Hyatt Gold Passport - SPG Announces Stays Count Double and Nights Advance Promos - Comparison with Hyatt

....Each promo lasting a period of 3 months this fall/winter. SPG Plats that haven't yet requalified can choose either stays count double or nights advance, where stays/nights qualify both in 2009 and 2010 (Per info from the Starwood Lurker in the SPG Forum top Promos thread.)

As a Hyatt Diamond since 2002, comped to SPG Plat last year, I have accumulated 9 SPG stays so far this year, and just 6 Hyatt stays. Certainly I won't requalify for Hyatt Diamond without some sort of stays count double promo from Hyatt. I prefer the range of SPG properties, with much more variety than Hyatt in most big cities. Hyatt's lowbrow suburban approach in acquiring Amerisuites and Summerfield holds no interest for me. Cut out those properties, and there's only a scattering of full service hotels left, through some are good. OK, Hyatt has free continental breakfast and more club lounges, but you can get those at many U.S. Sheratons. And HH&R properties tend to be quite expensive compared to some Starwoods.

My experience with SPG is that the "upgrade" policy is rather arbitrary and not consistent. With Hyatt, I have consistently gotten great upgrades, and the 4 suite upgrades are a real plus.

I guess it all goes back to whether you stay at SPG properties that are worth the stay in the cities you visit. Until now, I thought SPG would be a good complement to the Hyatt Diamond status. I get good treatment at only one of the SPG properties I visit. On the other hand, at Hyatt, I consistently get upgrades and a consistent treatment, and often (like a full breakfast or buffet) get more than I expect.

Overall, I have been dissatisfied by SPG, but I am sure that others will have differing opinions.

Sorry but I don't understand the point of your post in this forum.

You list how SPG is so much better (from your standpoint) and yet you remained Hyatt Diamond for 9 years??? If anything Hyatt is the only chain that enhanced the benefits recently.

You know the strengths and weaknesses of both programs - pick the one that works best for you.

My experience with SPG is that the "upgrade" policy is rather arbitrary and not consistent. With Hyatt, I have consistently gotten great upgrades, and the 4 suite upgrades are a real plus.

I guess it all goes back to whether you stay at SPG properties that are worth the stay in the cities you visit. Until now, I thought SPG would be a good complement to the Hyatt Diamond status. I get good treatment at only one of the SPG properties I visit. On the other hand, at Hyatt, I consistently get upgrades and a consistent treatment, and often (like a full breakfast or buffet) get more than I expect.

Overall, I have been dissatisfied by SPG, but I am sure that others will have differing opinions.

This is the 2nd time I'm SPG Plat - but Hyatt Diamond for 5-6 years in a row. I find that SPG overpromises and under delivers (I hate having to fight fo my benefits) while Hyatt usually delivers more than promised.

I actually had a battle royale last night / today at the SF St Regis over assigned room - they claimed that the Suite category that Plats are upgraded to aren't available even though bookable and the desk clerk assigned one of the worse rooms in the hotel to me :td: They agreed to move me for tonight and tomorrow night to a much better room (still not a suite though).

This is the 2nd time I'm SPG Plat - but Hyatt Diamond for 5-6 years in a row. I find that SPG overpromises and under delivers (I hate having to fight fo my benefits) while Hyatt usually delivers more than promised.

I actually had a battle royale last night / today at the SF St Regis over assigned room - they claimed that the Suite category that Plats are upgraded to aren't available even though bookable and the desk clerk assigned one of the worse rooms in the hotel to me :td: They agreed to move me for tonight and tomorrow night to a much better room (still not a suite though).

Ironically I am at Hyatt YVR this weekend which upgraded us to an executive suite (for the second time) which is not a part of standard diamond upgrade.
As an SPG Plat/Hyatt DIA myself I fully agree with your SPG/Hyatt assessment.
The smaller number of Hyatt properties is both a plus (more consistent, better managed with a better program) and a minus (limited coverage as noted by OP).

I find that SPG overpromises and under delivers (I hate having to fight fo my benefits) while Hyatt usually delivers more than promised.



Unfortunately, so true.

The wording of the SPG's benefits for Platinum card holders is already crying for a battle royale or even worst, really really nasty discussions between untrained or envy clerks and guests, who feel they are entitled to more, often much more. Including standard suites sounds nice on paper, but your mileage varies constantly...at hotels without suites or all suite hotels, the benefits for Plat's are more or less non-existent at all, except the 500 Plat amenity bonus points or two cans of soda and some crisps and a late check-out resorts and conference centers can also neglect to grant.

While your average Hyatt Place can barely walk these days, your average Sheraton is already retiring comparing the age of most of the properties.

I do not understand the criticism about HP in general, spacious junior suites, new, free breakfast incl. fresh fruit. Most people do not understand that your standard Hyatt Place room/junior suite is already more spacious than many junior suites at full service Sheraton or Westin hotels...

These days, it is always about what I am guaranteed or what I am willing to risk, if I have to choose between Hyatt and SPG, holding a top tier card at both properties. Being, a risk-averse western European, I tend to go for the guaranteed benefits at Hyatt and stay at SPG properties, if there are no Hyatt's around...

I expect Hyatt to run a FFN promo at the end of the year, probably also a ( maybe targeted ) double stay promotion. I also like the advance stay credits that SPG announced this week and will benefit from this promo as well.

I will requalify for SPG Plat and HH Diamond, even without their double stays promo. But being based in Europe, there just aren't enough Hyatt hotels, plus, those that are here, are usually 2-3 as expensive as SPG or HH properties. It's hard to justify to any controller why I would have to stay at a Hyatt property, as much as I like them.

Example - there are only 4 Hyatts in Germany and in Berlin, one could stay at the Hyatt, the Westin or the Hilton. Personally, I think the Hyatt is the best out of those three, but not worth 2-3 times the money.

Bottomline is that Hyatt is going to lose out on a lot of business in Europe if they do not offer some double stays promotion like SPG is doing. If Hyatt matches the SPG double stay promotion for the last quarter, I'll get 8 or 9 stays in to requalify. If Hyatt does nothing, I will probably have zero stays at Hyatt hotels until the end of the year.

...Hyatt hotels ... are usually 2-3 as expensive as SPG or HH properties. It's hard to justify to any controller why I would have to stay at a Hyatt property, as much as I like them. ... If Hyatt matches the SPG double stay promotion for the last quarter, I'll get 8 or 9 stays in to requalify.
Did I get it what you told us? Basically you will stay at Hyatts eight or nine times if you will maintain your elite membership status even if you pay a two or three time premium?

I have top tier status in Hyatt, *wood, and Marriott. I have already re-qualified for Hyatt and Marriott - have 0 stays this year for *wood. Saw the new promo- by moving all 4Q stays to *wood, could re qualify there, too. :)

Until I started booking and reading reviews on FT and tripadvisor. And remembered why I had no stays. Inconsistent properties. Under delivered bennies. Aging properties. Hmmm......

*wood does a great job designing creative programs. But IMO, they are not backed by the same quality (or perhaps I should specify - consistent quality) properties as Marriott and Hyatt.

Of course, it all depends on the markets to which one travels, so YMMV....;)

Did I get it what you told us? Basically you will stay at Hyatts eight or nine times if you will maintain your elite membership status even if you pay a two or three time premium?
I have some vacation time coming up where I could also do some Hyatt hotel hopping in cheaper locations, and I would sort of go out of my way to get the Hyatt stays in (e.g. business meetings in Frankfurt, staying in Mainz). Plus, I sometimes manage to use a corporate rate which takes it down from 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 times as expensive ;).

This is the 2nd time I'm SPG Plat - but Hyatt Diamond for 5-6 years in a row. I find that SPG overpromises and under delivers (I hate having to fight fo my benefits) while Hyatt usually delivers more than promised.

In Asia I find the exact opposite is the case. I am Hyatt Diamond and SPG Plat and have held both for the past 2-3 years. I find that at the Hyatts I stay at in Japan and India they provide me the benefits exactly as written without doing anything above and beyond. At the Starwood properties I stay at they tend to go beyond the published benefits.

Back to the OP, there was a Diamond Stays Count Double promo by Hyatt earlier this year. I am now just 4 stays from remaining Diamond due to the promo and wouldn't have been able to maintain it this year otherwise.

Good range of comments. Certainly it's much easier to accumulate Hyatt points than SPG on hotel stays alone. But maintaining top tier seems more difficult. And I do find HH&R a little boring, and typically expensive. Those limited suite upgrades and free Internet aren't really free.

As for big-city choice: Compare SPG's 4 or 5 downtown San Diego properties to Hyatt's one inconsistent megahotel; SPG's 2 downtown LA properties (excellent Westin Bonaventure recognition) to Hyatt's flight from downtown; and SPG's 6 downtown San Francisco properties (including the fantastic Palace) to Hyatt's 2 (where the nicely redesigned HR lounge is sometimes closed). I won't get started on Manhattan. I've generally been satisfied with SPG Plat upgrades, though I hear it's difficult at W.

Among Hyatt's new brands, HP's tiny bathrooms and blasting bedside AC wall units are primitive, even if the sofa and 42" flatscreen are inviting for TV and video buffs. Most Summerfields hadn't been refreshed since the acquisition, last time I checked. By contrast, I find Aloft to be fun....since I don't watch much TV which requires that you use the bed as a sofa there.

So I'll continue with Hyatt if they try to match SPG....otherwise I'm likely to stay there less.

.. It's hard to justify to any controller why I would have to stay at a Hyatt property, as much as I like them.

... I'll get 8 or 9 stays in to requalify. If Hyatt does nothing, I will probably have zero stays at Hyatt hotels until the end of the year.

:D Controllers be damned (if there is a double stay promo)

Both OP's and your post list seemingly insurmountable problems with Hyatt that preclude you from staying there (no properties where you stay or properties are 2-3x more expensive) but suddenly those problems don't seem that significant if a double stay promo is offered. I find it rather funny.

That being said of course I am all for double stays and or FFN promos which I am sure will come pretty soon. ;)

I have top tier status in Hyatt, *wood, and Marriott. I have already re-qualified for Hyatt and Marriott - have 0 stays this year for *wood. Saw the new promo- by moving all 4Q stays to *wood, could re qualify there, too. :)

Until I started booking and reading reviews on FT and tripadvisor. And remembered why I had no stays. Inconsistent properties. Under delivered bennies. Aging properties. Hmmm......

*wood does a great job designing creative programs. But IMO, they are not backed by the same quality (or perhaps I should specify - consistent quality) properties as Marriott and Hyatt.

Of course, it all depends on the markets to which one travels, so YMMV....;)

Are you referring to yard sales and swap meets in reference to "markets"?!?! :confused:

I have very much enjoyed most Park, Grand and Regency Hyatts I've stayed at. But I've also very much enjoyed St Regis, Luxury Collection, W and most Westin hotels I've stayed at as well. FACT: *wood has more hotels in the various top hotels in the world rankings than the other frequent guest programs by a wide margin.

Now if you're comparing Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites to Four Points, you may have a valid point, but I wouldn't know as I don't stay at those properties.

But to make such a blanket statement about quality?!?!

Getting back on topic, I do have to agree with peteropny's post. It is frustrating at times being a *W plat while Hyatt's treatment seems much more consistent. And I do like Hyatt's 4 CONFIRMED suite upgrades benefits best and would definitely strive for Diamond status right after renewing *W plat with double stay promo.

Are you referring to yard sales and swap meets in reference to "markets"?!?! :confused:

I have very much enjoyed most Park, Grand and Regency Hyatts I've stayed at. But I've also very much enjoyed St Regis, Luxury Collection, W and most Westin hotels I've stayed at as well. FACT: *wood has more hotels in the various top hotels in the world rankings than the other frequent guest programs by a wide margin.

Now if you're comparing Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites to Four Points, you may have a valid point, but I wouldn't know as I don't stay at those properties.

But to make such a blanket statement about quality?!?!

Getting back on topic, I do have to agree with peteropny's post. It is frustrating at times being a *W plat while Hyatt's treatment seems much more consistent. And I do like Hyatt's 4 CONFIRMED suite upgrades benefits best and would definitely strive for Diamond status right after renewing *W plat with double stay promo.


bolding mine....

sorry, in the industry I am in the term "markets" is used interchangeably with the word "cities"...

and I don't think I made a blanket statement at all. Starting a sentence with IMO, and ending with YMMV generally indicates a personal opinion or experience. And I stand by mine - in the cities to which I travel, I prefer the Hyatt quality and treatment vs. *wood. If you go to different cities, or have different travel expectations, then you could certainly have a different opinion.

With regards to your "FACT: *wood has more hotels in the various top hotels in the world rankings than the other frequent guest programs by a wide margin" but if I am not going to those cities, who cares???

And I am confused as to how you find my statement about consistency offensive when you express the same sentiments in "it is frustrating at times being a *W plat while Hyatt's treatment seems much more consistent. And I do like Hyatt's 4 CONFIRMED suite upgrades benefits best ....".

IMO, receiving consistent guest treatment and guaranteed bennies far outweigh world rankings...but of course, YMMV.

Just being fair. Hyatt has its pluses. And so does *W. I enjoy both programs. Obviously, my opinion differs from yours on "quality," so for some fun debate, I'll offer my preferences between the two in major cities:D:

New York: This is a sore spot for Hyatt. I'll take the St Regis, Le Meridien and any of the 5 W's over the GH any day. Heck, I'd even prefer the Westin TS over the GH. Like many, can't wait to see the Andaz open.
Boston: Westin Waterfront and Westin Copley over HR.
Philly: PH slightly over the Westin but def'ly over the Sheratons
Wash DC: PH, GH & HR vs St Regis, new W, 2 Westins. A draw for me.
Chicago: PH & HR compared to the Westin & the 2 W's. Depends.
Orlando: Grand Cypress vs WDW Swan & Dolphin. Tough call.
Miami: the new W South Beach vs Hotel Victor
Atlanta: St Regis, 4 W's, Westin Peachtree & Buckhead over the HR and GH Buckhead
Houston: a sole HR against a St Regis and two Westins. Like NY, there's no comparison.
Dallas: again, a sole HR against several Westins and a W. Maybe fair if you compare the lower tiers against each other (HP vs aloft)
Denver: Hyatt wins here with the GH, HR and HR Tech Center over the Westin and a few Sheratons.
San Diego: definitely the US Grant and W and even the two Westins over the Manchester GH. but I def'ly prefer the renovated HR Mission Bay over Sheraton Marina.
LA: definitely enjoyed the SLS over the Andaz. And prefer the W Westwood over the HR Century Plaza. Forget downtown LA or Santa Monica, there's no Hyatt representation at either spot.
San Fran: take the St Regis and W over the GH and HR. It'd be more of a fair comparison against the Westin Mkt St and Westin St Franics. The best Hyatt there was the PH until it became the Le Meridien a few years ago.
Seattle: slightly prefer the W over the GH but would choose the GH over the Westin and Sheraton
Honolulu: def'ly prefer the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider over the HR
Maui: def'ly prefer the HR over the Westin and Sheraton on Kaanapali
Kauai: LOVE the GH but can't wait until Princeville reopens as a St Regis
Toronto: def'ly prefer the PH over any *W in this city
Montreal:def'ly prefer the W and maybe the Westin over the HR
Vancouver: I prefer the Westin Grand. Whatever happened to the GH?
Cancun: I'll take the Le Meridien and Westin Lagunamar over the HR
Buenos Aires: PH def'ly wins here

Paris: PH Vendome wins here over the Prince de Galles and Westin
London: I'd love to try out the Andaz there over any *W offering
But for the rest of Europe, Hyatt has far too few choices (like only 1 hotel in Italy albeit a PH and none in Spain:()

Tokyo: Hyatt definitely wins here with its venerable PH and GH. This is one of those rare metropolitans where Hyatt has more to offer than *W.
Seoul: Like PH the best but also happy between the GH and Westin Chosun. The W in Walker Hill is not central.
Beijing: haven't been but the PH and St Regis look equally inviting.
Shanghai: a St Regis, Le Meridien and Westin Bund Center vs the sole Hyatt on the Bund
Hong Kong: I'd take the W over the GH
Bali: Def'ly the new St Regis
Sydney & Melbourne: I'd choose to stay at the PH's over the Westins

I can understand an argument for a better program between Hyatt and *W based on type and consistency of benefits, etc. I just don't buy an argument that Hyatt's program is necessarily better because its properties (can't believe you even mentioned Marriott) are better in consistent quality than *W in the same markets...unless you've stayed in too many Sheratons and Four Points in the past, then you have my condolences.

Pretty comprehesive list of your preferences. Very nice post.

Your HKG choice was interesting. I've heard the W is great, maybe Gleff wrote about it in his blog, I think, but I don't think I would stay there because it's really out of the way. (though it is above the MTR/AE station, so some may be ok with it.) I've stayed at the Sheraton Towers in Kowloon and the GH. The GH is the nicer property, but both are great, both are in pretty good locations, though I think the Sheraton has a slight edge on location over the GH. (Isn't there a new Hyatt going up right near the Sheraton on that side?)

For a Disney/Orlando property, the Swan & Dolphin win because of their location (and that's the only reason .. it's the only way to stay on points or earn points/stays at an "inside the park" hotel).

Can we add MNL to your list? Hyatt wins in MNL. There are no Starwood properties in PI at all, for some reason.

-David

Obviously, my opinion differs from yours on "quality," so for some fun debate, I'll offer my preferences between the two in major cities:D:

Beijing: haven't been but the PH and St Regis look equally inviting.

Shanghai: a St Regis, Le Meridien and Westin Bund Center vs the sole Hyatt on the Bund


For Beijing the new Westin Chaoyang is FANtastic (opened for the Olympics in 2008 - first guest was George W Bush - and meanwhile a lot of Head of States followed)

For Shanghai Hyatt has 3 popular representatives:
- Grand Hyatt in the Jin Mao tower (THE landmark of Shanghai Pudong for a long time)

- Hyatt on the Bund (approx 2 years old. Great bar and western restaurant. FANtastic views when the night falls. One of the best 'western'-oriented Chinese restaurants in Shanghai)

- Park Hyatt (open for maybe half a year) - new landmark of Shanghai (if not -debatable- China?) in the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) aka 'the bottle opener' right next to the 'old' GH Jin Mao. Although there is a big discussion around the property here on FT, I think it is worthwhile to be mentioned/considered here...

Ham

Interesting thread.

I have been SPG Plat for several years, and find that the benefits have vanished in many ways. Less than a handful of suite upgrades in 24 stays, and lounges disappearing.

With Hyatt I became Diamond based on the recent promotion, and had 4 suites (3 using the cert) in 6 stays within the last 5 weeks. Put the breakfast and internet on top and we have a winner.

Agree, however, that Hyatt has two major drawbacks, one being lack of hotels in Europe (which makes it very difficult for me to requalify) and pricing level which indeed is usually some 50% or so above Starwood.

....Each lasting a period of 3 months this fall/winter. SPG Plats that haven't yet requalified can choose either stays count double or nights advance. (Advance info from the Starwood Lurker in the top Promos thread.)

Certainly I won't requalify for Hyatt Diamond without some sort of stays count double promo from Hyatt.

And HH&R properties tend to be quite expensive compared to some Starwoods.

Two comments I want to make regarding the original post:

1. Hyatt just had a 4-month long promotion registration period for fast-track to Diamond with just 15 nights in 120 days. That was better than a double stays/nights promotion for any traveler who wants more than 1-night hotel stays. Hyatt actually gave 8 months to qualify for Diamond with 15 nights since a person could have signed up in May and have all summer to earn 15 nights or last week (I did last week) and have until the end of 2009 to reach Diamond.

Why would Hyatt follow this up with a new Double stays promotion?

They just finished a 2009 8 month offer.

2. I agree that Hyatt San Francisco rates are high this year. Hyatt has had the least discounting in 2009 in my opinion of the major hotel chains for their SF properties at Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency Embarcadero compared to Marriott, InterContinental, Starwood, and Hilton.

Hyatt just had a 4-month long promotion registration period for fast-track to Diamond with just 15 nights in 120 days. That was better than a double stays/nights promotion for any traveler who wants more than 1-night hotel stays. Hyatt actually gave 8 months to qualify for Diamond with 15 nights since a person could have signed up in May and have all summer to earn 15 nights or last week (I did last week) and have until the end of 2009 to reach Diamond.

Why would Hyatt follow this up with a new Double stays promotion?

They just finished a 2009 8 month offer.



This was another lame, poorly-explained Hyatt promo targeted at NEW (not existing) members. The fact that a handful of existing members successfully cottoned onto it, while others were disappointed by an unclear registration end date, shows that Hyatt CS desperately needs to improve their operation by examining Starwood's approach.

I contributed to an unclear registration for instant platinum and 15 nights to Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond with my Loyalty Traveler post August 8 stating register for Hyatt fast-track by Sep 15. The promotion webpage clearly stated August 31 as the registration end date. I confused the end date for elite status with the 2,500 points per stay promotion end date in my Loyalty traveler blog post.

There was some dismay when I saw last week I had incorrectly written Sep 15 as the end date of an elite fast-track promotion ending August 31. The fact that no one made a comment to question my Sep 15 registration end-date error caused even more dismay as Loyalty Traveler.

I just read over the 12 page thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/966795-free-trial-platinum-status-signup-upgrade-members-5-1-8-31-2009-a.html)on the Instant Elite promotion and I was thoroughly confused over discussions of what appeared to be three different elite offers combined in one thread.

The initial thread post was for an elite promotion offering instant platinum elite and 15 nights for within 120 days to Diamond. Some posters were discussing another promotion for double stays targeted for previous year diamonds. Another offer was elite status match from another hotel loyalty program.

The instant elite thread is a mess with posters talking about different promotions. I think FlyerTalk contributed to much of the confusion over this relatively straightforward fast-track to elite promotion of instant Platinum and 5 nights for 2010 renewal or 15 nights for 2010 Diamond offered by Hyatt Gold Passport.

A couple of conversations I had with Hyatt Gold Passport customer service during the summer indicated new or existing members were eligible to register for the Diamond elite after 15 nights in 120 days. I did not have a problem registering for 15 nights fast-track to 2010 Diamond as a 2009 Diamond member.

The FlyerTalk thread I linked to indicated confusion with Hyatt Customer Service due to people requesting or receiving information about the other two ways to elite through status match or the double stays offer for 2008 diamond members.

Yes. But I don't fault you, I fault Hyatt. With the Starwood promotion everything's clear, and everyone has a fair shake...with FT readers getting an advance tipoff. It seems that most Hyatt promos require backtracking and after-the-fact inclusions of Diamonds desperately trying to get a reasonable deal while Hyatt management charges exorbitant rates and plots expansion in India and Middle East, places I have no need, or particular interest in traveling to.

And....the 15-night deal is not that attractive for those of us that usually stay one night only.

And....the 15-night deal is not that attractive for those of us that usually stay one night only.

On the other hand, you can look at it as 15 one night stays to get you to Diamond is a considerable reduction in qualification requirements from the normal 25 one night stays required.

Just being fair. Hyatt has its pluses. And so does *W. I enjoy both programs. Obviously, my opinion differs from yours on "quality," so for some fun debate, I'll offer my preferences between the two in major cities:D:

New York: This is a sore spot for Hyatt. I'll take the St Regis, Le Meridien and any of the 5 W's over the GH any day. Heck, I'd even prefer the Westin TS over the GH. Like many, can't wait to see the Andaz open.
Boston: Westin Waterfront and Westin Copley over HR.
Philly: PH slightly over the Westin but def'ly over the Sheratons
Wash DC: PH, GH & HR vs St Regis, new W, 2 Westins. A draw for me.
Chicago: PH & HR compared to the Westin & the 2 W's. Depends.
Orlando: Grand Cypress vs WDW Swan & Dolphin. Tough call.
Miami: the new W South Beach vs Hotel Victor
Atlanta: St Regis, 4 W's, Westin Peachtree & Buckhead over the HR and GH Buckhead
Houston: a sole HR against a St Regis and two Westins. Like NY, there's no comparison.
Dallas: again, a sole HR against several Westins and a W. Maybe fair if you compare the lower tiers against each other (HP vs aloft)
Denver: Hyatt wins here with the GH, HR and HR Tech Center over the Westin and a few Sheratons.
San Diego: definitely the US Grant and W and even the two Westins over the Manchester GH. but I def'ly prefer the renovated HR Mission Bay over Sheraton Marina.
LA: definitely enjoyed the SLS over the Andaz. And prefer the W Westwood over the HR Century Plaza. Forget downtown LA or Santa Monica, there's no Hyatt representation at either spot.
San Fran: take the St Regis and SF over the GH and HR. It'd be more of a fair comparison against the Westin Mkt St and Westin St Franics. The best Hyatt there was the PH until it became the Le Meridien a few years ago.
Seattle: slightly prefer the W over the GH but would choose the GH over the Westin and Sheraton
Honolulu: def'ly prefer the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider over the HR
Maui: def'ly prefer the HR over the Westin and Sheraton on Kaanapali
Kauai: LOVE the GH but can't wait until Princeville reopens as a St Regis
Toronto: def'ly prefer the PH over any *W in this city
Montreal:def'ly prefer the W and maybe the Westin over the HR
Vancouver: I prefer the Westin Grand. Whatever happened to the GH?
Cancun: I'll take the Le Meridien and Westin Lagunamar over the HR
Buenos Aires: PH def'ly wins here

Paris: PH Vendome wins here over the Prince de Galles and Westin
London: I'd love to try out the Andaz there over any *W offering
But for the rest of Europe, Hyatt has far too few choices (like only 1 hotel in Italy albeit a PH and none in Spain:()

Tokyo: Hyatt definitely wins here with its venerable PH and GH. This is one of those rare metropolitans where Hyatt has more to offer than *W.
Seoul: Like PH the best but also happy between the GH and Westin Chosun. The W in Walker Hill is not central.
Beijing: haven't been but the PH and St Regis look equally inviting.
Shanghai: a St Regis, Le Meridien and Westin Bund Center vs the sole Hyatt on the Bund
Hong Kong: I'd take the W over the GH
Bali: Def'ly the new St Regis
Sydney & Melbourne: I'd choose to stay at the PH's over the Westins

I can understand an argument for a better program between Hyatt and *W based on type and consistency of benefits, etc. I just don't buy an argument that Hyatt's program is necessarily better because its properties (can't believe you even mentioned Marriott) are better in consistent quality than *W in the same markets...unless you've stayed in too many Sheratons and Four Points in the past, then you have my condolences.

Very interesting comparison. I haven't been to many of those *Woods or, indeed, even to all of the Hyatts you list. I'd just add that (while clearly your taste runs more to W's than mine does) the Andaz in London is not very good, and (fond though I am of its Regency Club), the HR Churchill ranks lower on my personal scale than the Sheraton Park Tower, but that's in large part a function of location and my personal preferences.
For San Diego, I'd rate the HR La Jolla above any of your choices.
For Chicago, I think the PH is the clear winner.
I really hate that Hyatt does not have a first rate property in either San Francisco or LA.
In Washington, I think the PH is a better top of the line property, but I'd vote for either of the Westins over the other Hyatts there.
I agree that the huge gaps in Europe are the biggest Hyatt problem, but I remember that when I first became active with Hyatt, they didn't even have a hotel in London (and had only the Madeleine in Paris) so I suppose they ARE making progress.

For a Disney/Orlando property, the Swan & Dolphin win because of their location (and that's the only reason .. it's the only way to stay on points or earn points/stays at an "inside the park" hotel).



I think Grand Cypress won here, for both room and club, but location, location, location...

On the other hand, you can look at it as 15 one night stays to get you to Diamond is a considerable reduction in qualification requirements from the normal 25 one night stays required.

Not if you've already had a number of stays this year.

Why would Hyatt follow this up with a new Double stays promotion?


Why would American follow up with another Double EQM promo three months after the last one ended?

maybe b/c travel has been hammered so bad by the economy that these businesses are trying keep people at their current elite levels in order to maintain some sense of repeat customer next year. If you lose all of your status you may just be more inclined to try out the competitor and like it.. its much easier for the airline/hotel to keep you at your top tier now (or mid tier) and more than likely keep you as a customer next year too

So thats why Hyatt might do that

maybe b/c travel has been hammered so bad by the economy that these businesses are trying keep people at their current elite levels in order to maintain some sense of repeat customer next year. If you lose all of your status you may just be more inclined to try out the competitor and like it.. its much easier for the airline/hotel to keep you at your top tier now (or mid tier) and more than likely keep you as a customer next year too


Yep. I mentioned that on SPG forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12324458-post63.html) right before they announced the promo - the programs are designed to have a certain percentage of elites. I can't quite imagine Hyatt getting enough plats and diamond for 2010 without some sort of promos. I can even picture them extending elite status of this year's elites or offering a quick requalification challenge.

Interesting list. Philadelphia should shift to a definite SPG win with the Le Meridien and some other SPG hotels scheduled to arrive soon.

For me, stays counting double is much more important than a new FFN round. Hyatt has been very generous with the point bonuses in recent months. Points are much more flexible than frenzied time-limited awards that tick off a lot of high-end properties.

But stays count double is essential. Without it, my switch from Hyatt Diamond - and the lamer Hilton Diamond - to SPG Platinum will be complete. I'll retain the good value IHG Platinum/Ambassador as backup (their booking screen is the best by far), and take advantage of limited-term promos in other programs as they come up - even holding my nose for Wyndham Rewards' 10K AA miles or 10K Amtrak points for 3 stays. Finally, don't forget BW for quality and local flavor in smaller towns and neighborhoods worldwide - the antithesis of Hyatt Place cookie-cutter.

...
I can understand an argument for a better program between Hyatt and *W based on type and consistency of benefits, etc. I just don't buy an argument that Hyatt's program is necessarily better because its properties (can't believe you even mentioned Marriott) are better in consistent quality than *W in the same markets...unless you've stayed in too many Sheratons and Four Points in the past, then you have my condolences.

Simply listing the properties doesn't tell the story - the key is to compare the benefits and consequently the overall experience. After all that's why we have the top tier.

I really don't care how wonderful some St Regis is, if, as an SPG Plat, i get a generic room with no extras. In fact it only irritates me. And right now my routine is to check online suite availability every time I head to a SPG property because I know that more likely than not I'll need to fight for that benefit (there are exceptions though - PH LV being the most prominent for my travel).

Recently my wife sarcastically mentioned smth along the lines of "Oh what a wonderful property for me to visit by myself as I would have exactly the same experience without any SPG status". I don't recall if it was W Hong Kong or Westin Mammoth Lakes - both hotels offered absolutely nothing (other than 500 pts) for my SPG Plat status. This NEVER happened to me at Hyatt.

I contributed to an unclear registration for instant platinum and 15 nights to Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond with my Loyalty Traveler post August 8 stating register for Hyatt fast-track by Sep 15. The promotion webpage clearly stated August 31 as the registration end date. I confused the end date for elite status with the 2,500 points per stay promotion end date in my Loyalty traveler blog post.

There was some dismay when I saw last week I had incorrectly written Sep 15 as the end date of an elite fast-track promotion ending August 31. The fact that no one made a comment to question my Sep 15 registration end-date error caused even more dismay as Loyalty Traveler.

I just read over the 12 page thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/966795-free-trial-platinum-status-signup-upgrade-members-5-1-8-31-2009-a.html)on the Instant Elite promotion and I was thoroughly confused over discussions of what appeared to be three different elite offers combined in one thread.

The initial thread post was for an elite promotion offering instant platinum elite and 15 nights for within 120 days to Diamond. Some posters were discussing another promotion for double stays targeted for previous year diamonds. Another offer was elite status match from another hotel loyalty program.

The instant elite thread is a mess with posters talking about different promotions. I think FlyerTalk contributed to much of the confusion over this relatively straightforward fast-track to elite promotion of instant Platinum and 5 nights for 2010 renewal or 15 nights for 2010 Diamond offered by Hyatt Gold Passport.

A couple of conversations I had with Hyatt Gold Passport customer service during the summer indicated new or existing members were eligible to register for the Diamond elite after 15 nights in 120 days. I did not have a problem registering for 15 nights fast-track to 2010 Diamond as a 2009 Diamond member.

The FlyerTalk thread I linked to indicated confusion with Hyatt Customer Service due to people requesting or receiving information about the other two ways to elite through status match or the double stays offer for 2008 diamond members.

FWIW, I just wanted to ease your conscience and let you know that you were correct. The "Stay 15 Nights, Get GP Diamond Fast-Track Promo/Plat Trial" in fact WAS valid until Sept 15th originally. For fairly obvious reasons that's a pretty bad end date for Hyatt to offer a 120-day challenge that gives Diamond at the end. ;) Hyatt obviously realized their mistake after they had already published it and then clawed it back to the proper date of August 31st. Then I guess they had people call them on it so gave granted it on a case by case basis for some reason until Sept 18th it seems.

But I've never read your blog to know that you mentioned a Sept 15th end date in it, yet I cut and pasted the exact T&Cs from this promo onto FT for posterity back on August 10th in Post #12 of this thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/982957-diamond-challenge-interesting-twist.html

The T&Cs there clearly mention a Sept 15th end date, yet when I checked again on August 28th, the T&Cs had been changed to August 31st. :td: But you definitely were NOT wrong initially. So don't think you are going senile just yet. ^ :D

But I've never read your blog to know that you mentioned a Sept 15th end date in it, yet I cut and pasted the exact T&Cs from this promo onto FT for posterity back on August 10th in Post #12 of this thread:

BTW satori, I clicked on your blog since posting here last. I never knew you were the person who writes the monthly Hotel Article in the back cover of Inside Flyer, although I'd always wondered who wrote that as they seemed to have tastes/ideas regarding hotels very similar to mine. Yours is actually my favorite article each month in all of Inside Flyer. Well done and keep up the good work!!! ^^^^^^