high single-digit increase in leisure bookings in The Americas, indicating healthy demand in high-end leisure travel [19][21] Performance Metrics - **Luxury vs. Upscale**: The luxury segment saw mid-single-digit growth, while the upscale segment experienced a slight decline of less than 1%. This reflects a wider gap in performance between high-end and low-end customers [24][26] - **All-Inclusive Business**: The all-inclusive segment in The Americas is up 9% for festive bookings, showcasing strong performance in this category [21][32] Development and Growth Strategy - **Supply Dynamics**: The company is experiencing weak construction starts in the U.S., but the majority of its pipeline is outside the U.S., where supply growth is not lagging [40][41] - **International Growth**: The company anticipates continued growth in international markets, particularly in all-inclusive resorts, and is focusing on conversions from office buildings to hotels in China [41][42] - **Asset-Light Strategy**: Hyatt aims to achieve 90% asset-light status by 2027, with ongoing evaluations of its real estate portfolio. The company has realized $5.6 billion in proceeds from asset sales at a multiple exceeding 15 times [74][76][77] Financial Performance - **Real Estate Sales**: The company has successfully sold high-quality assets while maintaining management or franchise contracts, ensuring continued revenue streams [75][76] - **Institutional Capital**: There is increasing interest from institutional investors in the all-inclusive model, which is seen as stable and predictable, despite some currency headwinds from the weakening U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso [48][49] Strategic Partnerships - **Credit Card Program**: The co-brand credit card program with Chase has grown significantly since its last renewal in 2021. The company is in a strong position for upcoming negotiations regarding this program [84][85] Additional Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The company is observing a bifurcation in customer spending, with high-income travelers continuing to spend on luxury travel while lower-income segments are more cautious [24][28] - **Future Opportunities**: Hyatt is exploring various avenues for strategic partnerships and financial collaborations to enhance its distribution channels and overall market presence [70][71] This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points discussed during the Hyatt Hotels conference call, highlighting the company's performance, market outlook, and strategic initiatives.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide RevPAR growth was reported at 1.6% for the quarter, or 2.2% when adjusting for the Easter shift [12][26] - Gross fees increased to $301 million, reflecting a 9.5% growth driven by international RevPAR performance and new hotel openings [28] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $300 million, marking a 9% increase after adjusting for asset sales [29][36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Leisure transient RevPAR increased by 2.6%, with luxury brands seeing an approximate 6% increase [12][26] - Business transient RevPAR was flat, with a decline of 1.5% in the U.S. driven by select service hotels [13][26] - Group RevPAR increased by 0.3%, with expectations for improved performance in the fourth quarter [13][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR outside the U.S. performed well, particularly in Europe and Asia Pacific, excluding Greater China [27] - Greater China saw RevPAR growth for the second consecutive quarter, driven by leisure transient demand [27] - The Americas reported strong growth in all-inclusive net package RevPAR, increasing by 6% compared to the previous year [12][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Playa Hotels and Resorts was completed, enhancing Hyatt's presence in the luxury all-inclusive segment [6][9] - The company aims to maintain an asset-light business model, with expectations for asset-light earnings to exceed 90% by 2027 [11][22] - Hyatt is focused on expanding its brand portfolio, including the introduction of the new brand "Unscripted by Hyatt" to capture more market opportunities [20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of business transient travel post-Labor Day, with expectations for improved RevPAR growth in the fourth quarter [15][34] - The company anticipates challenges in the third quarter due to tough year-over-year comparisons but expects a positive outlook for 2026 [32][34] - Management highlighted the importance of the World of Hyatt loyalty program, which has seen a 21% increase in membership compared to the previous year [16][22] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with total liquidity of approximately $2.4 billion, including $1.5 billion in revolving credit capacity [30] - A quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share was paid, with approximately $822 million remaining under the share repurchase authorization [30] - The company expects to return approximately $300 million to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and share repurchases [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on expected improvement through the year - Management noted that the third quarter may face headwinds due to tough comparisons but expects a stronger fourth quarter driven by group and business transient travel [41][44] Question: Update on co-branded credit card negotiations - Management indicated that updates will be provided once more specifics are available, likely later this year or early next year [49] Question: Status of hotel dispositions and capital allocation - Proceeds from the Playa real estate sale will be used to pay down debt, with ongoing efforts to further dispose of other assets to enhance shareholder returns [54][55] Question: Building blocks for next year's earnings power - Management provided insights on expected fees from Playa, credit card negotiations, organic growth, and the impact of owned and leased properties on earnings [64][68]