After a few years of dreaming about earning and redeeming Hyatt points on the Las Vegas Strip again, it’s finally happening. The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, which includes the iconic Venetian and Palazzo towers, has officially joined World of Hyatt.

While the integration offers certain benefits, it also raises questions about value for elite members and the overall appeal of the partnership.

Let’s dive into what this partnership means for World of Hyatt members, the perks and limitations it brings, and whether it’s worth your points or dollars.

A Much-Needed Comeback for Hyatt in Vegas

The Hyatt-MGM partnership was a gem while it lasted. It allowed reciprocal status matches, meaning Hyatt Explorists and above could match to MGM Gold—a status that came with one of the most coveted Vegas perks: waived resort fees.

For Hyatt loyalists, this partnership wasn’t just about saving resort fees; it also provided an affordable way to accumulate elite qualifying nights, as long as you didn’t mind budget-friendly stays at properties like Excalibur or Luxor.

When that partnership ended, it felt like Hyatt loyalists were stranded in a Vegas desert of limited options (OK, there was Rio, but does that really count?)

Now, The Venetian Las Vegas has stepped in to fill the void, fresh off a $1.5 billion renovation. With its sprawling all-suite accommodations, picturesque canals, and the iconic Sphere lighting up the Strip, it’s a high-end addition to the World of Hyatt portfolio.

However, while the property has undeniable appeal, the partnership comes with some compromises that might leave some travellers questioning whether it’s truly the jackpot they were hoping for.

Earning Points at The Venetian is Standard

World of Hyatt members can now earn points on qualifying stays, resort fees, and eligible purchases at the resort’s restaurants and retail outlets. Here’s a breakdown:

• Base Points: 5 points per dollar spent (all figures USD) on rooms, resort fees, and eligible charges.
• Bonus Points: Elite members earn additional points based on their status tier.
• Credit Card Bonus: World of Hyatt credit cardholders earn 4 bonus points per $1 on eligible purchases charged to their room.
• Elite Night Credits: Stays booked through Hyatt count toward tier status and Milestone Rewards.
• Explore More: Stays at The Venetian count toward Hyatt’s Brand Explorer free night awards.

Redeeming Points is a Bit of Gamble

Let’s talk redemption. Unlike traditional Hyatt properties with predictable award charts, The Venetian plays by its own rules.

Award nights are priced dynamically, meaning they fluctuate based on cash rates.

Considering that room rates in Las Vegas often swing wildly due to events, weekday versus weekend stays, and other factors, finding great redemption value might be a long shot—if it exists at all.

If you’re chasing exceptional value, you might be better off using those points elsewhere—like at Alila Ventana Big Sur or at Park Hyatt Kyoto.

Benefits for Hyatt Elite Members

For Hyatt Globalists and other elite members hoping for the red-carpet treatment, here’s the reality check:

What You Get:

•  Early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability, of course)
• Invited Guest check-in (a fancy way of saying “skip the line”)
• Suite upgrades (again, subject to availability)
• Discounts on gondola rides and select retail shops

What You Don’t Get:

• Free bottled water
• Waived resort fees
• Complimentary parking
• Club lounge access
• Guest of Honor perks

For Globalists, the absence of guaranteed suite upgrades and waived fees diminishes the overall appeal of the property as a Hyatt partner.

Honestly, complimentary bottled water would’ve been a decent perk. Water can be surprisingly expensive in Vegas—I still can’t forget the time a hotel on the Strip tried to charge me $12 for a single bottle.

Is It Worth Booking Through Hyatt?

Here’s the dilemma: Booking through Hyatt lets you earn points and elite night credits, but you may find better rates by booking directly with The Venetian.

While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions since Hyatt hasn’t displayed room rates yet, this echoes the experience with Hyatt’s former MGM partnership.

However, as a general rule of thumb, if the rates are similar on both channels, or if you’re urgently chasing Hyatt Milestone Rewards or elite qualifying nights, booking through Hyatt might make sense. Otherwise, you’re likely better off booking through Venetian directly and save some cash.

Special Promotions for Hyatt Members

To promote the partnership, Hyatt is auctioning a “A Weekend of Entertainment and Indulgence at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas” package on its FIND Experiences platform.

The package includes a three-night stay, $500 dining credit, two tickets to a performance at Sphere, private indoor Gondola ride for two, and more.

While it’s a fun way to celebrate the collaboration, the current bid makes it hard to argue it’s a great value.

However, if similar packages become available for cash or through FIND Experience credits from Milestone Rewards, it could open up interesting possibilities.

Conclusion

Hyatt’s new partnership with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas provides Hyatt members with another option on the Strip, filling a gap left by the termination of its MGM Resorts partnership.

While the ability to earn and redeem points is a win, the limited elite benefits and dynamic award pricing leave much to be desired.

That said, the luxurious suites, prime location, and the sheer coolness of The Sphere might make it worth a visit. Just don’t forget to bring your own water bottle, and maybe save your points for a destination where they stretch a little further.

So, is The Venetian worth a spin? It depends on your priorities. If you’re after points and elite qualifying nights, go with Hyatt. If cash savings or Venetian Rewards deals catch your eye, book direct.

Either way, The Venetian’s unique charm ensures it remains an iconic Vegas destination—and a tempting choice for your next trip.