Originally Posted by
RobH
It has been quite a few months since I made my original post, and I've had a lot of time to reflect and think about my priorities. Here's what has happened since I posted:
- Got contacted by Hyatt HQ in Chicago. Had a nice phone conversation with a VP, expressed my concerns, got two free night certificates. THANK YOU FOR THOSE I APPRECIATE IT.
- Stayed in a couple of more Hyatt Places on points and certificates (Yonkers, NY; Madison, WI).
- Started staying in Hilton Garden Inn most weeks mixed in with some IHG stays (Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express).
The most interesting thing is that when I went back to Hyatt Place, my initial impression was "wow I forgot how much I like this brand." They have great rooms, comfortable beds, superior TVs, and are typically in great locations. That feeling completely evaporated when I sat down to breakfast; it is just as bad as ever.
Here's a comparison of Hyatt Place vs. Hilton Garden Inn
Room Hyatt Place: Very Good HGI: Good
TV Hyatt Place: Very Good HGI: Good
Bed Hyatt Place: Very Good HGI: Very Good
Public Spaces Hyatt Place: Very Good HGI: Very Good
Reward Program Hyatt Place: Good HGI: Mediocre
Location Hyatt Place: Great HGI: Very Good
Breakfast Hyatt Place: Disgusting HGI: Great
Coffee Hyatt Place: YUK! HGI: Good (coffee so bad I had to call it out separately)
Conclusion: Hyatt Place is a brand that gets a lot of things right and is excellent in most respects. For me, however, breakfast trumps the other considerations. When Hyatt Place completely reworks its breakfast, I'll be back. Until then I'll be running down my points balance and spending actual money at other chains.
Have to agree with you
I've never understood how Hyatt one of the greatest hotel brands in the world that has specialized in high quality food and beverage
launched a mostly brilliant concept minus a real kitchen and without reasonable quality food.
I try to avoid the limited service properties (not limited to Hyatt) but occasionally still find solid value enough in the lodging alone to skip the breakfast
and dine anywhere including a nearby Hilton Garden inn if need be in a pinch
Preferably in anything anywhere that has an actual restaurant with quality standards
Generally I'm a full service fan hands down.Sometimes the full service properties can be the same price range so don't rule out a full service Hyatt when the opportunity arises