Roundup: Articles From Around the Web
Here are some posts from around the web that I thought you may find interesting. Let me know if there is anything good I missed. Email me anything awesome that you find, or write, at Mark@milestomemories.com.
Articles
I TRIED TO LIKE HYATT, BUT IT’S NOT WORKING – YMMV
If you don’t go to city centers then Hyatt probably isn’t the best program for you for sure. They have been adding hotels like gangbusters, and the footprint is a ton better than it was, but it is still way behind Hilton, Marriott and IHG. Especially in rural areas. It was a part of the reason I thought a Hyatt / SPG merger would have made the most sense.
Why Phuket’s ‘Sandbox’ pilot project matters to other islands in Asia – CNN Travel
This stat really blew my mind:
“Over $13 billion in international tourism income. Close to 90% of the local GDP.”
Point Debit Card Annual Fee Increased to $99 – DDG
I know this has been a favorite of a few buddies of mine. Sad to see the annual fee double but I know most have received hundreds in value from the card so probably still a keeper for most.
Conclusion
Which article did you find most interesting? Remember to let me know of anything you come across that you want added into the next edition at Mark@milestomemories.com.
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Mark, as you note, footprint is a big problem for Hyatt. For me, it has been the biggest problem. In X, does Hyatt even have a property? If yes, is it even a quality property? If yes, is it the only game in town?
But, then there’s award availability. There have been a number of articles about properties limiting award inventory to the point of impracticality. I have found a number of luxury hotels under Hyatt offer only the basic room and nothing more . . . not even an upgrade with cash. And, the redemption rate is poor. So, even if Hyatt is the only game in town, for practical purposes, I could never use it for a redemption.
We have seen tier benefits become devalued and / or elusive. To other articles, I have strongly commented against tier status — that it is a mug’s game — and that hotel loyalty programs are purely a points game. But, then, as one of your recent articles noted, if one can no longer even redeem awards, there’s nothing left.
I have gratis Globalist status. But, I cannot possibly imagine ever staying at a Hyatt to use that status.