Hyatt MGM Partnership: Complete Guide to Its Rise, End, and Impact

ByKumbara

Title Tag: Hyatt MGM Partnership: Complete Guide to Its Rise, End, and Impact
Meta Description: Explore the history of the Hyatt–MGM Rewards partnership, how it worked, reasons for its end in 2023, and what it means for loyalty program users—detailed insights, use cases, tech benefits, and FAQs.

Hyatt MGM Partnership: Complete Guide to Its Rise, End, and Impact

Origins: Hyatt and MGM Rewards Join Forces

Insert image of the product: [Image of World of Hyatt app interface showing MGM properties]

The Hyatt–MGM partnership launched in 2013 to give World of Hyatt members access to Las Vegas properties long before Hyatt built its footprint there. This strategic alliance allowed Hyatt members to earn and redeem points at MGM Resorts in Las Vegas, while MGM Rewards members could status match into the World of Hyatt tier.  Essentially, it functioned like a hotel equivalent of code-sharing between airlines, enabling guests on both sides to benefit from extended reach.

For Hyatt, the partnership filled the gap in Las Vegas then Hyatt had only three properties in the area bringing coverage across MGM’s full brand spectrum . MGM, in turn, attracted a loyal upscale demographic from Hyatt’s global base, driving room bookings and ancillary spending. The reciprocal relationship fostered value, recognition, and competitive positioning for both chains.

How the Partnership Worked in Practice

The partnership enabled:

  • Point earning and redemption: World of Hyatt members could use points to book stays at MGM Resorts (Bellagio, MGM Grand, A,ia, etc) and earn elite-night credit.

  • Tier matching: Hyatt elites could match their status to MGM Rewards to access benefits like waived resort fees, priority check-in, and free parking. MGM members could do the reverse

  • Enhanced benefits: Hyatt Globalists received MGM Gold status; Explorist-level Hyatt members received lower MGM tiers

These tools created a seamless experience for loyal guests, incentivizing stays and loyalty without forcing brand switches.

Reasons Behind the End of the Partnership

Despite its popularity, the alliance ended on September 30.2023. Reasons included:

  • Shifting strategic priorities: MGM began aligning its loyalty alliances with Marriott Bonvoy, citing greater scale and reach. Hyatt, meanwhile, was expanding its own Las Vegas presence.

  • Cost‑benefit imbalance: MGM likely evaluated the net cost of extending Hyatt’s points and accommodations to be greater than the incremental revenue Hyatt guests brought

  • Hyatt’s reduced dependency: With its own Vegas properties, the Rio acquisition, Via Residences, and others, Hyatt was less reliant on the partnership for market presence.

Ultimately, both brands diverged on ROI and strategic alignment, leading to the partnership’s sunset.

Technology‑Driven Benefits During Partnership

Hyatt and MGM leveraged digital tools to make the partnership functional:

  • Integrated booking engines: Users could book MGM stays via Hyatt’s digital platforms, streamlining the customer journey.

  • Tier verification via APIs: Status matching and tier upgrades were validated in real-time across both loyalty systems, reducing friction.

  • Analytics and data sharing: Both programs gained insights on customer behavior, preferences, and cross-brand loyalty trends using shared data.

While the partnership existed, this backend tech integration made operations smooth, transparent, and efficient for members and staff alike.

Real‑World Examples of Usage and Impact

1. Hyatt Globalist Enjoying MGM Grand Benefits

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A Hyatt Globalist could stay at the MGM Grand and revel in waived resort and parking fees, access to priority check-in, and elite lounge access benefits usually reserved for MGM elite membe.   This enhanced experience made Las Vegas trips more rewarding without requiring new behaviors.

2. MGM Rewards Member Matching to Hyatt Explorist

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An MGM Rewards Silver or Gold member could convert status to Hyatt Exploris, unlocking benefits like bonus points, late checkout, and room upgrades at select Hyatt properties for the remainder of the qualification year This extended Hyatt benefit across the member’s travel portfolio.

3. Midweek Mattress Run for Hyatt Elite Nights

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Members leveraged discounted midweek stays at MGM (Excalibur, Luxor) booked with Hyatt points to rack up elite-night credit cheaply Such mattress runs supported attainment of Hyatt Globalist status while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

4. Seamless Bookings via Hyatt Aimgkit.net.net

HyattConnect and the World of Hyatt app integrated MGM stays, enabling members to book, manage, and earn credits within Hyatt’s interface. This unified booking experience diminished confusion and enhanced engagement.

Benefits Post-Partnership: Ongoing Value Despite Exit

Though the partnership ended, its legacy imparted several lasting advantages:

  • Data-cultural integration: Both programs enhanced their capabilities in cross-system tier verification, setting a blueprint for future alliances.

  • Consumer expectations: Travelers accustomed to cross-brand reciprocity now look for equivalent partnerships, forcing other chains to respond.

  • Internal digital transformation: Joint booking and recognition platforms taught both brands about the importance of backend cohesion.

Thus, even as the channels closed, internal modernization and customer-experience lessons persisted.

Real‑Life Use Cases Solving Loyalty Program Challenges

  • Hotel chain coverage gaps: Hyatt lacked scale in Vegas; MGM lacked loyalty reach outside Vegas. The alliance solved both problems by offering coverage and benefits across each other’s networks.

  • Affordable elite qualification: Through mattress-run strategies and points bookings, travelers could achieve high status with minimal spending, solving the challenge of affordability.

  • Enhanced guest satisfaction: Eliminating resort fees and offering priority access elevated the stay experience, broadening the value proposition for both brands.

These use cases highlight how loyalty partnerships can solve structural gaps and improve brand value.

FAQs

When did the Hyatt–MGM Rewards partnership start and end?
The partnership began around 2013 and officially ended on September 30, 2023, discontinuing all point earning, redemption, and status-matching benefits across botbrands

Can current Hyatt members still use MGM benefits?
No. After the termination date, Hyatt members can no longer earn World of Hyatt points for MGM stays, redeem points at MGM properties, or access MGM elite benefits via Hyatt status matching .

What replaced the Hyatt–MGM partnership?
MGM shifted loyalty alignment to Marriott Bonvoy, with several properties entering the MGM Collection within Marriott’s program, while Hyatt replaced Vegas coverage through its property expansion

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