Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, AS MVP no more, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, GP Plat, Avis PC, National Exec
Posts: 130
Bark Hyatt - Make Hyatt Dog Friendly
I love Hyatt hotels, but their dog policies are typically very restrictive. Hyatt Places are a blanket no & other Hyatt's are inconsistent from property to property. Only 1 or 2 that I've stayed at this year have allowed pets. I never know what to expect when looking/planning stays due to the various rules at each property. Sure, I can research it, but when compared to SPG where I know what I'm going to get it is frustrating.
For comparison, I've been able to bring my dog to numerous properties from Westin to W to St Regis without issue. My dog is treated as a second guest along with me. Recently, I was surprised that even low end places like the Red Lion chain (I had a ID and MT road trip with no SPG or Hyatt options) have a dog friendly program.
So I propose a revamp of pet policies for Hyatts and the introduction of a dog program. I'd tentatively call it "Bark Hyatt" which I realize is a pretty cheeky name.
The program would charge a per stay fee for pets - $25-35. This would be for normal guests. GP Plat and Diamond would get it for free.
No need for anything fancy - no need to offer free food or biscuits - just the basics. A water bowl if possible though owners would be bringing their own anyway.
The rules of conduct should be very restrictive. Any problems and your dog is banned from the program for ever. Weight limits are fine. Animal quantity per room and breed limits are also fine. I'd also be fine with limiting it to certain rooms - similar to Respire rooms, but clearly the opposite - so that there is a way to limit dander exposure etc.
I'd spend an extra 10+ nights/year at Hyatt's if I could just bring my dog for the ride.
Last edited by BallardFlyer; Jun 13, 11 at 12:51 am..
Reason: Spelling and organization
Other than the obvious noise issues related to having pets in rooms, there's also the issue of shared spaces (hallways, elevators, etc). It's impossible to control pet dander exposure in those situations.
+3 - I find it fairly repulsive to think about hotels allowing animals to occupy a room that they might charge me $$$ to use afterwards. Even if you multiplied OP's suggested fee x10 I am sceptical about how clean they'd make it for the next guest. This would ruin the premium brand image for many loyal guests, I'd wager.
To me the smell of someone else's dog lingering i the room would be worse than a smoking room. I'm happy that hyatt doesnt have a free for all on pets.
I would also prefer Hyatt stays this way. If some properties set aside a few rooms for dogs, this is fine, but at least they should clearly mark them out so that I can avoid them when booking.
I am aware that many Starwood properties (including most of the domestic Ws, I believe) allow for pets, but my understanding was that the room would be treated after the guest left, and that the fee was much more than the OP suggested. I personally am not thrilled at the prospect of noise from other pets in the hotel... but would be fine with staying in the room after if it had been treated.
I just found this from the W's web site:
Please be advised that the room rate with a pet is $25 above the room charge plus a non-refundable $100 cleaning fee.
I am absolutely against the proposed policy even if some rooms were to be exclusively allocated for pet use. I have no desire to listen to or share common areas with pets be it a dog, cat or anything else.
I have 2 dogs, and three dozen Coi Fish, I'm a animal lover!!! but I'm strongly opposed to having one's pet at a hotel. My neighbor works at Bloomingdales here in Palo Alto and daily they have to clean up after someone's pooches mess.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shillard
Why do dog people always assume that everyone else loves their animals?
I'd spend 50+ FEWER nights at Hyatts if I had to put up with filthy dogs having the run of the place.
My cat has the sense to insist on remaining at home.....
Life is too short to spend it being angry 
