While I wouldn't call it a FIASCO, I must admit I share similar feelings to the OP's. The Hyatt/Hyatt Place websites were hickuping on me earlier this week, so I ended up calling for a reservation. At one point, I actually looked at my cell phone to see how long I've been on the phone to make one reservation - it was 8 minutes and counting!
They ask TOO MUCH info. Home address, phone #, etc. At the end, they wouldn't even take my GP # (Oh, just give that when you check in...)
I wasn't impressed. Looking forward to my first HP stay though (Sterling).