Agree with azepine00 in certain respects since FFN redemption can be very limited at the top Hyatt properties if you're more a spontaneous trip taker. Heck, even at average resort properties, I couldn't find availability for FFN redemption on weekends in Feb-Mar 09. Waited too long last time around - oh well, lesson learned.

But I also understand Mary2e and others' position.

The FFN program as it currently operates is very good as it is. But it is absolutely astounding for those who (1) have loads of GP points and (2) can plan well in advance for the months of Nov-Mar, which has been the FFN redemption period for quite some time. And if you're like others here who find it hard to redeem FFN award nights during the promo period, at least we got the points option this time around.^

Gawd I hate it when people make such ignorant comparisons between the various hotel programs I do concur that Hyatt's FFN program overall is better than SPG's FWN program (not limited to weekends for one and this current Hyatt one includes double-stay credit) but NOT because SPG omitted their Cat 7 properties.

I love many of the top (Cat 5) Hyatt properties but NONE of them can command the rates and desirability of the typical SPG Cat 7 property. For instance, there are no posh Hyatt resorts on Santorini, Costa Smeralda (Sardinia), Bora Bora or the Maldives.

In my opinion, only a few Hyatt Cat 5 properties (PH Vendome, PH Tokyo, PH Moscow) can clearly trump similar (same city) SPG Cat 6 properties, which were included in their FWN program. Besides their increased quantity, locale of top properties (43 SPG Cat 6 vs 25 Hyatt Cat 5), the other advantage of SPG's FWN promo for me was that the redemption period occurred throughout the summer.

And no, I'm not a SPG homer. I'm just familiar with the offerings and properties of both Hyatt and SPG's programs and promos as I'm a fan of both.