In 2026, the standard policy for World of Hyatt remains that stays booked through third-party "Online Travel Agencies" (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, or Orbitz are considered ineligible for earning points or elite night credits. To receive these benefits, you must book directly through Hyatt's official website, app, or their global contact centers. While you won't earn base points on the room rate, many 2026 Hyatt properties still allow you to earn points on eligible incidental charges (like spa treatments or dining at the hotel restaurant) if you charge them to your room and provide your member number at checkout. Furthermore, elite status benefits—such as free breakfast or room upgrades—are technically only guaranteed for direct bookings. If you find a better rate on Booking.com, a smarter 2026 strategy is to use Hyatt’s "Best Rate Guarantee" to match the price while keeping your points and status benefits intact.