World of Hyatt elite status members love their suite upgrades, and while many hotels will offer a complimentary, space-available upgrade upon arrival, there is another path to a better room. Some elite members can earn suite upgrades that they can apply in advance, giving them a better shot at an upgrade.

It’s important to understand how and when you can use these to maximize your experience. Those dream suites on the website may still be out of reach if you’re expecting a freebie. World of Hyatt is one of the few remaining hotel loyalty brands to maintain an award chart, giving members transparency and flexibility in how they use their awards.

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your Hyatt upgrade.

Different types of Hyatt upgrade certificates

The program offers two types of Hyatt upgrade certificates, and it’s important to understand the difference between Club Lounge Access and Hyatt suite upgrade awards (sometimes called the Hyatt TSU, or tier suite upgrade).

Club Lounge Access: Award for club-level rooms with lounge access.

Suite Upgrade Award: Award to upgrade your room to a suite.

These awards are usually earned through World of Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards program, which awards more perks for how often you stay or how much you spend.

For example, if you stay at least 50 elite-qualifying nights or earn 80,000 base points, you will earn two Hyatt suite upgrade awards. More rewards follow the more you stay (and spend), and when achieving Globalist status, you get four suite upgrade awards per year.

ConciergeKey members with American earn automatic Globalist status after linking their World of Hyatt and American AAdvantage accounts.

How to use a Hyatt suite upgrade certificate

To apply an upgrade award on eligible reservations, you must contact a Hyatt Global Contact Center when booking.

Each upgrade award is good for as many as seven nights when paying in cash, points, or points and cash. This is a great deal since other programs — like Marriott Bonvoy — only provide suite night upgrades to use per night rather than per weeklong stay.