Hyatt’s Playa Takeover Almost Complete – Hilton Award & Discounted Reservations Already Being Cancelled

Hyatt announced late last year (read more here) that it had begun negotiating to take over Playa Resorts and subsequently agreed to buy the hotelier for $2.6 billion in February (read more here). Hyatt and Playa have received approvals from the US and Mexico for […]

Jun 11, 2025 - 20:45

Hyatt announced late last year (read more here) that it had begun negotiating to take over Playa Resorts and subsequently agreed to buy the hotelier for $2.6 billion in February (read more here).

Hyatt and Playa have received approvals from the US and Mexico for the purchase to be completed, and Hyatt already owns more than 90% of Playa’s shares. The deal is expected to close on Monday or Tuesday next week.

You can access Hyatt here, and Playa here.

Even when Hyatt’s Playa takeover is not yet complete, although it will be early next week, and while these Playa-owned Hilton hotels are still available for bookings on Hilton’s website, discounted guest and award reservations are already being cancelled.

If you plan to stay at any of the following Playa-owned Hilton hotels, and you are staying using points or on a heavily discounted reservation, expect your reservations to be cancelled very shortly:

Dominican Republic

Hilton La Romana
Hilton La Romana Adult Resort

Jamaica

Hilton Rose Hall

Mexico

Hilton Playa Del Carmen Adult Resort
The Yucatan Playa Del Carmen by Hilton, Adult Resort

You should make alternate arrangements if you plan to stay at any of the above properties, as your Hilton booking will likely be cancelled with no advance notice.

We have been in touch with Hilton to find out when these hotels will be dropping their Hilton flags, but have not received a reply by the publication time.

Playa’s Hotel Portfolio:

Playa’s Hotels per Geographical Area

Playa’s Financial Presentation (an interesting read):

Download (PDF, 1.94MB)

Conclusion

There must be tens of thousands of Hilton bookings for these five hotels that are about to exit the chain and be reflagged under Hyatt brands.

Usually, paid reservations are honored, while point ones are just canceled, and guests are told to book something else, which is very unfortunate, especially with these properties that require airfare and other bookings that most guests must already have in place.

You can either book another hotel or the same hotel under the Hyatt brand, or incur a financial loss with other booking components.

I find it somewhat unusual that Playa is already nuking these bookings when the sale hasn’t been completed yet, and the exact Hilton exit date is unclear.

Source