Hyatt Gold Passport - Diamond Trial -- Suite upgrades

I've got a 60 day Diamond Trial, and I was wondering if this includes the four (or even some reduced number) of suite upgrades? They said they don't see any in my account but I'm not sure if that's because the trial just started.

Thanks.

You will get the 4 suite upgrades a few days after starting the trial. And they can be used during the trial. When you don't qualify at the end of the 60days you will lose the unused upgrades....

Got it, thanks.

Quick question- just signed up for the Diamond Trial Offer. Hyatt.com shows the status is good till end of March 2013 and that my 3 upgrades expire 2/28/13. I'm not sure why the suite upgrades expire in Feb. Is that correct?

Also, I will have completed 16 nights by 2/28/13, should that expiration date for the suites change to 2/28/14?

Thanks

The program year ends on 2/28. Folks who were Diamond during 2012 got four suite upgrades that expire on 2/28, which means that the suite upgrade must be confirmed on a reservation by then and cannot be changed, although you can certainly sleep in these suites after 2/28.

The program year ends on 2/28. Folks who were Diamond during 2012 got four suite upgrades that expire on 2/28, which means that the suite upgrade must be confirmed on a reservation by then and cannot be changed, although you can certainly sleep in these suites after 2/28.

Right, but I began the Diamond Trial Offer in 2013, so not sure why the suite upgrades are set to expire on 2/28. Am I missing something or did Hyatt make a mistake?

AFAIK current Diamonds have not yet received their new suite upgrades. My account just shows the number of leftovers that I haven't used yet, even though I requalified and received my new Diamond card a couple months ago.

I'm also on a Diamond trial, ending February 28 (as do my 4 suite awards.) If I'm reading MSPeconomist's post correctly, I can apply these suite upgrades to stays either within the trial period or after, but in the latter case they'll only apply if I successfully complete the requirements of the trial. Correct?

Second question: If I successfully complete the trial, will I receive four more Suite upgrade awards come the beginning of the new membership year in March 2013?

Thanks.

Second question: If I successfully complete the trial, will I receive four more Suite upgrade awards come the beginning of the new membership year in March 2013?

Thanks.

Yes. Burn your current upgrades before the end of Feb 2013.
If you meet the Diamond trial, you'll get 4 more upgrades good through Feb 2014.

One small correction - qualification years run by calendar year. So you'll need 25 stays/50 nights 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2013 in order to be a Diamond in 2014.

I did trial in late 2012, my trial certs expire end of Feb. Since I reached my challenge I assume I'll get my new ones for 2013.

I'm also on a Diamond trial, ending February 28 (as do my 4 suite awards.) If I'm reading MSPeconomist's post correctly, I can apply these suite upgrades to stays either within the trial period or after, but in the latter case they'll only apply if I successfully complete the requirements of the trial. Correct?

Second question: If I successfully complete the trial, will I receive four more Suite upgrade awards come the beginning of the new membership year in March 2013?

Thanks.




So many diamond trials? Do Hyatt need new diamond members?

So many diamond trials? Do Hyatt need new diamond members?

I don't see many Diamonds when I stay at Hyatts - at least they don't pack the club lounges the way that Marriott and Hilton lounges are packed.

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I'm also on a Diamond trial, ending February 28 (as do my 4 suite awards.) If I'm reading MSPeconomist's post correctly, I can apply these suite upgrades to stays either within the trial period or after, but in the latter case they'll only apply if I successfully complete the requirements of the trial. Correct?

Second question: If I successfully complete the trial, will I receive four more Suite upgrade awards come the beginning of the new membership year in March 2013?

Thanks.

To answer your first question, successfully applied upgrades will be valid regardless of your completion (or not) of the challenge.

Right, but I began the Diamond Trial Offer in 2013, so not sure why the suite upgrades are set to expire on 2/28. Am I missing something or did Hyatt make a mistake?

I'm not sure anyone has answered this. Do I need to contact Hyatt about extending the expiration date of these upgrades or will I receive 4 more (good till Feb. 2/14) when I complete the challenge?

I'm not sure anyone has answered this. Do I need to contact Hyatt about extending the expiration date of these upgrades or will I receive 4 more (good till Feb. 2/14) when I complete the challenge?

You should get 4 more.

Thanks for the information in this thread. I started a Diamond trial in mid Dec 2012 and used one of the suite upgrades. I had thought the 4 I got were the ones I would get through 2013 but apparently I have to burn the remaining 3 by feb 2013 and then get another 4 after that for 2013-2014.

Thanks for the information in this thread. I started a Diamond trial in mid Dec 2012 and used one of the suite upgrades. I had thought the 4 I got were the ones I would get through 2013 but apparently I have to burn the remaining 3 by feb 2013 and then get another 4 after that for 2013-2014.

You do not have to burn them by Feb 2013....you have to BOOK them by that date. And if you end up making any changes, you will lose them...but better than burning them IMO.

I am on a Diamond Trial, as well. I'll be staying at the SFO property in a couple weeks and called to see about using a suite upgrade. The pleasant CS agent applied my (now Diamond) GP number to the reservation and then told me that there are no suites available for my stay; is this typical when attempting to use the suite upgrades?

Having four that expire by the end of February won't do me much good if I can't use them...

Thanks,
--woodstock

It's based on availability, so this depends on the property and your dates. If it matters, ask about using the suite upgrade before making a reservation or if it's refundable, try to change so that you can get a suite.

I am on a Diamond Trial, as well. I'll be staying at the SFO property in a couple weeks and called to see about using a suite upgrade. The pleasant CS agent applied my (now Diamond) GP number to the reservation and then told me that there are no suites available for my stay; is this typical when attempting to use the suite upgrades?

Having four that expire by the end of February won't do me much good if I can't use them...

Thanks,
--woodstock



At least something good from Hyatt. They should give the suite upgrades to regular diamond members.

At least something good from Hyatt. They should give the suite upgrades to regular diamond members.

I don't think you'd have any more luck in getting the suite upgrade for the same dates the OP is trying. Offering Diamond trials/challenges is a legitimate business strategy to attract new customers and the fact that you don't like won't change Hyatt's approach. FWIW, I don't think there are that many diamonds to really complain about this.

I am on a Diamond Trial, as well. I'll be staying at the SFO property in a couple weeks and called to see about using a suite upgrade. The pleasant CS agent applied my (now Diamond) GP number to the reservation and then told me that there are no suites available for my stay; is this typical when attempting to use the suite upgrades?

Having four that expire by the end of February won't do me much good if I can't use them...
Thanks,
--woodstock

please read post 17

I am on a Diamond Trial, as well. I'll be staying at the SFO property in a couple weeks and called to see about using a suite upgrade. The pleasant CS agent applied my (now Diamond) GP number to the reservation and then told me that there are no suites available for my stay; is this typical when attempting to use the suite upgrades?

Having four that expire by the end of February won't do me much good if I can't use them...

Thanks,
--woodstock

I think I'm 5 of 6 when trying to use the certs. Most of my uses have been last minute; only time it was denied was the Gainey Ranch HR Scottsdale. I tried booking the day of stay and the hotel was almost completely full.
I think I would have gotten the upgrade had I booked the room days earlier.

I don't see many Diamonds when I stay at Hyatts - at least they don't pack the club lounges the way that Marriott and Hilton lounges are packed.

In my very limited Hyatt lounge experience, this is VERY true. HH lounges are overrun.

It's extremely generous that Hyatt gives suite upgrades for trials. Actually, probably too generous. Can't believe people are actually complaining about details like their validity past a certain date (especially when it has already been explained that one can even use them for bookings at later dates, just has to make the booking until that date).

I could understand Hyatt offering one or two suite upgrades as part of the Diamond Trail, but four seems like it's extremely overly generous, especially if people who fail to qualify can still use the upgrades later. It makes me wonder whether people are signing up for the Diamond Challenge for the suite upgrades and lounge access, etc. during the trial period, knowing very well that they will not qualify for Diamond under the terms of the challenge. I hope that Hyatt is very serious about enforcing a once-in-a-lifetime restriction in these cases.

ADDED DISCLOSURE: I'm saying this as someone who got comped Diamond due to SMD3, enjoyed the suite upgrades (including some that were applied to advanced reservations for future stays), and then did requalify for Diamond according to the standard rules even though Hyatt's small footprint makes this difficult for me. Hyatt has treated me very well.

What typically qualifies one for a Hyatt Diamond Challenge?

I'm currently SPG Platinum and wondering if that generally works.

M

It's extremely generous that Hyatt gives suite upgrades for trials. Actually, probably too generous. Can't believe people are actually complaining about details like their validity past a certain date (especially when it has already been explained that one can even use them for bookings at later dates, just has to make the booking until that date).

I agree it is quite generous. Sad that I really can't use practically any of them...

just signed up for the trial, and over the phone the agent told me that i'll only get my suite upgrade certs not before 1st march. That shouldn't be the case right, given that my trial period ends 31st march.

just signed up for the trial, and over the phone the agent told me that i'll only get my suite upgrade certs not before 1st march. That shouldn't be the case right, given that my trial period ends 31st march.

did you already start your trial?

I signed up for a Diamond Trial for the sole purpose of using the benefits for a single stay at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and possibly to use up the suite upgrades over the next year. But the service I received impressed me so much that I forcibly completed the challenge to stay a Diamond into 2014.

The generous benefits of the trial lured me in, and they ended up getting a lot of extra business as a result. If a hotel has confidence in the service they provide, then offering such sweeteners may not be such a bad idea.

I agree it is quite generous. Sad that I really can't use practically any of them...

Why?

Why?

Well, unfortunately not traveling right now. And also trying to requalify for other chains first. I'm still stuck between requalifying for HH Diamond or Hyatt Diamond, leaning toward Hilton.

Well, unfortunately not traveling right now. And also trying to requalify for other chains first. I'm still stuck between requalifying for HH Diamond or Hyatt Diamond, leaning toward Hilton.

Well, just remember that as long as you reserve them, you at least have a chance of keeping them.

So pick an anniversary weekend (or anything remotely feasible) in the future and book it. If you don't go or have to change you will lose them, but as they would be lost anyway.....

Not everything has to be Hawaii or Paris...:D

Well, just remember that as long as you reserve them, you at least have a chance of keeping them.

So pick an anniversary weekend (or anything remotely feasible) in the future and book it. If you don't go or have to change you will lose them, but as they would be lost anyway.....

Not everything has to be Hawaii or Paris...:D

Ooo, good point. Thanks!

How is everyone getting a free diamond trial? Last I saw this occurred last year through Visa Signature.

How is everyone getting a free diamond trial? Last I saw this occurred last year through Visa Signature.

Just send an email, requesting a Diamond Trial Offer. (we requested, back in the October)

Thank you for contacting Gold Passport Customer Service. I appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

Per your request, I have enrolled Mrs. baccarat_king in the Diamond Trial Offer. Please allow 24 hours for the system to update. She will receive trial Diamond membership for 60 days. However, she must complete 12 nights in 60 days to maintain Diamond membership through February of 2014. She will also receive 1000 bonus points on her first six eligible nights within 60 days, up to a maximum of 6000 bonus points.

Please let me know if I may assist you further. Thank you for your support of the Hyatt Gold Passport program.

So I would love to do a Diamond Trial to actually be a Diamond for as long as I can be. Should I wait to start after Feb 28? or if I start now and complete it after Feb 28 will that give me Diamond status until Feb 28, 2014 or 2015?

And has anyone negotiated a rate with a mgr at a lower end Hyatt for 12 straight nights for cheap?

TIA

So I would love to do a Diamond Trial to actually be a Diamond for as long as I can be. Should I wait to start after Feb 28? or if I start now and complete it after Feb 28 will that give me Diamond status until Feb 28, 2014 or 2015?

And has anyone negotiated a rate with a mgr at a lower end Hyatt for 12 straight nights for cheap?

TIA

It will be 2014 with successful completion - won't be 2015 until october or so.

12 nights is probably too short for a negotiated rate - you can try though.

It will be 2014 with successful completion - won't be 2015 until october or so.

12 nights is probably too short for a negotiated rate - you can try though.

Thanks so much for the quick response. One other question; is the Diamond Challenge currently limited to one per lifetime? or if I were to let it lapse could I go for it again a year later?

Thanks so much for the quick response. One other question; is the Diamond Challenge currently limited to one per lifetime? or if I were to let it lapse could I go for it again a year later?

It's one per lifetime.

It will be 2014 with successful completion - won't be 2015 until october or so.

Why do you say that? I started my trial in June 2012, and I'm good until February 2014.

It will be 2014 with successful completion - won't be 2015 until october or so.



cutoff is around june

Darn I wish I had known about this before having my girlfriend apply for the credit card. Could have had the two free nights in a suite and two free suite upgrade certificates! Do they let a non status member ask for the Diamond trial? Or must you be a platinum to get the trial?

Also if we were going to be staying somewhere in July, could I have her send an email in June to request the trial and receive all the benefits on our stay in July?

Darn I wish I had known about this before having my girlfriend apply for the credit card. Could have had the two free nights in a suite and two free suite upgrade certificates! Do they let a non status member ask for the Diamond trial? Or must you be a platinum to get the trial?

Also if we were going to be staying somewhere in July, could I have her send an email in June to request the trial and receive all the benefits on our stay in July?

gotta have a certain status with another hotel group. I see in your title, you have PC Platinum. That qualifies you for the Diamond Trial.

gotta have a certain status with another hotel group. I see in your title, you have PC Platinum. That qualifies you for the Diamond Trial.

I have PC Platinum as a result of the credit card. Hopefully that wouldn't matter. Do you simply need to show them a screenshot of your account that says your status?

Also if my girlfriend and I are on a stay where she books two award nights from the credit card and one night using points (that I transfer to her), would my being diamond get us anything? Or do I need to book the reservations?

I guess an alternative would be that I book the night using points, she books the two nights from credit card and we link the reservations somehow and they'd treat the entire stay as diamond status. Thanks!

I have PC Platinum as a result of the credit card. Hopefully that wouldn't matter. Do you simply need to show them a screenshot of your account that says your status?

Yes. Getting status by credit card shouldn't be a problem, but you will have to show that you actually have a stay history, as they will probably not give you the trial if you cannot show that you are actually staying at a competitor's hotel.

I have a few suite upgrade certs that are expiring in end Feb. I understand that we can book a stay, say in May, still able to use the cert. What if I change the May reservation, will it still apply? It could be just a simple dates change, still within the month of May. Will I lost the cert?

Yep, any changes to a reservation that has an expired certificate makes it useless. But what have you got to lose....

You will get the 4 suite upgrades a few days after starting the trial. And they can be used during the trial. When you don't qualify at the end of the 60days you will lose the unused upgrades....

I once did not meet the required nights and lost the Diamond status, but not my suite upgrade vouchers ;) ...maybe thats was a mistake :p

I once did not meet the required nights and lost the Diamond status, but not my suite upgrade vouchers ;) ...maybe thats was a mistake :p
When you fail to requalify for Diamond, you don't get the additional four suite upgrade certs, but you can keep and use those already in your account. So if you have some schedules to expire at the end of February, they can be applied to future reservations provided that you do this before Marrch 1. The actual stay in the suite can be later.

I'm almost done with my Diamond Challenge here (March 12) and I reached the 12 nights this weekend (checked out today).

My question is: will the 4 suite upgrades that I received for the challenge be replaced by 4 new ones? Should I quickly apply them to existing reservations or will I get 4 new ones on top the 4 existing?

Would it be to good to be true to end up with 8 suite awards? :p

Yep, it's too good to be true..... you only get the four (as an advance, even before completing the challenge).

I'm almost done with my Diamond Challenge here (March 12) and I reached the 12 nights this weekend (checked out today).


Would it be to good to be true to end up with 8 suite awards? :p

I assume you got 4 when you started the challenge. They should have disappeared on feb 28th and replaced with 4 more

Not really, when you start the challenge you get instant Diamond status... one that lasts for 60 days (most likely to the end of the relevant month). So there is no status change on Feb 28th....

The last few posts have the potential to create confusion for future readers, so let me clarify from my experience:
(1) When you start a Diamond Trial, you get four suite upgrades exactly as if you had qualified for Diamond status the usual way.
(2) Diamond suite upgrades expire on Feb. 28, and the next year's suite upgrades show up on March 1.
(3) So, if your trial started after January 1, then you get 4 upgrades to use by Feb. 28, and (since you're still Diamond on March 1), you get another 4 upgrades on March 1.
(4) AFAIK, nothing special happens when your trial concludes successfully (i.e., when you hit your 12th night, or at the end of the 60 days if you've stayed 12+ nights).

Points (1-3) are from personal experience (my trial started January 26), and #4 is not (I'll hit 12 nights next week, and about 18 by the end of my trial).

Not really, when you start the challenge you get instant Diamond status... one that lasts for 60 days (most likely to the end of the relevant month). So there is no status change on Feb 28th....

not sure I understand your comments as they seem incomplete. I started a challenge on Feb 1 (not yet completed). I immediately recv'd 4 x upgrades. I have added 3 of the 4 to existing reservations. On Feb 28/march 1, the 1 i did not use disappeared and I received 4 more.

not sure I understand your comments as they seem incomplete. I started a challenge on Feb 1 (not yet completed). I immediately recv'd 4 x upgrades. I have added 3 of the 4 to existing reservations. On Feb 28/march 1, the 1 i did not use disappeared and I received 4 more.

So if one is considering to receive the Diamond challenge with no intention of fulfilling it, it would seem that the best strategy is to apply in January or February, so as to receive a maximum of eight suite upgrades (provided that one applies the original four before they expire on February 28th)

So if one is considering to receive the Diamond challenge with no intention of fulfilling it, it would seem that the best strategy is to apply in January or February, so as to receive a maximum of eight suite upgrades (provided that one applies the original four before they expire on February 28th)

correct. I would however assume that someone who does not complete the challenge, will not be using 8 upgrades. I used 3 of 4 on my recent mattress run just because I had them. Didn't actually stay at half the hotels i booked so upgrade wasn't really needed.

You will get the 4 suite upgrades a few days after starting the trial. And they can be used during the trial. When you don't qualify at the end of the 60days you will lose the unused upgrades....

Is this really the case? I had read elsewhere that the upgrade certs can be applied until the February 28 expiration even when one fails the trial and falls back to Platinum or Gold.

Is this really the case? I had read elsewhere that the upgrade certs can be applied until the February 28 expiration even when one fails the trial and falls back to Platinum or Gold.

correct

Well I'm also a bit confused... as I started my Challenge on January 12, I received my 4 upgrades, as stated. But their expiry date was definitely not February 28, 2013 (but again, my memory might be faulty but if they were expiring Feb 28, 2013, i would have used them on my existing reservations for sure, that's why I'm 99% sure they were not expiring this year).

And on March 1st, I see on my activities, I see "Award" 4 times with zero values.

These are probably just an automatic renewal because my Challenge goal has been reached yesterday only (March 3rd).
As a proactive reaction, I wanted to check whether I should go ahead and use these "old" awards and wait to receive 4 new ones once they confirm my Challenge? Or is it wishful thinking haha? I'm fine with either, I just don't want to see 4 awards vanish in space :)

It will be 2014 with successful completion - won't be 2015 until october or so.

12 nights is probably too short for a negotiated rate - you can try though.

Why do you say that? I started my trial in June 2012, and I'm good until February 2014.

cutoff is around june

Newbie here so some beginner questions.

I've got 3 reservations so far. July 17 to 24 at Hyatt Regency Orange County, July 27 to August 11 at Grand Hyatt Kauai, and March 19 to April 9, 2014 at Orlando, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress so far booked.

Question: Should I start my Diamond Challenge in time for our first stay at Hyatt in July this year (and does this mean I would get Diamond status until the end of 2015 as per quotes above?)? Or should I start the challenge February 2014 and have my stay at Grand Cypress meet the challenge?

Currently I've booked a suite for Orange County, and have secured a suite at Grand Hyatt Kauai. Having suite upgrades would not matter to me as a result of getting involved with the challenge. What matters is having the diamond status as long as possible when I start and that means having it for the entire 2015 year. If the cutoff is end of June, it sounds doing the challenge in July would give me status to the end of 2015. That would mean a set of suite u/gs in July, as well as March 1st, 2014, and a set for March 1st, 2015 with Diamond status til the end of 2015? If not, I'll do the challenge in February and get a set of suite u/g at sign up, another set March 1st, 2014, and an another set March 1st, 2015. The first set of suite u/g usable so long as I make reservations by February 28th, 2014. That would mean potentially up to 84 nights in suite u/gs?

Hyatt is very similar to the old Fairmont system, but lots to learn. Thanks all for the interesting read.

What matters is having the diamond status as long as possible when I start and that means having it for the entire 2015 year. If the cutoff is end of June, it sounds doing the challenge in July would give me status to the end of 2015.

Diamond status for the year begins on March 1st and ends on February 28th the following year. Depending on the timing of your successful challenge (there is no definitive date...it is at the discretion of Hyatt each year) you may be awarded Diamond status until end of February 2014, or end of February 2015. Under no circumstance would you have Diamond status throughout 2015 without first qualifying for the year under normal qualification standards, ie, 25 stays or 50 total nights during calendar year 2014.

Diamond status for the year begins on March 1st and ends on February 28th the following year. Depending on the timing of your successful challenge (there is no definitive date...it is at the discretion of Hyatt each year) you may be awarded Diamond status until end of February 2014, or end of February 2015. Under no circumstance would you have Diamond status throughout 2015 without first qualifying for the year under normal qualification standards, ie, 25 stays or 50 total nights during calendar year 2014.

I reflected awhile on your post..

So, it doesn't matter which way I cut it, qualifying through diamond trial in July/August of this year, or diamond trial in Feb 2014, both scenarios I would need to qualify 50 nights through calendar year 2014 to enjoy diamond status for the entire calendar year 2015?

So may as well get off onto the Diamond challenge right away in July, as I assume the program will give me a chance with a full calendar year to qualify the 50 nights/25 stays (in 2014 as we'll be more than half way past 2013 July on). That is if I qualify the 12 nights within 60 days if I start the challenge after July 1st. Am I on the right track?

So in terms of suite u/gs, I'll get a set of 4 when I sign up for the challenge, and if i qualify the 12 nights I'll get another set after March 1st 2014 (challenge beginning after July 1, 2013)? But 2014 I must qualify for the 50 nights/25 stays to remain diamond I assume.

I reflected awhile on your post..

So, it doesn't matter which way I cut it, qualifying through diamond trial in July/August of this year, or diamond trial in Feb 2014, both scenarios I would need to qualify 50 nights through calendar year 2014 to enjoy diamond status for the entire calendar year 2015?

If you don't do a bunch of one night stays, then yes, you will need the full 50. The only way around that is to wait until the cutoff date in 2014 to do the challenge...although I should point out that, as the old Diamond Status Match program (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/516391-hyatt-status-matching-master-thread-old-prior-11-10-a.html) ended abruptly, there is no guarantee that the current Diamond Challenge will still exist in its current state at the time that you wish to make it.

So may as well get off onto the Diamond challenge right away in July, as I assume the program will give me a chance with a full calendar year to qualify the 50 nights/25 stays (in 2014 as we'll be more than half way past 2013 July on). That is if I qualify the 12 nights within 60 days if I start the challenge after July 1st. Am I on the right track?

Correct. Assuming that the Diamond Challenge still exists at that time.

Okay, read the thread, still confused. Sorry to be dense, but:

I am on a Diamond Trial/Challenge right now. I'm hoping to complete the challenge and earn Diamond for the rest of the program year, but there's a chance I won't. If I don't, what happens to my suite upgrades?

Specifically - I currently have a reservation booked using a suite upgrade - in August. If I'm no longer a Diamond, will I no longer be in the suite?

Thanks for the clarification.

I thought someone more seasoned would have answered the question by now but I'll give it a try. I stand corrected if I don't have this straight.

If you booked the reservation using the suite upgrade, once your Diamond trial is over, the reservation will remain intact, however if you make any changes to your reservation, you will lose your suite upgrade. While you are Diamond, you can make any changes you want until February 28th, 2014 (or when your Diamond trial ends whichever comes first), assuming that its new set of Diamond Suite Upgrades that you received March 1st, 2013. However, if your reservation is utilizing a suite upgrade prior to February 28th, 2013, then any changes you make now, you will lose your Diamond Suite upgrade that is from the old set of four suite upgrades when you signed up for your Diamond Trial. However if you don't mind losing the old suite upgrade prior to February 28th, 2013, to make a change using one of the four new suite upgrades you received March 1st, 2013, then you may make the change on your reservation until February 2014 or when your Diamond Trial ends, whichever comes first. But be advised, any reservations you've made with suite upgrades prior to February 28th, 2013, you will lose any ability to use the incentive.. and suite upgrades are pretty valuable.

Again, I'm a Newbie, so take the advice with a grain of salt.:)

You do not have to burn them by Feb 2013....you have to BOOK them by that date. And if you end up making any changes, you will lose them...but better than burning them IMO.

Is that still true?

I was just denied and told that the stay date must be before expiration date of the cert.

Is that still true?

I was just denied and told that the stay date must be before expiration date of the cert.

It sounded like the program got 'enhanced' all of a sudden.

I just called the Hyatt Gold Pass Passport concierge (and somebody might want to call the Diamond Line to confirm, as I don't have access to the Diamond line until my Diamond challenge which I plan to begin in July if its still available), and they confirmed that as long as a reservation is made by February 28th, 2014, a suite upgrade can be used towards a stay after February 28th, 2014. Date changes may still happen, but if a reservation is cancelled, then the award will no longer be redeemable. The date change possible is something new I just found out, as based on my reading so far, I thought a date change on the reservation after February 28th, 2014, or any changes for that matter on the reservation which the suite upgrade is applied would deem the certificate unusable period. Again, someone may want to comment on this new tidbit of information.

Based on date being March 9th, 2013, 9 days after the program year switch over, did you try to use the suite upgrades that expired February 28th, 2013? If so, its too late to make the reservation now. I also noticed that you're Hyatt Platinum in your signature. Are you on a Diamond Trial currently? You have a new set of suite upgrades to use as at March 1st, 2013. The set of 4 suite upgrades if unuses prior to February 28th, 2013 is now toast.

I really wonder how many times this can be asked and answered .;) .....but I guess it's not really in the sticky (not that many would bother reading that even though it's quite good).

You can use the Diamond upgrades for stays after their expiration dates, you just need to apply them to a reservation before their expiry date. Any changes to that reservation after their expiry date and you are on your own, and you will most likely lose the use of the upgrade (I guess it depends a little on how the change is actually made). With a cancellation, made after the expiry date, you will lose it for sure.

In this space I originally asked a dumb question, the answer to which was on Hyatt's website plain as day... So I edited what was said in order to retroactively cure my stupidity.

Thank you.

Nope, it's for any paid stay up to 7 nights. One or two nights work just as well...

RTW1, thanks for answering my question anyway. I had not seen your response when I edited my own, and I do appreciate that you answered me even though I feel like a ninny. :)

Thanks everyone for the patient and thoughtful responses. Thanks especially to Ancien Maestro ^

Can't wait to use my awards!!

It sounded like the program got 'enhanced' all of a sudden.

I just called the Hyatt Gold Pass Passport concierge (and somebody might want to call the Diamond Line to confirm, as I don't have access to the Diamond line until my Diamond challenge which I plan to begin in July if its still available), and they confirmed that as long as a reservation is made by February 28th, 2014, a suite upgrade can be used towards a stay after February 28th, 2014. Date changes may still happen, but if a reservation is cancelled, then the award will no longer be redeemable. The date change possible is something new I just found out, as based on my reading so far, I thought a date change on the reservation after February 28th, 2014, or any changes for that matter on the reservation which the suite upgrade is applied would deem the certificate unusable period. Again, someone may want to comment on this new tidbit of information.

Based on date being March 9th, 2013, 9 days after the program year switch over, did you try to use the suite upgrades that expired February 28th, 2013? If so, its too late to make the reservation now. I also noticed that you're Hyatt Platinum in your signature. Are you on a Diamond Trial currently? You have a new set of suite upgrades to use as at March 1st, 2013. The set of 4 suite upgrades if unuses prior to February 28th, 2013 is now toast.

Thanks for reply! You are correct that the diamond ones has expired already, but I found that I still had few of the Chase ones.

May be that rule ("cannot be applied to a booking after expiration date") applies only to Chase ones?

I reflected awhile on your post..

So, it doesn't matter which way I cut it, qualifying through diamond trial in July/August of this year, or diamond trial in Feb 2014, both scenarios I would need to qualify 50 nights through calendar year 2014 to enjoy diamond status for the entire calendar year 2015?

So may as well get off onto the Diamond challenge right away in July, as I assume the program will give me a chance with a full calendar year to qualify the 50 nights/25 stays (in 2014 as we'll be more than half way past 2013 July on). That is if I qualify the 12 nights within 60 days if I start the challenge after July 1st. Am I on the right track?

So in terms of suite u/gs, I'll get a set of 4 when I sign up for the challenge, and if i qualify the 12 nights I'll get another set after March 1st 2014 (challenge beginning after July 1, 2013)? But 2014 I must qualify for the 50 nights/25 stays to remain diamond I assume.

Bolding mine.

I am not sure if I understood your logic here, but let me emphasize that the qualification period for Hyatt status runs from January 1 through December 31 (a single calendar year). Based on the reservations that you have it looks like you will be close to, but not over, the half way to 50 nights for the 2015 Diamond status. Your CA and HI stays won't matter; the only one that will count will be your FL stay (21 nights). Just wanted to make sure that your expectations are set appropriately.

Thanks for reply! You are correct that the diamond ones has expired already, but I found that I still had few of the Chase ones.

May be that rule ("cannot be applied to a booking after expiration date") applies only to Chase ones?

I'm just learning the program myself.. FT is a great resource.:)

"cannot be applied to a booking after expiration date" sounds like if the certificate expires, then the certificate cannot be applied to the booking. Similar I think to the February 28th, 2013 expiry of the diamond suite upgrades. Double check with Passport, because you may be able to apply your chase certs to a booking prior to expiry, and the reservation utilizing the suite upgrade will be valid after the expiry of the certificate. Cancelling the reservation will likely result in the loss of the benefit.. check this out as well.

Correction: anpe, seems maybe your chase cert rereading your original post applies to reservations prior to expiry utilizing reward? Was it the Chase certs you were denied a stay after expiry?

Bolding mine.

I am not sure if I understood your logic here, but let me emphasize that the qualification period for Hyatt status runs from January 1 through December 31 (a single calendar year). Based on the reservations that you have it looks like you will be close to, but not over, the half way to 50 nights for the 2015 Diamond status. Your CA and HI stays won't matter; the only one that will count will be your FL stay (21 nights). Just wanted to make sure that your expectations are set appropriately.

Thanks for the reply.. I understand now that 12 nights in 2013 will allow me a full year of diamond to qualify the 50 nights in 2014, for Diamond qualification in 2015. The Hyatt system only allows us to book a year ahead. I plan to make at least 30 nights worth of reservation in summer 2014 to qualify for Diamond for 2015 for a total of 50 nights in fiscal year 2014. The system only allowing me to book a year ahead is not enabling me to book for summer of 2014 yet.

My latest question was if I qualified for the 12 nights in 2013, would I need to finish off 50 nights in 2013 to qualify for Diamond in 2014? There were a few quotes I was confused that if I qualify after July 1st, 2013, that I would retain status until year 2015, but I think OP meant its only until February 28th, 2015 I would keep the status if I didn't qualify the 50 nights in 2014. OP mentioned 2015, but I guess he meant February 28th, 2015 (basically the 2014 fiscal year), when I thought he originally meant full year 2015.. that was where my confusion was.

So to get it straight now, if I qualify the 12 nights after July 1, 2013, which currently I have 21 nights booked within the 60 day diamond challenge which I plan to start in July, that I would be granted Diamond Status balance of 2013 and all of 2014 to qualify the 50 nights in 2014, to remain Diamond for 2015. Receiving suite certs as a result of the Diamond challenge and at March 1, 2014 will definitely help with the summer 2014 bookings.

Why try to make it so difficult.....

The general qualification rule is that if you stay 25 stays or 50 nights in any calender year you will qualify for Diamond status for the remainder of that year and until Feb 28th year+2.

The Diamond trail/challenge has really nothing to do with that. There you get Diamond status instantly for 60 or so days and if you reach 12 nights in that period you get Diamond status until Feb 28 year +1 or +2 (depending on the date when the challenge is started, the cut-off point determined by Hyatt GP)

And future bookings don't mean a thing, it's the actual stays that count.

Why try to make it so difficult.....

The general qualification rule is that if you stay 25 stays or 50 nights in any calender year you will qualify for Diamond status for the remainder of that year and until Feb 28th year+2.

The Diamond trail/challenge has really nothing to do with that. There you get Diamond status instantly for 60 or so days and if you reach 12 nights in that period you get Diamond status until Feb 28 year +1 or +2 (depending on the date when the challenge is started, the cut-off point determined by Hyatt GP)

And future bookings don't mean a thing, it's the actual stays that count.

The Hyatt Passport is very similar to Fairmont President's Club. I like these programs because of the ability to suite upgrade. The FPC program has the same February 28th expiry of certificate date, and fiscal year setup. Future bookings don't mean a thing towards status, until the stay occurs I agree. The reason for planned bookings is to secure a hotel suite, for our future stays.

Thus the art of applying a suite upgrade, and obtaining enough points to upgrade to a suite. Right now I've got 0 points, but by middle of August, I'll be able to have enough points and/or certificates as a result of the challenge to upgrade to a suite. I guess that's why it gets a bit difficult.. timing suite upgrade reservations a year ahead in advance, and planning when incentives are banked, and reservations converted to a suite upgrade reservation, becomes a form of art. But its getting me going onto the program, and my plan is to qualify 50 nights in a suite next year. Free nights, is not important to me.

In addition to the art, is booking ahead airline tickets on Aeroplan for the dates during high season. With a 3 and 7 year old, I've got to get 4 tickets to the destinations on the dates my kids are off school.

I started my Diamond trial on May 10th and I was told that I have 60 days to complete the challenge. But my account shows that my current Diamond status expires July 31st.

Does this mean I have until July 31st to complete my challenge or exact 60 days from the start date?

Not really, when you start the challenge you get instant Diamond status... one that lasts for 60 days (most likely to the end of the relevant month). So there is no status change on Feb 28th....

I started my Diamond trial on May 10th and I was told that I have 60 days to complete the challenge. But my account shows that my current Diamond status expires July 31st.

Does this mean I have until July 31st to complete my challenge or exact 60 days from the start date?

You have 60 days to complete your challenge. If you do not, then your temporary Diamond status expires on July 31st.

Thanks...got it...

So if I fail to complete the challenge, I still should be able to get the Diamond benefits till July 31st right although it will not count toward my challenge stays?

You have 60 days to complete your challenge. If you do not, then your temporary Diamond status expires on July 31st.