because they quoted the OP, then wrote their responses within the OP's quote, rather than outside the OP's quote. I've written within your quote (in blue) below as an example:

Thank you very much SanDiego1K and peteropny. As I haven't received any written information on the Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond, I was unaware that there are four free upgrades and upgrades with points. Thanks for clarifying.

I will not use Hyatt instead of Royal Ambassador, but rather switch all SPG business to Hyatt. I'm predominantely looking for high-end properties, e.g. InterContis, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt. "Cheap" hotels shall remain with IHG as well.

As I don't mind actually paying for suites, I don't think that there's gonna be a problem with Hyatt as well ;)

Thanks again everyone for all replies!

There is one more suite upgrade with Hyatt that hasn't been discussed. If you make a booking with points, as long as it is 3 days or longer, you can use more points to book a suite. This requires a 60% point premium. Look at http://goldpassport.hyatt.com/gp/en/...free_night.jsp. You will see the points required for each category in order to book a suite.

To summarize, here are ways to book a suite:

1. 4 free suite upgrades - can be used on any paid stay (diamonds only)
2. 6K points for suite upgrade - can be used for up to a 4 day stay on higher paid rates as listed above
3. Points redemption, 3 day minimum - use 60% additional points
4. Courtesy from hotel on check in, not to be expected but it does occasionally happen

thanks.

I love Conrad. Maldives and Hong Kong is top class and among the best in the world I would say... - Don't know about Park Hyatt, but Grand Hyatt have bad hotels... like the one in New York... right?

^

Excellent! I could have sworn it was 4 nights per-cert in prior years.

I agree. I love both hotels you mention. The Conrad Hong Kong is my go to hotel in Hong Kong. Eunice Ho runs a top notch Executive Club there.

Agreed, the Grand Hyatt NYC does not live up to its branding. The Grand Hyatt Seattle and Grand Hyatt Berlin are more representative.

There are many amazing Park Hyatts. Some personal favorites are Park Hyatt Milan, Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, and Park Hyatt Tokyo.

I do not consider the San Francisco GH very grand, either.

It really depends on your travel patterns. There are some great Hyatts, mostly outside the US, and there are also a lot of gaps in coverage and lackluster old hotels (mostly inside the US). If you are lucky or have flexibility in where to travel then it can be better than SPG. For example in Milan, Tokyo, Zurich, Hamburg, Singapore I'd take Hyatt over SPG. FFNs are great, assuming the promotion comes back. As you plan to keep status with another program you'd have some flexibility there.

Having just done at lot of research with respect to which hotel program to choose (embarking on 4 out of 6 weeks in HNL coming up!), I'd like to nominate this thread as a sticky in the Hyatt forum. Simply put, there are few good threads detailing the benefits of Hyatt vs. SPG.

And for those wondering, I've pretty much settled on Hyatt. The fact that I was Plat coming into the decision (thanks FFN 09), and the fast-track to Diamond made it pretty easy.

Just another data point in answer to the OP's questions...

1) How often are you giving lounge access?2) How often are you giving upgrades to club room?3) How often are you giving upgrades to suites?
4) Is Hyatt Diamond better than SPG Platinum and Hilton Diamond?
5) How good is this program if you are staying on travel agency rates (expedia, priceline) - Still giving lounge/upgrade and/or points?

To speak to the thread title, I am or have been top level in every major program except Marriott.

There is no question in my mind that Hyatt is the best program at the top level of them all. The combination of great treatment on-stay plus terrific value in points (or sometimes these days miles) for future redeemables is unmatched. The only issue in my mind is, are there Hyatts where you need to go. If you can get past that, Hyatt is the best - it was even two years ago, but with the recent additions, its unbelievably so.

I think RA is the best program for consistent suite upgrades, but Hyatt definitely is excellent, especially considering how easy it is to obtain Diamond. Between the great promos, free breakfast and internet, and benefits on award stays, Hyatt Diamond is a great status to have (especially at the higher end properties). It's worth noting that while other programs keep devaluing (e.g., restrictions on IC BOGOs, minibar stinginess, phantom room categories and arguments about upgrades), Hyatt has really made some amazing positive changes. ^

Very well said. ^

With regards to your last point, I wonder if a points devaluation is in the future, with the new Hyatt Visa card in the works...

I am not a nut about getting a suite, unless I am on vacation with a partner. So Hyatt Diamond is great as I an guaranteed Club access where there is a Club or breakfast where there isn't...or a good compensation if the Club is full and I can't get that upgrade. If I want a suite, I can use one of my four confirmed suite upgrades on revenue stays, or pay a supplement with awards (except for the special promo free nights). I also like the amenity bonus/option for NAmerican properties.

So I have yet to be disappointed by Hyatt since the changes last year as the program now meets my needs very well. However, you pay for these benefits since Hyatts tend to be more expensive than the competition in most world cities.

Oh yes, having used awards a fair bit throughout Asia, I have never felt I was "freeloading" and always got a warm welcome as if I was paying full rates. And Diamond benefits apply on award stays, something not always the case with other programs.

Having been through HHonors (albeit just to Gold) and SPG Plat and PC Plat/Royal Ambassador, I give the edge for stay benefits to GP. Earnings are not as generous as PC -- other than FFN promos -- consistency much better than I experienced at SPG.

However, we should not be encouraging any more Diamonds lest there be too much competition for those benefits!