Hilton HHonors - Hilton HHonors versus Hyatt Gold Passport

I just got an offer to be upgraded to Hyatt Diamond through 2/03 if I stay at 3 Hyatts between 9/1/01 and 11/15/01. It was referred through my Delta Platinum status.

I've already requalified for my Hilton Diamond status through next year, so it's a no-brainer for me to throw 3 nights at Hyatt so I have status at another hotel.

My question is this....how does the Hyatt status compare?

The basic benefits seem fairly similar (except that I have to choose between airline and hotel miles with Hyatt), but I was hoping to find some qualitative opinions from those who've participated in both.

BTW, I looked at the Hyatt board and their Diamond members are pretty steamed about this. It sounds like Hyatt worked with several airlines to solicit their big flyers.

Thanks.

Only Gold with HHonors but after arguing for breakfast so many times, Hyatt wins hands down. I have always been upgraded to a better room (albeit not a suite mind you) with access to Regency Club.

I only stay at Hilton for the promotions, double dipping with miles, or because there is not a reasonable Hyatt in town- ie. New York.

------------------
"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

Hilton does not have a published diamond amenity benefit, while both SPG, Marriott, and Hyatt do offer top teer members some sort of welcome amenity. I am Hilton Gold, and may make Diamond this year. I also, last year, got and took advantage of one of those Hyatt/airline Diamond offers. I do find that a relatively few number of Hyatts, when compared to Hilton, actually have a Regency Club. The Hyatt amenity is the best in the business, and Hyatt has the 800-checkin. The only real benefits from HH Gold to HH Diamond seem to be point bonus, and guaranteed reservation. I have never been HH Diamond, so I don't know if some hotels have undocumented benefits. E.g. do some Hilton properties give Diamonds an amenity on arrival? SPG typically gives suite upgrades, amenity varies widely, and they have no blackouts/cpacity controls on awards. However, SPG does not have as many club lounges as does Hilton/Marriott, and personally I will often go to the club lounge instead of dinner. Also if I am staying somewhere by myself for 1-2 nights, then typically, a suite is not that important, and things like club lounge, amenity, and internet access are more important. Speaking of internet, I don't know that Hyatt offers high speed net access, though several Hiltons/Marriotts have it, as do W's, a few Wstin's, etc.

I was a Hyatt Diamond and am now a Hilton Diamond. They are very different in their benefits. Being a Hilton Diamond you can usually get free breakfast and a nominal upgrade. There are more Hilton's than Hyatt's, but the quality is much less consistent. I have been treated extemely well when redeeming rewards, especially through the Diamond Desk.

At Hyatt, you receive an upgrade and free breakfast. You also receive an amenity when checking in. I would always take the bottle of wine and usually bring it home with me. The properties all seem to have their own character. What I liked most about Hyatt, and Hilton unfortunately can't compare here, is the recognition by all their staff. I would always get upgraded, I never had problems with breakfast, the Diamond reservation line would always have friendly and knowledgeable reps. I also found out the entire staff had a list of VIP guests, which included all Diamonds.

Don;t get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Hilton! If you can afford it and you're near a Hyatt though, its a very nice choice.

InHoc -

I was Hyatt Diamond last year and am Hilton Diamond this year. Here is my "qualitative comparison:

Hyatt has better quality amenities than Hilton - no doubt in my mind about that.

However - Hilton has the one advantage in an "amenity" that is most important to me (and you referred to it in your post) and that is Double Dipping for BOTH miles on the airline FF AND getting hotel points!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif That is the key to me for putting 100% of my stays on Hilton properties.

If Hyatt woiuld "double Dip" I would go back to Hyatt as much as I could. It is nice that Hilton has so many more properties, especially in the suburbs, as compared to Hyatt though as that allows me more choice in hotel stays in smaller locations.

dAAvid -

ps - Another "reason" to stay at Hilton vs. Hyatt is that Hilton has a "dedicated" email address for FlyerTalk members to communicate with Hilton as well as having several "lurkers" who monitor this forum and help us out A LOT!! Hyatt won't even recognize that FT exists!

edited to add the "ps" -dAAvid -

[This message has been edited by AA SLF (edited 08-24-2001).]

I've received Hyatt offers for status in the past. The first problem I would have is it would not be sustainable. I would have to go out of my way to book Hyatts because there are few in the out-of-the-way places I travel. Even if I qualified, it would be unlikely I would be able to continue the number of stays to keep the status after the introductory deal. The second problem is price. The few times I have been in locations with a Hyatt, the price differential between the Hyatt and the Hilton or Marriott was substantial.

Outoftown.....that would describe you, me and most others reading FT.

It's been nice to sample their service as a diamond, and they've booked six nights from me in two months. No way can I sustain diamond and no way am I staying in this high priced chain without it.

To the original question. They are two quite different operations. My guess is that if you're a Hyatt type person, Hilton would not interest you much. And my idea of a Hyatt type person is one that stays inside the city limits with someone else paying the tab.


[This message has been edited by hedoman (edited 08-25-2001).]

I hold Diamond status in both, Hilton since 1997. Hyatt is much better about rewarding you, and I think runs a better brand overall.

What drives me bonkers about Hilton is the inconsistent treatment you get from property to property.

One property in particular that gives you the sleeves off their vest is the Marco Island Hilton: You don't get jack at that place with Diamond status. Not even a $.59 bottle of water. It pisses me off to think about it.

The bottom line is Hilton has to get control of their franchisees and start making these properties treat their best customers better.

I just had the same offer sent to me as well.
I've been Hilton Diamond for 5 or 6 years and have the same same problems as the rest with regards to inconsistent treatment in the US. The reason I stay Diamond is that for the most part, the overseas locations treat me really nice and there are a lot of location options as well. It's also nice to have the other brand names (Doubletree, Hampton etc.) to choose from as well.
This past week, I had my first Hyatt Diamond stay in Tampa, FL. That 1 stay was better than just about any Hilton stay I have had in the US in the past couple years. I was greeted with a card to pick out my own amenity. I could choose my own type of drink (wine, beer, soft drinks or water) and my choice of snack (cookies, fruit etc.) the lounge was better than most Hiltons as well.
I will go ahead and qualify for the Hyatt Diamond this year but in the future will probably keep most of my stays within Hilton.

Which of these two programs is better and in what ways?

Hyatt Gold Passport is the lowest starting level so a Hilton Gold is much better. Hilton Gold's are usually considered for upgrades even to Executive floors where Hyatt upgrades are usually reserved for Diamonds. Hyatt Platinum requires three stays for each upgrade or amenity.

There seems to be a wide base of properties in the Hilton chain from which to earn points--Hampton Inns, Doubletree, etc.

I find that Hiltons are more likely to have an executive lounge where as it seems comparatively few Hyatts have regency club lounges. Hyatt's best thing going for it is the Diamond Amenity which beats the rest besides perhaps Wyndham which I have never had but it sounds good on paper.

Hilton Gold has free breakfast, where as Hyatt I don't think that is a documented benefit but I have gotten it from Hyatt on an undocumented basis often without asking as a Diamond.

Some people will tell you, for example, that HH does not give them breakfast, but if that happens you need to call the manager on duty and be persuasive and I guarantee you will get your breakfast. I have never failed to get a breakfast at Hilton when I wanted it, and again, it is usually volunteered via a coupon or an upgrade to the executive floor that has the continental breakfast spread.

Hilton Gold is quite nice! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Being diamond in both the Hilton and Hyatt programs (30 stays at Hyatt and 19 at Hilton so far in 2002) its my experience that the Hyatt Gold Passport is far superior to Hilton Honors. The amenities are much nicer at Hyatt and unlike Hilton hotels I've never had to "beg" for any of the promised benefits. Of the Hilton chain, DoubleTree is by far the best -- automatic upgrades and exquisite attention to detail.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jetsetter:
Hilton Gold has free breakfast, ....

Some people will tell you, for example, that HH does not give them breakfast, but if that happens you need to call the manager on duty and be persuasive and I guarantee you will get your breakfast. I have never failed to get a breakfast at Hilton when I wanted it, and again, it is usually volunteered via a coupon or an upgrade to the executive floor that has the continental breakfast spread. </font>

The rules say that with HH, you are entitled to a CONTINENTAL breakfast only if you are NOT upgraded. So, if one is upgraded and no lounge is available for breakfast, that's it. However, many Hilton properties exceed this rule.

I was wondering if it possible for someone that has Hyatt points to trade a 6 night stay with someone that has HH points. The reason that I bring this up is that I would like to someday go to the Kauai Hyatt, however, I have no status with Hyatt. I am a diamond member with HH. Are the points about the same value between the 2 hotels? Has anyone tried this trade before? Thanks!
Jay

I'm not sure how you'd do it, outside of finding a kind sole that's willing to swap.

As a Diamond member in both programs, I can tell you that there is a significant difference in the cost of a week at a Hyatt vs. a week at a Hilton in Hawaii.

For each dollar that I spend, Hilton gives me 15 points, but Hyatt only gives me 6.5 point. Hilton also has great promotions, like the CNTU where you get an extra 50,000 points.

Six nights at a Hilton in Hawaii costs 100,000 HHonors points, while the six nights at the Kauai Hyatt will cost 90,000 Gold Passport points.

If someone else knows of a method, I'd be interested in hearing about a way to move points back and forth.

Without doing the math, my guess is that Hyatt points are valued at 3:1 or higher.

[This message has been edited by hedoman (edited 09-05-2002).]

Since you can issue a Hilton cert in anyone's name, if Hyatt cert's can also be issued in anyone's name, it seems its just a matter of finding a willing Hyatt member who can make a Hilton stay work for them.

I'd try the Hyatt and the Coupon Connection forums. Perhaps a good angle would be to talk up a premier Hilton property, like a Conrad, or a famous property like the Waldorf. And you can use your knowledge of point stretchers to propose some potential exchanged that might tempt someone. It's kind of like those people who swap homes for vacations. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Let us know if and how it works out.

I used to stay at the Stanhope in NY- no longer a hotel. Considering changing to Hilton to stay at the Waldorf. Would try for Diamond if it is worth it.I think the Hyatt Diamond program is excellent.
I would apprecite advice re: comparing the 2 programs.
Thanks

There is a table on one of the main hotel's website that lists the details of all the major hotel loyalty programs.

Found it... on the Starwood site (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/benefits/benefits_competitive_grid.html).

I have chosen HH because it has many more properties than Hyatt, plus I was able to get Gold in one of the HH promos, so now I give Hilton my business.

Hope that helps.

Try head2head (http://www.webflyer.com/programs/head2head/) on Webflyer.com.

There is a table on one of the main hotel's website that lists the details of all the major hotel loyalty programs.

Found it... on the Starwood site (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/benefits/benefits_competitive_grid.html).

I have chosen HH because it has many more properties than Hyatt, plus I was able to get Gold in one of the HH promos, so now I give Hilton my business.

Hope that helps.

That was an intersting table and I thank you for posting it.

However, it is interesting to note how some programs will shade their statements. SPG trumpets the fact that only it and Marriott have a Platinum toll free reservations number.

Of course, it does not mention that neither of the two omitting programs -- HHonors and Hyatt Gold Passport -- do not have a Platinum award tier level. Moreover, they both do have a top tier elite level which does provide such a toll free reservation number -- for its top tier Diamond members.

So much for true or meaningful accuracy in advertising. :td: :D

I used to stay at the Stanhope in NY- no longer a hotel. Considering changing to Hilton to stay at the Waldorf. Would try for Diamond if it is worth it.I think the Hyatt Diamond program is excellent.
I would apprecite advice re: comparing the 2 programs.
Thanks

I'm Diamond in both. Each has its strengths, but Hyatt recently scaled back its program. Hilton offers: 1) stay credit for award stays, 2) guaranteed award availability without capacity controls, 3) many more properties at a wide range of price points, 4) affinity credit cards and good point transfer ratio from American Air and Amtrak. Hyatt offers: 1) complimentary food and wine amenity throughout the U.S, 2) generous point bonus and free night offers at certain times (available to all), 3) arguably fancier properties especially overseas. Both chains offer free breakfast to Diamonds where club access is not available.

P.S. In NYC, both the Waldorf and the Millenium Hilton easily outshine the Grand Hyatt. Compared them all in suites this past weekend. At all levels, the Waldorf's customer service surpasses the Hyatt's, and more natural light penetrates the rooms.

I've been top tier on all three. Currently *Wood platinum (top tier), Platinum on Hyatt (sort of mid-tier), and Gold w/Hilton (expiring soon). I let the Hilton slide to 2 stays last year. I became totally annoyed with trying to use points for award rez and having to call in (before they upgraded the HHonors website). Plus the properties are not as nice as they used to be.

That said, the downside to Hyatt is less hotels to choose from and there is a seven day advance requirement when you book an award stay. Hence if you get a last minute airline ticket and want to pair it with an award stay, you can forget about Hyatt.

*Wood I'm generally happy with, but in many cities, no properties. Whereas you may be more likely to find a Hilton-related option.

What I'm getting at is you should have a main program and a backup program. As top tier, I got the best treatment at *Wood & Hyatt.

You really have to look at the cities & countries you travel to and see what hotel chains are represented there. Then haggle over what amenities are important to you.

BTW, not that you can do a 'search' these days, but last year (maybe 2 years ago) on the *Wood or Hyatt (thinking it was Hyatt) Forum a FTer was trying to decide between the major hotel chains and she spents days researching and typing up this huge matrix on Excel with pros & cons. She did a fantastic job so that's a resource to look out for.

That said, the downside to Hyatt is less hotels to choose from and there is a seven day advance requirement when you book an award stay. Hence if you get a last minute airline ticket and want to pair it with an award stay, you can forget about Hyatt.

the seven-day advance reservation is required only for booking award stays online. you can always call goldpassport CS to book the rooms. i have in the past reserved a room using both points and ffns on the day of arrival.

for your comments.
I won't leave Hyatt, and I'm waiting to see if Hilton will offer me any type of match[ the original offer was to stay 20 nights within 90 days to receive Diamond status.

I am a current Hyatt Diamond, and Hilton Diamond for about a month now. I like Hyatt's program better because the 1-800 Check In people always get me an upgrade if they can and know how the program should work.

However, there are many places I travel where there are no Hyatts and Hyatt doesn't give stay credit for their economy brand. There are Hilton properties everywhere and I get full credit in all of them which is why I've chosen to go with Hilton.

I can also see a pretty big difference between Hilton gold and diamond. I've only been diamond for a month now, but was at about 10% on upgrades as a gold and about 75% as a diamond based on recent activity.

I've been diamond with Hilton and Hyatt for the last couple of years, staying both in the U.S. and overseas. Most people seem to agree that Hyatt has far fewer properties than Hilton, although this may not be a factor depending on your particular travel patterns. (If there's no Hyatt in Timbuktoo, but you never go there, then it's not a problem!) Also, Hyatt is about to add another chain, AmeriSuites, beginning April 1.

I like the Faster Free Nights program that Hyatt offers periodically (not limited to Diamonds). But beyond that, I feel like I've generally had better service from Hyatt -- especially from their Diamond Desk and willingness to bend a rule here or there. It's not all that black and white, though, because I certainly have had some fine service at Hilton Hotels too, both in the U.S. and abroad. Also, there's very likely a Hilton family hotel most anywhere you go, at least in the U.S.

The Hyatt Diamond desk has consistently given me good to fantastic service. The Hilton Diamond desk is a wider range: great down to just mediocre. Your mileage may vary, of course. Even though Hyatt has made some changes in their program recently, if I absolutely had to choose one, I'd probably go with Hyatt. Ideally, I'll be able to keep them both.

One last thought: there continues to be confusion about the new "rolling tier qualifcation" prorgram with Hilton. Like many folks, I don't know if I'm really any better off now or not. This may be a plus or a minus, depending on your travel patterns and how you figure it out. ;-)

Just my 2 cents.

In order to remain a Diamond, I was forced to choose either HHonors and Gold Passport this year (I am currently Diamond in both). After much research and thought, my loyalty went to Hilton HHonors.

As others have pointed out, Hilton has many more properties, also of numerous brands in the same city, so it's easier to maintain your VIP status when you always have a Hilton option at your destination.

Also, VIP members get better treatment and more value with HHonors in my experience. I have yet to receive a suite upgrade in ANY Hyatt property, while I've lost count of the free suites I've occupied at Hiltons. As a mid-level chain, Hilton obviously places more importance on VIP status, judging by the way the front desk agents "click their heels" at VIP guests, even Golds. The more upscale -- and yes, sometimes pretentious -- Hyatt agents respond with a blank stare when I point to my Diamond status as justification to grant better accommodations.

Not to mention Hilton's new rolling tier system for determining VIP status; the first in the industry to do so, I'm told. It really takes the risk out of choosing to maintain Diamond status in just one hotel program.

Finally, Hilton's web site is great -- I almost never need to call the Diamond Desk. Hyatt's is far less functional and technically limited.

Happy Travels,

Brian


Would try for Diamond if it is worth it.I think the Hyatt Diamond program is excellent.I would apprecite advice re: comparing the 2 programs.Thanks

After much Hiltoning, I ended up in a Hyatt in Denver last week. I know you can't judge chains by a single hotel, but a few notes...
- Hyatts always seem to invest more in the lobbies, so you definitely feel like it's an upscale hotel when you arrive. Of course, for comfort's sake that's not worth much, but first impressions do matter
- A room is a room. Seriously, they do all seem to blend together, except...
- This place, they had a large LCD TV mounted on a swivel on top of the bureau. This is so much better than the standard Hilton "TV in the armoire" arrangement - I could just spin the TV to see it from the desk.

While considering going after higher status at Hyatt (since I'm Hilton Diamond through 2009), I found this thread, which instantly changed my mind:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=557581

Whoa. I have NEVER had a problem getting my reserved room type at a Hilton.

.....

That thread is in regards to a Hyatt Platinum. If you are Hilton Diamond, you can get a status match to a Hyatt Diamond.

how funny - i just got back from a stay at the hilton garden inn, right across the street from the denver hyatt. it had a flatscreen tv on a real dresser. while i don't recall ever watching tv in a hotel room, i certainly could have turned it toward the desk if i had wanted.

Hmmm... maybe it's a Denver thing then...

That thread is in regards to a Hyatt Platinum. If you are Hilton Diamond, you can get a status match to a Hyatt Diamond.

That's good to know, thanks.

However, my shock is at the very concept that Hyatt doesn't actually reserve the room requested. Maybe I've just been lucky, but from no status all the way through Diamond, I have always gotten the room type (king/no smoking) that I've requested.

That's good to know, thanks.

However, my shock is at the very concept that Hyatt doesn't actually reserve the room requested. Maybe I've just been lucky, but from no status all the way through Diamond, I have always gotten the room type (king/no smoking) that I've requested.

When I was just a normal gold passport member I never recall not getting the room I requested. Now, as a Platinum member, I still have not had any problems with the room I wanted. If you do not get the type of room you reserved, they will give you 5,000 points which is a fairly good deal.

That's good to know, thanks.

However, my shock is at the very concept that Hyatt doesn't actually reserve the room requested. Maybe I've just been lucky, but from no status all the way through Diamond, I have always gotten the room type (king/no smoking) that I've requested.

I have never had a problem at any hyatt getting the room type I have requested.

Hyatt has always given me the room type I've booked.

For elite Hyatt members, with the Platinum or Diamond guarantees, you get bonus points if you do not get the smoking/nonsmoking or bed type (one or two) requested. Five stays or 15 nights make Platinum. And you've heard about FFN. Shame the Hyatt family can't compare to the Hilton family in number of properties.

For elite Hyatt members, with the Platinum or Diamond guarantees, you get bonus points if you do not get the smoking/nonsmoking or bed type (one or two) requested.

Forget bonus points - Marriott pays you cash if they can't meet your reserved room type.

Of course, I'm not sure that the guarantee is a reason to choose one loyalty program over another, but that's just my view. It is a rare occasion that I get a Double Double that I didn't reserve, and it really doesn't matter at all to me on business when I'm traveling alone, so it really is a non-issue to me.

However, my shock is at the very concept that Hyatt doesn't actually reserve the room requested. Maybe I've just been lucky, but from no status all the way through Diamond, I have always gotten the room type (king/no smoking) that I've requested.

Hyatt Diamond has a guaranteed bed type/smoking preference if the booking is made at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise you can request 5K Hyatt GP Points as a compensation. I have been able to collect this once.

Hyatt Gold Passport is a better program than Hilton Hhonors. It is the most rewarding frequent guests program out there. I am both Hilton and Hyatt Diamond.

I have been Diamond in both programs and Hyatt is easily the better program for quality of rooms, access to suites and overall member benefits. Unfortunately they have far less properties. Ditto for Marriott and Starwood.

MisterNice

In reference to the TVs, I've had flatscreens in several Hilton properties. Hilton ATL comes to mind w/ a 42" Plasma on the Executive floor (friend on lower floor had 32" flatscreen CRT), while the Homewood Suites, Broken Arrow, OK I stayed at last night had 26" LCDs in both the living room and bedroom of a 1br suite. The Hampton I'm in tonight (Tulsa, OK) and the Embassy tomorrow night (across the street, Tulsa, OK) both have old 25" CRTs.

Forget bonus points - Marriott pays you cash if they can't meet your reserved room type.

Looking at the fine print, at Hyatt it's 5,000 points if you don't get the bed you want. If you don't get the smoking/nonsmoking type you want, it's $100 in the US, and $50 outside. But I agree that it's not the feather to tip the balance between programs.

I have been Diamond in both programs and Hyatt is easily the better program for quality of rooms, access to suites and overall member benefits. Unfortunately they have far less properties. Ditto for Marriott and Starwood.

MisterNice

I agree 200%. Having been Diamond in both--Hyatt falls down in not having properties everywhere I need to be. In addition, when it comes to using my pints at exotic hotels and resorts abroad, Hilton wind hands down.

Major deficiency of Hilton--customer service from the Diamond desk--they could not care less.

Bottom line--if you are staying in major centers--Hyatt can work well. If you sometimes need properrties slightly off the beaten track--Hilton wins hands down.

In reference to the TVs, I've had flatscreens in several Hilton properties. Hilton ATL comes to mind w/ a 42" Plasma on the Executive floor (friend on lower floor had 32" flatscreen CRT), while the Homewood Suites, Broken Arrow, OK I stayed at last night had 26" LCDs in both the living room and bedroom of a 1br suite. The Hampton I'm in tonight (Tulsa, OK) and the Embassy tomorrow night (across the street, Tulsa, OK) both have old 25" CRTs.

HGIs usually have the LCD or plasma television in the room and the "Evolution Room" always has it. The Indianapolis and Miami Conrads have plasma. Was at the DoubleTree in Naples for a few days last week and it too had LCD. More and more properties are going this route: placing a nice LCD or even plasma on the top of a bureau which is definitely so much nicer than the old Hampton "TV in a box" look.

Too, I suppose as most people are already upgrading to 16:9 (widescreen) at home they are following (when do the tv stations convert? next year or the year after?)

The problem I've found with ALL the HDTVs I've seen in Hilton properties is that the source is still LodgeNet or equivalent... it is low resolution, overly compressed, and usually locked into a 16:9 stretch mode on the HD sets. This leaves you with a picture that can look far worse then on a 4:3 CRT set. Hopefully as HD material becomes more pervasive these properties will encorporate it into their service.

I have been Diamond in both programs and Hyatt is easily the better program for quality of rooms, access to suites and overall member benefits. Unfortunately they have far less properties. Ditto for Marriott and Starwood.

MisterNice I agree. It is not an apples to apples comparision. Hyatt is still more of an upscale brand,( they are expanding midmarket) Hilton is in almost all markets, being weakest in the high end. So service is not as good, but they have moe locations by far.

When I was just a normal gold passport member I never recall not getting the room I requested. Now, as a Platinum member, I still have not had any problems with the room I wanted. If you do not get the type of room you reserved, they will give you 5,000 points which is a fairly good deal.

What do you mean by complimentary Gold *woord in you sig? Is this something they offered to you without the required stays? I tried to get a match on *wood and they refused since I was platinum in 2000/2001 but travel patterns changed after 9/11 and now staying at HH and Marriott most of the time.

Hyatt Gold Passport is a better program than Hilton Hhonors. It is the most rewarding frequent guests program out there. I am both Hilton and Hyatt Diamond.

Better depends on someone's needs. The majority (some say more than 57%) of people earn points through credit cards nowadays. As far as I know, Gold Passport does not have any credit card partner at the moment. With HHonors, anyone can reach up to Gold VIP status without ever staying at a Hilton property! For some others, the number of properties could also be an important factor; it is for me.

My quality perception of the Hyatt brand and Gold Passport is better than Hilton. But from a practical point of view, it offers less point earning opportunities for me and less properties. I also like having a choice of different hotel banners depending on my budget.

So I think it is important to really determine what our needs are before choosing a program over another. That's probably why you're a member of both programs ;-)

I am Diamond in both programs - Hilton since 2002, Hyatt this year on a comp but I'll requalify at the end of the month. Hyatt used to be way inferior based on the fact that Amerisuites (now Hyatt Place) and Summerfield stays did not earn stay credits, just points.

Now, I think Hilton is still the better program due to the vast number of properties, but Hyatt is closing in. Hyatt really depends on where you live and what your travel patterns are. By planning for Faster Free Nights, I was able to get January rooms at the Park Hyatt Melbourne for US$170/night by doing overnights around where I live.

Hyatt Place is about the same as an average Hampton, and Summerfield is a notch down from Homewood Suites.

Better depends on someone's needs. The majority (some say more than 57%) of people earn points through credit cards nowadays. As far as I know, Gold Passport does not have any credit card partner at the moment.

IMHO this is actually a benefit of the Hyatt program because there is not an infinite number if CC points chasing award rooms, although HH Diamonds can use the "force".

My quality perception of the Hyatt brand and Gold Passport is better than Hilton. But from a practical point of view, it offers less point earning opportunities for me and less properties. I also like having a choice of different hotel banners depending on my budget.

Right now the FFN is about to end. I got 10 FFN and about 60K Hyatt points for my 20 stays. I will redeem the nights at Grand and Park Hyatt's so the return for money used is very good.

At least in the US there are quite a few properties that offer bonuses year round and unlike Hilton these property specific bonuses work at any rate paid.

Although I have not stayed at Hyatt Summerfield Suites or Hyatt Place properties these are aimed at travelers with a lower budget, although at least here in LA you can get "full" Hyatt properties about at the same price as these limited service ones.

So I think it is important to really determine what our needs are before choosing a program over another. That's probably why you're a member of both programs ;-)

Yes. Both Hilton and Hyatt (and Marriott and InterContinental too). :D

Overall it seems that Hyatt has more promos and they are open to all members. Only some promos for new members are targeted.

There is a new promo with VS for 3750 miles per stay until the end of February.

IMHO this is actually a benefit of the Hyatt program because there is not an infinite number if CC points chasing award rooms, although HH Diamonds can use the "force".

I'm glad to read that you are an Elite member with almost all hotel programs and can use the "force" whenever necessary. In your case, maybe Hyatt's program works best for your needs and preferences. All I'm saying is that this may not be the case for everyone. One has to analyze what his/her travel patterns are and will be and which program they can benefit the most from. I sincerely hope that I did not offend you in any way.

There is a new promo with VS for 3750 miles per stay until the end of February.

Reference, please? Thanks. :)

I'm Hyatt Plat and Hilton Diamond and Hilton to me by far is a better program. Maybe its the actual properties I stay at. I just don't think you get enough with Hyatt from customer service to ameneties. But I like their late menu and bed/pillows.

...the Hyatt family can't compare to the Hilton family in number of properties.

That is the deal breaker for me.

I'm Hyatt Plat and Hilton Diamond and Hilton to me by far is a better program. Maybe its the actual properties I stay at. I just don't think you get enough with Hyatt from customer service to ameneties. But I like their late menu and bed/pillows.

I'm in the same situation (but also have spg plat) and I decided not to pursue hyatt diamond this year for some of the reasons previously mentioned and a couple others:

-no late check out guar. at Hyatt - I use this a lot, especially on weekends and when I have an afternoon or evening flight.
-rolling qualification at hilton - since I'm not tied to a specific time period to requalify, I always feel that my points or $ will count somehow

Spoke to both call centres tonight..Hilton waited a while for connection (busy ? maybe thats good for business;) no thanks for being Diamond ..actually wasnt expecting grovelling but the Glasgow call centre are usually excellent..no help with January Sale..called Gold Passport at Hyatt very effcient German staff - even with my lowly staus - hotel book,upgrade request placed without asking and very impressed ! Just my observation

I have been very impressed with the Hyatt Customer Service here in the US. A few weeks ago we had sent in a status match to Hyatt but did not hear back after a few days and we were staying at HR in Washington, DC. It was 7 pm when we called and while they did not upgrade us to Diamond that evening they called the hotel and asked them to give us a suite and breakfast coupons, which they did. The next morning we called and they gave us the Diamond match and they called the front desk who brought us the keys to use the RC lounge.

Thats what I call customer service ! :)

hmm might have to jump on and get hyatt diamond now :)

travelguy64- you'll be happy you did. Actually both programs- Hyatt and Hilton have their strengths and weaknesses. A lot depends on where you travel as Hyatt properties are more limited, though they're trying to fix that by opening more Hyatt Places and Summerfield Suites. We have been using the Hyatt Diamond at a few recent stays and are very happy with the service. The issue to maintain status will be if there are enough Hyatt's in places we frequent.

hyatt has the best service of all the majors by far and away; its a lack of properties compared to Hilton and Marriott that really hurts that program

hyatt has the best service of all the majors by far and away; its a lack of properties compared to Hilton and Marriott that really hurts that program

Yes, only 4 Hyatt hotels in Germany, a 5th one announced. No mid class hotels.