Originally Posted by
JetAway
There seems to be a disturbing trend among hotels to do the minimum required by the brand's loyalty program. By no means is this a Hyatt issue alone; other brands are worse. But I would really like to see Hyatt senior management step in and remind hotels of their brand responsibilities before it goes any further.
I agree. It also seems to be that hotels are finding ways NOT to honor the stated benefits on award stays. As a diamond I believe I am entitled to the best available room excluding a suite. To me, that would be the deluxe opera view room NOT the regular (and small) regular opera view room (and the worst opera view room, at that). Obviously the Park Hyatt Sydney doesn't agree with my interpretation of best available room, since at least 2 deluxe opera view rooms were bookable at hyatt.com for my entire stay immediately after I checked in.
I have also noticed a few differences in the treatment of us (on an award stay) and those people who are staying on paid rates. For instance, everyone else who we have seen checking in has been escorted to their room, we were escorteed to the elevator. No big deal for me, since I can find my own room and figure our where the minibar is and how to operate the drapes. Just a noticeable (though not important) difference all the same. Bath amenities are also not replaced, despite shampoo and conditioner bottles running very low. Again, not a problem since we packed some from home.
Point Bonita Lighthouse, I'm not sure I am the best person to advise you about how to get a good room on an award stay at this hotel, since my room is definitely NOT a good one and I can't say that my stay has been special in any way. I'll ask at the front desk about the hotel's diamond upgrade policy and post here (or PM you) any information I recieve. Frankly, I don't think I would stay here again on points and I certainly would NEVER pay about $1000 US rack rate for the room in which I am staying.