Originally Posted by travelexpert

I was a Hyatt Diamond from 1999 to around 2003, and loved the Gold Passport program. Great properties, service and promotions. I accumulated several hundred thousand points--most unredeemed until now.

Client work then took me to locations where there were no Hyatts. I switched to Hilton and Marriott, and have retained top elite in both of those programs for several years.

Hilton's recent devaluation, occurring right in the thick of the recession, significantly devalued my 1 million plus points. I decided to look for a new program, and was getting ready to switch to Hyatt any day now after staying sufficient nights at Hilton’s this year to retain my Diamonds status while I burn though my points this year and next.

Today's decision to devalue the Hyatt program again (I already lost about 20% from the prior devaluation) made me realize that Hyatt's management is no better than Hilton's, so I shall not be giving any future revenue business to Hyatt. Unfortunately, with all my travel committed through April next year--I will not even be able to burn off my existing points because of the very short notice given.

If you too believe that devaluing Hyatt points in the midst of a recession on top of another recent devaluation is unacceptable and you want to vote with your feet--I suggest switching to Marriott Rewards. While InterContinental’s Priority Club made a play for the Hilton's top customers through it "Biggest Loser" promotion, I do not feel that their high or low end properties are compatible with the quality we frequent travelers expect from chain loyalty programs.

PS Expect another more biting Hyatt devaluation in the near future. Credit card points make the corporation rich--but result in far too many points chasing too few hotel rooms....