Hyatt Hotel Benefits
My Hyatt relationship swings back and forth. I last had top tier Diamond status under their previous Gold Passport program and absolutely loved it. I’ve stayed less often in recent years, primarily due to Hyatt’s relatively limited footprint. Status hasn’t been worth the effort to me there (or anywhere else, pretty much). Meanwhile, many continue to enjoy Hyatt hotel benefits, particularly top tier Globalist members. For how much some talk about Hyatt, I wondered aloud if the program has become a bit overrated. But over several stays in the past year or so, I’ve come to appreciate certain Hyatt aspects compared to their competition. Here are just a few.
A Superior Breakfast Benefit
While traveling with Globalists on a few occasions, Hyatt reminded me of their excellent breakfast benefits for top tier elites. Generally, full complimentary breakfast is available for each registered room guest, up to two adults and two children. In my experience, there haven’t been complimentary breakfast “gotchas” like entree price limits. And room service is still a reliable option. The ease of use here is Hyatt’s special sauce. Meanwhile, I have to stay on top of seemingly everything with other chains’ benefits, most prominently with Hilton.
Attentive Service For Non-Elites
Again, I’ve had zero Hyatt status for several years. During this timeframe, I’ve received excellent service during stays, even compared to other programs where I hold status. My Hyatt hotel room has been serviced each day without any issues. Pushing back checkout an hour or two hasn’t been a concern, either. Workers have greeted me by name on several occasions. Some may consider this trivial, but I admire the attention to detail.
The Little Things
At a recent check-in, the agent provided two free drink vouchers for use at the restaurant. Sure, they’re promoting their restaurant, but I can’t remember such a non-elite perk from another chain.
Here’s a little thing that’s actually turned bigger over the years. For a variety of reasons, I’ll periodically have multiple night stays under different reservations. Some chains require me to check in/out at the front desk and have new keys made with each new reservation. Depending on my schedule, this can be an inconvenient exercise. Hyatt agents have been able to check me in for the duration of my stay without any extra trips to the front desk. It should be this simple everywhere, but Hyatt seems to be most consistent here.
A Noteworthy Caveat
Based on prior disappointments, I’ve recently avoided Hyatt Place properties. That’s my plan moving forward, as well. Their unpredictable breakfast is my biggest problem with past experiences. Many of their worn, dustier properties play into my decision, as well. Ironically, I’ve found staying in Hyatt’s full service hotels, where elite status supposedly means more, works out better for me as a non-elite!
Conclusion
So then, I’ll continue enjoying my infrequent Hyatt stays, sometimes with other Globalists, and revel in those small positives. Often, success in the points and travel game lies somewhere in the middle rather than the extremes. And the nuances of Hyatt hotel benefits which extend to non-elites will probably be the tie-breaker for where I stay in the future. It’s a win/win for Hyatt and this customer. I’m satisfied with that arrangement. What notable Hyatt hotel benefits have you received as a non-elite member?
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What about Explorists? My view is that I’ve earned my club lounge passes and haven’t found a single Hyatt with their lounge open??? Worthless. We should be able to redeem for points or I’d rather have a free night cert.
I am Globalist staying 18 nights in San Diego and Honolulu. All you say is true. Resort fees and parking waived. Breakfast with lobster benedict and tip/taxes waived. Immaculate rooms. Evening food at Regency and Grand included. Wonderful consistency in great rooms and kind service from all staff. Wish my lifetime titanium with Marriott and 2M points could be transferred.
Tom,
Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
Yes. Please keep avoiding my favorite brand.
IHG? 😉