Kacee

So by not applying the DSU, you can theoretically be upgraded at check-in three categories higher than the DSU will get you.

This property off my list for gaming the program.

FlyerBeek

Yes, although one could hope that by using a DSU you'd actually be prioritized for an upgrade to a Loft Terrace, Large King, Large Loft, Large Loft Terrace, or - wait for it - a Tower Suite. That being said, I'm not sure any evidence posted here would validate such a hope. It's probably equally likely that the hotel would see your room as already being upgraded, and would upgrade someone who hasn't used a DSU into a room category above the Andaz Loft

-FlyerBeek

frenchie2

I personally would not waste a DSU at this property. You are in Napa, hopefully you are out wine tasting during the day, food sampling at night. I never spent much time in the room during my visits at this property, and the base room works just fine (as long as it is far away from the elevator).

tyvoodoo

Its pretty clear what this property is doing to DSUs and its total BS. If you look at the room categories on the andaz napa website, the andaz loft isn't even listed under the suite category, its under the deluxe room category. The three suites that are listed are the Andaz Vintner Suite, Andaz Harvest Suite and Andaz Tower Suite. Its obvious that a DSU should confirm into one of those but the hotel doesn't feel the need to comply with the GP program.

I tried reaching out to Hyatt GP concierge here on FT and they were of no help. They mentioned that it is at the sole discretion of the hotel to determine what a DSU confirms into. Anyone have any ideas to push this further up the food chain?

frenchie2

I can email the front offer manager? not sure if he can do anything.

Colin

It would appear the hotel in the alternative could get a Andaz Tokyo or PH Sydney like DSU exemption. Both of these properties have ample goodwill on this forum.

At least Andaz Napa provides the option for some benefit to those wanting to use a DSU, even knowing the limited upside. Why think badly of this property when they are more generous than the DSU exempted properties?

DSUs are an amazingly generous benefit, and I'm totally fine with a few select properties where it doesn't make sense to use them. Like AAs 8 VIPs, it will he sad when this benefit it surely curtailed in the future.

siliconflyer

Yes, do not use DSU's at this property.

Kacee

It's really a vote with your wallet situation.

If properties don't want to comply with GP program that's fine, they just shouldn't expect to get as much GP-driven business. (And unfortunately, so long as the economy stays hot, this property won't much care.)

austin_modern

I disagree - all properties should comply with the program to have consistency across the brand. This is pretty common for all matters of franchise businesses out there.

tyvoodoo

I agree, they should comply. Which would also include excluding themselves from the DSU program along with a small list of other properties if they so desire. They should go all in on it and comply 100% or exempt themselves, this in-between business leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Kacee

i was speaking practically from the customers perspective.

Obviously Hyatt is letting the property get away with this. So what does the customer do? Don't stay there.

If you think you personally can actually do something to make this property change its DSU policy, by all means go to it (and let us know how that turns out).

mh4ll

Any data points as to the actual upgrade Diamond members have received when not using a DSU? If the property considers Andaz Loft and above a "suite" for DSU purposes, do they also consider it a suite for the "best room available at check-in (excluding suites)" upgrade policy?

Bigshaker

Thought I'd share my weekend experience here. Stayed for a special occasion and contacted the hotel weeks in advance to see if we could upgrade from a standard room to a 2 King room to accommodate 3 people. Standard 20k point booking, Diamond Member.
Request was met quickly and positively which was a nice start!
However after this point everything else in our experience was very negative.
At check in they asked our evening plans and offered their "car service" to local spots. When we arrived in lobby for a drink 25 min before we needed to lv we couldn't even get a person to help us with a ride. The valet and bell guy were both helping check ins on a floor, the front area check in person said we need to check with them. When there returned a long 10 min later we asked for a ride. They were bewildered?! Each asking the other when's the last time you say the car service? Nobody had seen them for a while. My simple request to "why don't you call them and see when they'll be back" was met with do you have the card, do you have the card between bell desk staff: NO ONE could figure out who or what number they needed to call!!?? This is the Hotels own evening car service? Beyond awful at this point. Our Chxoixes now we're taxi (had see a taxi in 2 days in downtown Napa) or Uber: booked Uner on app and in 3 min our $6,55 cent trip was over.
I've stayed a "other" Andaz in various locations and all have/had a direct contact point to their car service included with the hotel. The fact the Napa property didn't is really bewildering!!!
Once we made it to our location 5 min late on a Friday night :-) everything was superb at Cole's Steak House the rest of the evening.
After returning via Uner the next major issue was no wi fi connectivity in the room. We tried 5 different devices between 3 people and all results were no internet service. 2 of us are IT folks so we really tried all the reset steps.

travelexpert

I wanted to book this property with a DSU for a forthcoming five night stay.

Given that this will get me a loft as discussed in this forum--I am voting with my wallet and feet--going instead to the Hyatt in Austin

Better yet--Hyatt Napa was going to incur a spend north of $300 per night. Hyatt Austin has cash and points

austin_modern

Even if you picked the Driskill... I'm still not certain you made the right call on Austin vs Napa.