Originally Posted by
PointsNmiles
I've been Hyatt diamond for several years. However, based on being matched to Hilton diamond and becoming Marriott gold as a result of the merger, I'll likely bring my business to these chains (already used Hilton diamond in Europe and was happy with the results.) I would agree with those believe that this will put pressure on Hyatt. SPG/Marriott is now an absolute giant and Hyatt is going to need to do something to differentiate itself from the rest. It might be a good idea to review accounts that don't re-qualify for diamond next year, but have had a history of being diamond for several years, and offer an olive branch of some sort (challenge, etc.)
Providing more lucrative promotions for customers -- including easier and better elite status-related promos -- may be a more powerful competitive tool than just again engaging in status matches and challenges. To get more of my business, Hyatt will need to up its game or hope that Marriott plays from the Delta SkyMiles playbook: substantially devalue the points/awards and status benefits; and/or hike up the elite status qualification requirements for those same benefits.