Originally Posted by Michael899
I wrote to Hyatt Diamond concierge about the consistency of non-upgrades by Asian Hyatts (esp. HK GH, Beijing, Shanghai, GH Tokyo--regardless of high/low season), and received a polite letter saying essentially that they have to abide by the hotel's determinations at the time. As a result, I have switched more of my stays to the St. Regis in Beijing (much bigger rooms/suites), the Westin Shanghai (more central location, no unsafe fire escapes like the GH), and Conrad/Shangrila Hong Kong. Hyatt Corporate should really enforce higher consistency in their Asian hotels--or else risk losing more of their member's loyalties.
I came back from Beijing last week, and there is some difference also at GH Beijing vs. one of the exec. room upgrades at many Shangri-La properties (Kerry Center hotel, China World Hotel, etc.). Although I got upgraded at GH Beijing to a junior suite with kitchen, there was no access to Club Lounge and breakfast was just coffee and muffins/croissants.
At any of the Shangri-La properties, when you get upgraded to exec. room you get the same suite access plus buffet breakfast plus free clothing pressing plus Lounge access.
It seems Hyatt Goldpassport corporate reluctance to not negotiate with its Asian properties for consistent brand expereince, compel a large percentage of Diamond members to give business to other hotel brands with better service.
I use non-Hyatt properties as often as Hyatt properties in Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, etc.