I touched a bit on Branding of Hyatt within a reply, and noticed many interesting points so I thought I should continue it here as a separate topic.

It is true Hyatt CS (especially GP) are outstanding and almost always excellent, there are issues with the Hyatt branding strategies, especially, as on FTer pointed out, the HUGE differences in quality in the hotels under Hyatt and Hyatt International. This is especially true for the "Grand" and "Park" Hyatt brands.

I suspect that in the future that the two upper tier brands must overhaul its domestic properties, to align it more closely with the standards of their international counterparts. Consistency, IMHO, is very important in a lodging business, and that's why I think Marriott has "mastered" and captured most repeat guests......you may notice that everything from the bath amenities down to tea packs and coffee sugar and creamers are identical at all Marriott properties, and furnishings and beds and conditions are most "consistent" across each property. This is speaking of domestically.

Also, you may notice the "upper tier" brands of SPG and Hilton has quite a bit of consistency (especially with the W brand recently introduced, and the Westin brand relaunched as "modern" luxury). I mention Westin and W and Hilton specifically because that's the market Hyatt usually competes with in its respective city......Grand Hyatt with Westin and Hilton, and Regency with Hilton, etc.

However, I think it's fair to say both SPG and Hilton do more branding than Hyatt -- by that I mean the "Heavenly Bed and Bath" at Westin, the consistency of Hilton amenities (Neutrogena with each Brand logo at different Hilton properties, and ALWAYS include shampoo, conditoner, lotion, and mouthwash, rainbath shower gel on request only). Also, there's almost always an "executive" lounge at Hiltons.....such cannot be said for Hyatt Regency/Grand Hyatts......one have to almost always guess or remember if a particular Hyatt has a Regency Club.....or more confusing is that the domestic clubs at Grand Hyatts are called "Regency" Clubs while the international counterparts are called "Grand" Clubs. Also, bath amenities at domestic Hyatts are simply the "Portico" line for all except for the Park Hyatts, and ONLY provide shampoo and conditioner. Sometmes I get lotion, sometimes I don't and it's always required a call to get the lotion or shower gel (ever seen those??? they EXIST!!)...

This makes Hyatts look "cheap" compared to a "branded" line of amenities at Westin with its "Heavenly Bath" amenities (disclaimer: I think they are crap, and still prefer the MB products they used to use), and the ex-Aveda products at W's. In this heavily "branded" age, it is perceived as everything of your marketing!! Even Hilton Garden Inns gave me 4 kinds of amenities with its logo. Why can't Hyatt do it with Hyatt/Hyatt Regency, Grand, and Park? If anything, the Grand Hyatts domestically needs to be upgraded and provided with brand name amenities, lesser ones are even OK....Bath Body Works and H2O can at least provide some kind of brand recognition. The Grand NYC used to use MB stuff, but that has been replaced with a (forgot what it's name) "Spa" amenities. I think at least bath amenities it should be extended across the brand. Also, Haytt is going the right direction with the launch of its "Grand" Bed.....it should brand more hotels with such...like a "Regency" Beauty Sleep or "Regency" Rester.......etc...

The domestic Park Hyatts are where the brand REALLY needs work. The west coast properties are tolerable, while the east coast ones....are simply disappointing. If the intention of Hyatt is to target international travelers, a frequent guest at PH Tokyo is in for a MAJOR shock when he/she goes to the PH Washington or PH SF.......Personally, I think only the PH Chicago and PH LA (maybe Philly and Toronto, but needs MAJOR work) has a chance of even resembling a Park Hyatt, the rest should be "dumped" to the "Grand" designation. The current Grands.....well, don't even get me started on the Grand SF and Grand NY.....should be reduced to a "Regency."

If anything, I think Hyatt is cheapening its own brand by giving many of its sunstandard properties the elevated (overblown) designation. Either reduce the substandard properties, or significantly improve the quality of the said properties (highly unlikely and very $$$$ in this economy).....

Just my observations. Some may disagree, but I guess for someone who sleeps in hotels over half the year (yes, I'm single....) I think I am allowed to go down to the details....