Hyatt Gold Passport - New Hotel Chain/Loyalty program?

I have been Hyatt Diamond for the past 4 years, and a customer for over 10. I'm really not feeling the love right now, though, and since I just cashed in pretty much all my saved points for an upcoming Maui vacation and have already made Diamond for 2013, I'm thinking the time might be right to try another chain with a better price/amenities/convenience combination. If nothing else, I get premier status in another hotel chain and a better perspective on things.

What would be your recommendations? I'm pretty much open, but I want a chain that lets me build up some points, enjoy doing it, and use them for something fun in places people want to go. All of my travel is domestic at this time.

I've been looking around for the past year or so, and recently decided to pursue Hyatt Diamond, so I'm somewhat new to this, but have been comparing the programs. The breakfast/lounge/upgrades that Hyatt offers Diamonds adds a lot of value that I don't see at the other tiers, but I haven't been around as much as other people.

Marriott Gold requires 50 nights, but you can get the credit card for 15 nights credit and request a challenge. They have roll-over elite qualifying nights, for what that's worth. I like the 2 stays free night certs usually, but overall the points don't seem to go very far.

I will probably push more of my future nights towards SPG, simply because of the lower threshold (25 stays?) and since award nights count towards status (I have almost 100K SPG points from credit cards). I have both business and personal SPG cards which gives me a combined 10 nights/4 stays toward status.

It sounds like a lot of people are less happy with the recent SPG promos, but it seems like a good second option if you have fewer nights to spread around.

I have been Hyatt Diamond for the past 4 years, and a customer for over 10. I'm really not feeling the love right now, though, and since I just cashed in pretty much all my saved points for an upcoming Maui vacation and have already made Diamond for 2013, I'm thinking the time might be right to try another chain with a better price/amenities/convenience combination. If nothing else, I get premier status in another hotel chain and a better perspective on things.

What would be your recommendations? I'm pretty much open, but I want a chain that lets me build up some points, enjoy doing it, and use them for something fun in places people want to go. All of my travel is domestic at this time.

I have stopped going for status, and mostly stay at hotels that do not have point based "loyalty programs." Simply staying where I want to regardless of points works best for me as a leisure traveler, however if I were a business traveler I would probably try for Starwood Platinum.

Given the choice I prefer to earn miles instead of hotel points, so I view Starwood as the best program for me as SPG points can be transfered to many airlines on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis.

I think the answer to your question really depends on where you travel as well as how/where you would like to be able to redeem points/miles. In addition to SPG, you might consider IC Ambassador Status or Marriott/Ritz rewards.

I know there's lots of love for SPG, and I like them too. But if we are looking for another chain to go with Hyatt, I would think Hilton is the better choice. For only one reason: the foot print.

Marriott and Hilton have a lot more hotels than Hyatt and SPG, so wherever you go, you will likely find Marriott and Hilton hotels, but not always a Hyatt or SPG hotel around. If you go with Hyatt and SPG, there is a larger chance you won't find one around. I travel to Cleveland a lot, and there are only 2 Hyatt and 1 SPG. There are more than 15 Hilton and Marriott each. I had to abandon Hyatt and SPG, and join Hilton and Marriott.

I have to eliminate Marriott because they only qualify by nights not stays. 75 nights to be Platinum and 50 to be Gold are a lot to ask for.

For Hilton, 28 stays for Diamonds and 16 stays for Gold are much easier to achieve. And Hilton Gold tier is probably the best mid-tier (I think I read it from thepointguy).

IMO, there isn't another program that offers the complete benefit set, consistent properties and superior service levels than Hyatt. So although I can understand your thought process, be prepared -think you aren't feeling the love now? Just wait...

Having said that, have to agree with RickyRiver. SPG's program is great, and works well if there are lots of Westin and other higher end properties. But if you travel to cities with older Sheratons, or lots of 4Points, you are in for a real disappointment ...especially if you are used to Hyatt!

If you can do the nights, a good mix for you might be GOLD in both Hilton and Marriott. They do have lots of properties, most are consistent, and as a GOLD your comfort level is going to be close (although not quite qs good as) Hyatt.

Depends where your travels take you, the Hyatt's in South Florida, Chicago, Houston, and in the city of Dallas are pretty weak... and I can name a dozen other cities in America where the local Hyatt is on the same level as a Sheraton. Quality and service of Hyatt's vary city by city, and in most cities they are not the best game in town.. oh did I mention Vegas... Hyatt Place vrs the JW Marrott Marquis!!!

IMO, there isn't another program that offers the complete benefit set, consistent properties and superior service levels than Hyatt. So although I can understand your thought process, be prepared -think you aren't feeling the love now? Just wait...

Having said that, have to agree with RickyRiver. SPG's program is great, and works well if there are lots of Westin and other higher end properties. But if you travel to cities with older Sheratons, or lots of 4Points, you are in for a real disappointment ...especially if you are used to Hyatt!

If you can do the nights, a good mix for you might be GOLD in both Hilton and Marriott. They do have lots of properties, most are consistent, and as a GOLD your comfort level is going to be close (although not quite qs good as) Hyatt.

Depends where your travels take you, the Hyatt's in South Florida, Chicago, Houston, and in the city of Dallas are pretty weak... and I can name a dozen other cities in America where the local Hyatt is on the same level as a Sheraton. Quality and service of Hyatt's vary city by city, and in most cities they are not the best game in town.. oh did I mention Vegas... Hyatt Place vrs the JW Marrott Marquis!!!



I'd agree with this assessment: there are a lot of mediocre-to-poor Hyatt props out there (many of them overpriced), and Hyatt Places are not the answer.

+1 on Hilton due to their footprint.

Since Hyatt has such a small footprint, I would pick a chain with a huge footprint, which means Marriott or Hilton.

Again it really depends on where you travel... if you stick with US and Canada, Hilton and Marriot might be the answer.

But over here in Asia, SPG is really the best choice. Starwood is building a lot of new properties (W, Westins, Le Meridien) in Asia and wherever I go, especially in India, there is always a *wood hotel.

But as said before, Hyatt still has my preference... except that you get less choice, it's always more expensive and to qualify for Diamond is a long stretch for some.

Redeeming SPG points is easy and you (or I do at least) get a lot of different choices, especially at resorts on some island in the tropics. Or use half points, half dollars, which is also quite nice. And again, reward nights count towards your status!

I know there's lots of love for SPG, and I like them too. But if we are looking for another chain to go with Hyatt, I would think Hilton is the better choice. For only one reason: the foot print.

Marriott and Hilton have a lot more hotels than Hyatt and SPG, so wherever you go, you will likely find Marriott and Hilton hotels, but not always a Hyatt or SPG hotel around. If you go with Hyatt and SPG, there is a larger chance you won't find one around. I travel to Cleveland a lot, and there are only 2 Hyatt and 1 SPG. There are more than 15 Hilton and Marriott each. I had to abandon Hyatt and SPG, and join Hilton and Marriott.

I have to eliminate Marriott because they only qualify by nights not stays. 75 nights to be Platinum and 50 to be Gold are a lot to ask for.

For Hilton, 28 stays for Diamonds and 16 stays for Gold are much easier to achieve. And Hilton Gold tier is probably the best mid-tier (I think I read it from thepointguy).

I agree with much of this. Many people seem to put Hyatt and SPG in the same category for the higher-end hotels, albeit there are more SPG hotels out there. But by and large, with few exceptions, I vastly prefer Hyatt's high end hotels and their program (totally disgruntled with SPG and this year may be the last year in awhile that I stay in a SPG hotel once I burn through the remainder of my points).

However, I need a second chain as a fallback and that leaves Marriott or Hilton. Both have large footprints, but Marriott is ridiculous in its qualification requirements for elite status and elites seem to get #(%$&%# for all the effort they put into getting status. On the other hand, Hilton seems to offer an easier road to elite and better rewards for status. So for me, it's a no brainer: Hyatt when possible, Hilton as the fallback.

I've also cooled towards Hyatt Diamond and gone over to Starwood where the Platinum benefits have for the most part improved to make this my primary alternative program. Benefits from top tier Priority Club are inconsistent (even with Royal Ambassador for IC branded properties). I guess my bias is to Club level upgrading and Hyatt still delivers here, but with fewer properties where I travel, it lags in my preference now. Neither GP nor SPG promos have been very good over the past two years (good-bye forever FFNs as we knew them) and redemption inflation -- while not as bad as at HHonors -- has also had a negative impact on the two programs.

But selecting an alternative program depends heavily upon where you travel, your preference of upgrades between Club rooms or Suites, then on earning and award potential. For some, comp breakfast is the make or break benefit. And while I am old fashioned and do believe in reciprocal loyalty, I also seek a bit of variety so can grow complacent and seek change every few years...

Marriott, at least for where I travel, seems to be saturated with Fairfield Inns, Townplace Suites, etc. for the lower end. Not sure what OP's budget is, but if it's on the lower side, you may want to do a comparison of hotels in your area.

Marriott, at least for where I travel, seems to be saturated with Fairfield Inns, Townplace Suites, etc. for the lower end. Not sure what OP's budget is, but if it's on the lower side, you may want to do a comparison of hotels in your area.

From my experience, Hilton's limited services hotels beat Marriott hands down, like Garden Inn, Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inns. Marriott has better upper-mid to high level hotels, like Marriott, Ren, Ritz-Carlton.

Regardless of the comparison, because of the strict qualification requirement, most people can't afford to use Marriott as their second program. You need at least 50 nights to be gold to get some meaningful benefits.

The downside of Hilton is they don't have lifetime status, compared to Marriott.

While Hyatt remains my #1 program, I've gotten furious with Hilton over the last three years, and have dropped from Diamond from 2002-2010 to Gold in 2011-2012, and this year I may not even make Gold. Too much points devaluation, prices that are getting out of whack for the supposedly budget-conscious brands, and a lot of lousy full-service US properties. The one Hilton chain I stay with when possible is Homewood Suites - and having status there really doesn't matter.

I've moved some of that Hilton business to Hyatt Place to help make Diamond more easily, and the rest is going to IHG and Marriott's low end properties - so Staybridge, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard, and Fairfield, with the specific stay going on cost adjusted by whatever quarterly promos are going on. So for example, I'll give Marriott three weekend one-night stays this summer to max out their Summer bonus 15k promo, which I'll use at a Marriott Cat 3 property (compared to Hilton's 25k Cat 3).

I have been Hyatt Diamond for the past 4 years, and a customer for over 10. I'm really not feeling the love right now, though, and since I just cashed in pretty much all my saved points for an upcoming Maui vacation and have already made Diamond for 2013, I'm thinking the time might be right to try another chain with a better price/amenities/convenience combination. If nothing else, I get premier status in another hotel chain and a better perspective on things.

What would be your recommendations? I'm pretty much open, but I want a chain that lets me build up some points, enjoy doing it, and use them for something fun in places people want to go. All of my travel is domestic at this time.

Greetings Seaduck,
With some rare exception I've been in most all of the major programs for over 15 years now.I'd really appreciate what it is about Hyatt that makes you no longer feel the love?
Is it primarily as I hear from a number of other members the lack of promotional opportunities compared to other programs?
I'd be happy to share some thoughts on topic however it would be helpful to know your dislikes to give you the best advice possible as to where the grass may be greener
Cheers

IMO, there isn't another program that offers the complete benefit set, consistent properties and superior service levels than Hyatt.

Oh phlease. You make me puke now. :D

I know that as an "Ambassador" you are supposed to be helpful to "newbies", but touting the company line without any objectivity is not helpful to anyone.

There isn't a single answer to OP's question. It really depends where he/she travels for work & fun. Hyatt has been my fourth choice this year after SPG/InterContinental taking the first place and even Hilton being before Hyatt.

Greetings Seaduck,
With some rare exception I've been in most all of the major programs for over 15 years now.I'd really appreciate what it is about Hyatt that makes you no longer feel the love?
Is it primarily as I hear from a number of other members the lack of promotional opportunities compared to other programs?
I'd be happy to share some thoughts on topic however it would be helpful to know your dislikes to give you the best advice possible as to where the grass may be greener
Cheers

Appreciate the question.
The promotional opportunities have diminished (except for CC based ones), but I think that's probably a travel-industry norm now.

The rest is nothing overt; just am looking for something a bit more, I guess. I got passed over for the recent Hyatt Insiders thing, got rebuffed when looking for a better long-term rate at a hotel I'm a semi-regular at, stuff like that that just makes me feel kind of unappreciated for my loyalty to the brand. I have been Diamond for at least the last 4 years, spend 100+ nights a year (usually 5-10 nights/stay) at Hyatts and Hyatt Places, and I guess I felt like I had earned a bit more than to be shown to the losers' couch with Mohammet and Jugdish. Because I pay my own expenses, I shop for the best rates I can, and therefore don't generate the high revenue numbers to warrant something like a courtesy card.

So I guess in a nutshell, I feel like I have topped out my potential experience with Hyatt. It's not bad, but is the grass greener elsewhere? Think it would do any good to say something to GP?

Appreciate the question.
The promotional opportunities have diminished (except for CC based ones), but I think that's probably a travel-industry norm now.

The rest is nothing overt; just am looking for something a bit more, I guess. I got passed over for the recent Hyatt Insiders thing, got rebuffed when looking for a better long-term rate at a hotel I'm a semi-regular at, stuff like that that just makes me feel kind of unappreciated for my loyalty to the brand. I have been Diamond for at least the last 4 years, spend 100+ nights a year (usually 5-10 nights/stay) at Hyatts and Hyatt Places, and I guess I felt like I had earned a bit more than to be shown to the losers' couch with Mohammet and Jugdish. Because I pay my own expenses, I shop for the best rates I can, and therefore don't generate the high revenue numbers to warrant something like a courtesy card.

So I guess in a nutshell, I feel like I have topped out my potential experience with Hyatt. It's not bad, but is the grass greener elsewhere? Think it would do any good to say something to GP?
You aren't alone on the Hyatt community thing. I'd advise not to take that too personally, if that's how you're feeling.

If the responses here that are both for and against Hyatt still leave you undecided, definitely check out some other options. It's the only way you'll be able to see for yourself. What's good for you may not be good for someone else and vice versa.

I came from Hilton and found the grass greener at Hyatt. I like the properties more and the customer service I've received at all the hotels I've visited has been top notch.

Appreciate the question.
The promotional opportunities have diminished (except for CC based ones), but I think that's probably a travel-industry norm now.

The rest is nothing overt; just am looking for something a bit more, I guess. I got passed over for the recent Hyatt Insiders thing, got rebuffed when looking for a better long-term rate at a hotel I'm a semi-regular at, stuff like that that just makes me feel kind of unappreciated for my loyalty to the brand. I have been Diamond for at least the last 4 years, spend 100+ nights a year (usually 5-10 nights/stay) at Hyatts and Hyatt Places, and I guess I felt like I had earned a bit more than to be shown to the losers' couch with Mohammet and Jugdish. Because I pay my own expenses, I shop for the best rates I can, and therefore don't generate the high revenue numbers to warrant something like a courtesy card.

So I guess in a nutshell, I feel like I have topped out my potential experience with Hyatt. It's not bad, but is the grass greener elsewhere? Think it would do any good to say something to GP?

Seaduck, I completely understand your feelings. I'm not experiencing it with Hyatt; I've been going through this personal angst with Marriott. As a result, I took the Hyatt Diamond challenge late last year and am very impressed with Hyatt's program. ... by the way, nice Animal House reference. :D

If I can summarize your goal in a nutshell: maximizing value for your money. I think that's what you're looking for; if I'm wrong, please correct me.

You could certainly start a conversation with GP over this matter, but I would develop a plan to switch to Starwood through a Plat Challenge - you will easily meet their challenge.

Why did I choose Starwood for you? Because you obviously have enough hotel coverage with Hyatt's program so you'll have enough coverage with the larger Starwood program.
Marriott: their elite program is dying a death of 1000 small benefit cuts so I think you'll be much more disappointed with them. Bottom line: I don't think you'll be happy with Marriott.
Hilton: a good possibility. I don't stay at Hiltons enough to make an informed comment.
Starwood: I've found them to be very good to Plats although my experience isn't recent as a Plat; I last had Plat status in 2007. I switched from Starwood to Marriott due to lower end property inconsistencies (some 4 Points were dives); I think that most of those problems have been fixed with deflagging the worst hotels and the rollout of Element and Aloft.

Since you have enough nights to maintain top tier with both Hyatt and Starwood, I would take a 'taste' of Starwood and see if you like it more. I don't see the other programs as good a fit for you.

Based in Asia, Hyatt has worked out best for us, other than Australia we are well looked after with the very best of service. We combine Hyatt with Sofitel for Australia and Vietnam. I have read the reviews about the hotels in America and they do sound a bit grim. We were with SPG for ages, and only moved because most of our stays were in Thailand and the hotels there allowed outside friends to stay overnight, we're all adults and we should have been able to cope, but we are never the best at coping, around breakfast time

Appreciate the question.
The promotional opportunities have diminished (except for CC based ones), but I think that's probably a travel-industry norm now.

The rest is nothing overt; just am looking for something a bit more, I guess. I got passed over for the recent Hyatt Insiders thing, got rebuffed when looking for a better long-term rate at a hotel I'm a semi-regular at, stuff like that that just makes me feel kind of unappreciated for my loyalty to the brand. I have been Diamond for at least the last 4 years, spend 100+ nights a year (usually 5-10 nights/stay) at Hyatts and Hyatt Places, and I guess I felt like I had earned a bit more than to be shown to the losers' couch with Mohammet and Jugdish. Because I pay my own expenses, I shop for the best rates I can, and therefore don't generate the high revenue numbers to warrant something like a courtesy card.

So I guess in a nutshell, I feel like I have topped out my potential experience with Hyatt. It's not bad, but is the grass greener elsewhere? Think it would do any good to say something to GP?

Appreciate the feedback we all learn from each other experiences.
First let me say that the way Hyatt went about its relationship with Communispace has been a disappointment.
The slowest decision process for recruitment in the history of any Communispace partner (YIKES)
For those that aren't aware Communispace is the company that runs these private communities for companies that choose to listen & learn from their best customers.
I've had opportunity to see how this is done with other similar partnerships and it is an embarrassment to all parties not to mention the perception of some of Hyatt's own membership base.However I wouldn't begin to let it affect where I am going to stay if I am reasonably satisfied guest in the program and hotels otherwise.
We all have emotional aspects in our relationships however its about the best business decisions for all of us at the end of the day.

Having said all that (pardon this overused expression) I got caught up in this communication/acceptance snafu too and was in the end declined and or waitlisted :D
Really couldn't care less if Hyatt and its partner is willing to lose valuable feedback from folks some of which they most need to hear from.
IMHO a survey shouldn't have been the final criteria in the final decision.
A follow-up response turn around time should have been clear and transparent before accepting or declining those invited to take the survey to potentially particpate.

Please make no apologies for the rate you pay when you are staying with any hotel company.
If you are an engaged frequent stay customer of Hyatt booking through their direct booking channels you are a very good customer!

With all the improvements that the good folks from Hyatt Gold Passport have brought forth to the program the many members that I hear from globally quite a number seem to be unhappy with the past years lack luster promotional offerings. I suspected that was one of your main concerns when I read your post.
Primarily the biggest reasons for leaving are "G bonuses" and the on hiatus or end to the award winning “Faster Free Nights”
Those members I've heard from typically move on to Hilton HHonors,SPG or Priority Club and very few Marriott or in a combination of a few different programs.
Its always been of my opinion that diversifying in a variety of programs has been the key to program/value success
Especially as a program like Hyatt Gold Pasport which to some degree has turned its back for today on price sensitive/value customers.
Those seeking exceptional value. Many of those GP members had come to depend on this program as the one that could deliver consistently.
For today Gold Passport typically brings its members greater recongnition for elite members at
the expense of weaker promotionla offerings.The trade off came with the credit card and higher more costly redemption rates
Whne the promotional offer dropped off this really hit price sensitive Gold Passport customers hard.
Having been in all of these programs including Marriott Rewards it really depends on where you travel as to the desirable properties or a lack of them in the destinations one travels too.
And if maximizing free nights is your main objective.

You are indeed very valuable to Hyatt and it would be my suggestion in this instance is not to speak with Gold Passport or Consumer Affairs.
Regretfully some select managers and agents don’t seem to care about members frustrations and that troubles me. Part of it is files get opened and there appears to be frequently no follow-ups other than perhaps a sympathetic ear.
The good news? Corporate executive management is listening and open to your comments and suggestions and never been more accessible in my 30 plus years staying in Hyatt Hotels or participating in the program.
By all means let your voice be heard.
I’m not saying things will change but if other members are unhappy these offerings or others might be reconsidered.

Hotels and food and beverage like much else in life are highly subjective. I detest Holiday Inns so I could never be a fully engaged Priority Club customer on the other side of the spectrum I am a big fan of many of the InterContinental Hotels. It’s a sometime program to me and a reasonably good one if you happen to be an Ambassador or Royal Ambassador.SPG and Hilton seem to be more promotional over the past year and that has many members pleased in these programs. Folks that are newer to Hyatt probably don’t have the level of disappointment that other longer term Gold Passport members are experiencing

Others are quite frankly are happy just the way things are at Gold Passport.
I’d be happy to share some Hyatt contact information with you should you willing to engage in direct dialogue/contact with your thoughts and suggestions

I remember this quandry from my heavy-travel on my-own-dime days.

Decide what is your primary objective. If you have re-qualified with Hyatt for 2013 and cost saving is primary, don't you want to give Priceline a whirl? I'll pay some more for a conventional reservation and avoiding uncertainty then and now, but Priceline can be predictable in some markets as to cost and which hotels you will land at.

I'll spend some just to make sure I hold Hyatt status for vacation use, but will be the first to agree its not as attractive a program as it was.

(My one caveat is I hated staring at a menu by myself and would pay more for a concierge club with better food I was familiar with. Marriott FS outdid Hyatt FS in that regard).

That's quite a post, yet still not sure the exact point. I know you are long time/well respected member of FlyerTalk, but reading that post makes me wonder if Hyatt pays you by the # of words?

Appreciate the feedback we all learn from each other experiences.
First let me say that the way Hyatt went about its relationship with Communispace has been a disappointment.
The slowest decision process for recruitment in the history of any Communispace partner (YIKES)
For those that aren't aware Communispace is the company that runs these private communities for companies that choose to listen & learn from their best customers.
I've had opportunity to see how this is done with other similar partnerships and it is an embarrassment to all parties not to mention the perception of some of Hyatt's own membership base.However I wouldn't begin to let it affect where I am going to stay if I am reasonably satisfied guest in the program and hotels otherwise.
We all have emotional aspects in our relationships however its about the best business decisions for all of us at the end of the day.

Having said all that (pardon this overused expression) I got caught up in this communication/acceptance snafu too and was in the end declined and or waitlisted :D
Really couldn't care less if Hyatt and its partner is willing to lose valuable feedback from folks some of which they most need to hear from.
IMHO a survey shouldn't have been the final criteria in the final decision.
A follow-up response turn around time should have been clear and transparent before accepting or declining those invited to take the survey to potentially particpate.

Please make no apologies for the rate you pay when you are staying with any hotel company.
If you are an engaged frequent stay customer of Hyatt booking through their direct booking channels you are a very good customer!

With all the improvements that the good folks from Hyatt Gold Passport have brought forth to the program the many members that I hear from globally quite a number seem to be unhappy with the past years lack luster promotional offerings. I suspected that was one of your main concerns when I read your post.
Primarily the biggest reasons for leaving are "G bonuses" and the on hiatus or end to the award winning “Faster Free Nights”
Those members I've heard from typically move on to Hilton HHonors,SPG or Priority Club and very few Marriott or in a combination of a few different programs.
Its always been of my opinion that diversifying in a variety of programs has been the key to program/value success
Especially as a program like Hyatt Gold Pasport which to some degree has turned its back for today on price sensitive/value customers.
Those seeking exceptional value. Many of those GP members had come to depend on this program as the one that could deliver consistently.
For today Gold Passport typically brings its members greater recongnition for elite members at
the expense of weaker promotionla offerings.The trade off came with the credit card and higher more costly redemption rates
Whne the promotional offer dropped off this really hit price sensitive Gold Passport customers hard.
Having been in all of these programs including Marriott Rewards it really depends on where you travel as to the desirable properties or a lack of them in the destinations one travels too.
And if maximizing free nights is your main objective.

You are indeed very valuable to Hyatt and it would be my suggestion in this instance is not to speak with Gold Passport or Consumer Affairs.
Regretfully some select managers and agents don’t seem to care about members frustrations and that troubles me. Part of it is files get opened and there appears to be frequently no follow-ups other than perhaps a sympathetic ear.
The good news? Corporate executive management is listening and open to your comments and suggestions and never been more accessible in my 30 plus years staying in Hyatt Hotels or participating in the program.
By all means let your voice be heard.
I’m not saying things will change but if other members are unhappy these offerings or others might be reconsidered.

Hotels and food and beverage like much else in life are highly subjective. I detest Holiday Inns so I could never be a fully engaged Priority Club customer on the other side of the spectrum I am a big fan of many of the InterContinental Hotels. It’s a sometime program to me and a reasonably good one if you happen to be an Ambassador or Royal Ambassador.SPG and Hilton seem to be more promotional over the past year and that has many members pleased in these programs. Folks that are newer to Hyatt probably don’t have the level of disappointment that other longer term Gold Passport members are experiencing

Others are quite frankly are happy just the way things are at Gold Passport.
I’d be happy to share some Hyatt contact information with you should you willing to engage in direct dialogue/contact with your thoughts and suggestions

That's quite a post, yet still not sure the exact point. I know you are long time/well respected member of FlyerTalk, but reading that post makes me wonder if Hyatt pays you by the # of words?
Thanks for the kind words I think :D
Yes it’s a volume by words contract in fact the technical name of the contract is "LongWind unlimited" I'm set to retire wealthy as a result :cool::o

The point is and I take no sides here
Every member must experience a wide variety of programs to be able to make the ultimate determination what program is best for them.
I am engaged in most of them so I consider myself an equal opportunity program participant.
To put all your eggs in one basket in my long time experience can be a big mistake when one does a large amount of nights or stays. You lose your leverage of options
Every program at one time or another has had my ire and or my deepest respect and gratitude just depends what quarter/day you ask me ;)
Ok there you have it the non contracted short form version :)

Like OP, my experience with Hyatt Diamond soured last year due to a combination of being unable to confirm suite upgrades in advance and utter lack of meaningful promos. Like many others in this thread, I decided I needed a program with larger footprint so went with Hilton starting at the beginning of this year and challenged to Gold. So now I'm mid-tier on HGP and Hilton and I think I'll maintain that for the foreseeable future (not that Hyatt Plat takes any effort).

I think the Hyatt+Hilton combination is a pretty good one, so long as it's understood that Hyatt is primarily for the program benefits and Hilton is primarily for the footprint.

IMO, HGP probably still represents the best program in the industry as far as benefits and rewards, and it's the only program that I have ever felt motivated to mattress run for. Hilton's program IME is certainly very "meh" in comparison, especially as far as rewards. But the problem with Hyatt is that due to their small footprint, their loyalty program has to be that much better than the chains with big footprints in order to drive loyalty. And lately, Hyatt just isn't showing that they are willing to pay it back.


For Hilton, 28 stays for Diamonds and 16 stays for Gold are much easier to achieve. And Hilton Gold tier is probably the best mid-tier (I think I read it from thepointguy).

I'm pretty sure thepointguy's mid-tier pick was SPG, but I agree that as far as chains with a large footprint, Hilton probably has the best mid-tier.

I'm pretty sure thepointguy's mid-tier pick was SPG, but I agree that as far as chains with a large footprint, Hilton probably has the best mid-tier.

I agree with you in terms of Hilton being the best chain with a large footprint. Chains by size:
1 Intercontinental
2 Wyndham
3 Marriott
4 Hilton
5 Accor
6 Choice
7 Best Western

I'd call this the dividing line between large and medium footprint.

8 Starwood
9 Carlson
10 Hyatt