Courtesy Card changes with WOH
Dec 29, 2016, 11:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Courtesy Card changes with WOH
Curious if any current members, or others with pertinent knowledge, know if the Courtesy Card program is undergoing any changes with regards to World of Hyatt.
We've all seen the benefits chart which included Courtesy Card and made it clear that the benefits are now quite similar to Explorer, with the exception of some minor pluses like a welcome amenity (can't believe they are nixing this from the Explorer tier); however, I am curious what the speculation may be on the potential changes to the qualification and requalification processes.
It's probably worth reminding everyone that the qualification criteria are technically unpublished, although many of us have our theories. That said, it would stand to reason that Hyatt at least considered changes to the program in tandem with changes to the other tiers.
Any speculative thoughts?
We've all seen the benefits chart which included Courtesy Card and made it clear that the benefits are now quite similar to Explorer, with the exception of some minor pluses like a welcome amenity (can't believe they are nixing this from the Explorer tier); however, I am curious what the speculation may be on the potential changes to the qualification and requalification processes.
It's probably worth reminding everyone that the qualification criteria are technically unpublished, although many of us have our theories. That said, it would stand to reason that Hyatt at least considered changes to the program in tandem with changes to the other tiers.
Any speculative thoughts?
Dec 30, 2016, 12:22 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 3,599
Suite upgrades were never an official benefit of the Courtesy Card but now that Globalist can get upgrades up to standard suites, I would think that applies to Courtesy Card holders as well.
My guess is that the pecking order for suite upgrades will be Courtesy Card > Lifetime Globalist > Globalist.
My guess is that the pecking order for suite upgrades will be Courtesy Card > Lifetime Globalist > Globalist.
Dec 30, 2016, 12:45 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I don't know how the hotels might differentiate between currently active top tier members and lifetime members. It would not surprise me if, like airlines, the hotels placed greater priority on currently engaged members than on lifetime members who no longer are high revenue guests.
Dec 30, 2016, 1:21 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
I don't know how the hotels might differentiate between currently active top tier members and lifetime members. It would not surprise me if, like airlines, the hotels placed greater priority on currently engaged members than on lifetime members who no longer are high revenue guests.
Remember that properties tend to favour loyal guests to that property. A return Globalist will generally be treated much better than a first time Globalist. Particularly at a PH.
Dec 30, 2016, 5:19 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
Except that the word "standard" is missing from the Courtesy Card suite upgrade benefit. This suggests no change...
And the current Courtesy Card benefits do include suite upgrades as an official benefit. At least per what is included in the annual elite kit.
And the current Courtesy Card benefits do include suite upgrades as an official benefit. At least per what is included in the annual elite kit.
Suite upgrades were never an official benefit of the Courtesy Card but now that Globalist can get upgrades up to standard suites, I would think that applies to Courtesy Card holders as well.
My guess is that the pecking order for suite upgrades will be Courtesy Card > Lifetime Globalist > Globalist.
My guess is that the pecking order for suite upgrades will be Courtesy Card > Lifetime Globalist > Globalist.
Dec 30, 2016, 6:28 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
CC definitely should include everything "Globalists" get, plus additional perks and recognition.
Jan 3, 2017, 9:47 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Premature to say nothing new overall.
*Perhaps* nothing new benefits wise but we shall see. I personally was more interested in understanding changes to requalification - granted it is the dark arts.
And FWIW, although varying (significantly) by property, generally CC members are provided with suite upgrades at the DSU level (often higher) without asking, albeit based on availability. Usually this works out well but IME, not 100%.
*Perhaps* nothing new benefits wise but we shall see. I personally was more interested in understanding changes to requalification - granted it is the dark arts.
And FWIW, although varying (significantly) by property, generally CC members are provided with suite upgrades at the DSU level (often higher) without asking, albeit based on availability. Usually this works out well but IME, not 100%.
Jan 4, 2017, 12:01 am
#9
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,857
I think it's fair to say that anyone who has held a courtesy card for some time has met a number of Hyatt higher-ups, albeit briefly. Because of that, hotel desk clerks are probably quite careful about making a courtesy card holder unhappy.
So it's a valid assumption that courtesy card members tend to get used to being treated well at Hyatts, not just going by what the rules entitle them to.
So it's a valid assumption that courtesy card members tend to get used to being treated well at Hyatts, not just going by what the rules entitle them to.
Jan 6, 2017, 10:25 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
I think it's fair to say that anyone who has held a courtesy card for some time has met a number of Hyatt higher-ups, albeit briefly. Because of that, hotel desk clerks are probably quite careful about making a courtesy card holder unhappy.
So it's a valid assumption that courtesy card members tend to get used to being treated well at Hyatts, not just going by what the rules entitle them to.
So it's a valid assumption that courtesy card members tend to get used to being treated well at Hyatts, not just going by what the rules entitle them to.
First of all, meeting "higher-ups" is not something I necessarily believes factors in, nor have I done so in the last several years, as I've been too busy on business. I suppose though it depends on your definition of said individuals. A quick handshake of a GM, which I've seen many do to non elite customers as well as Diamond members doesn't count, as those folks aren't and weren't CC members.
You would think that staff would be careful to make CC members happy. It makes sense, no? But it varies TREMENDOUSLY by property. At the GH BKK, every staff member is shown your photo and knows you by name. At the GHT, it's 50/50. At domestic US Hyatt's it's zero. There is literally no recognition other than comp'ed upgrades -- I am not complaining - I am simply making a point. Being "quite careful about making CC members happy" is a serious YMMV situation.
Your last point; however, is spot on. It's a spoiling factor and getting free upgrades to nice suites (with the exception of certain properties who are incredibly stingy - GHTYO / PH Zurich / others - it's still easy to get spoiled with Pres Suite upgrades at no additional cost to a lowest cost room rate.
The ultimate lesson here is the following: the CC experience varies so much from property to property and based on your relationship with the staff (sometimes the better you know them the worse you are off - read: GHT) - that making assumptions having never had the status does little benefit. Glad to provide some insights and happy to help those who are curious about my personal theories about qualification and what not. But please don't assume that CC members are gods or treated as such. I've been put into stock traditional rooms at high rates as well. There is no free lunch in this world - and I am a CC by revenue, not a family member or owner.
Jan 7, 2017, 11:42 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
Thanks for sharing. Your experiences don't quite match mine and I would second what RichardInSF stated (who I believe has relevant experience). I wonder whether your frequent stays at GHT might cloud your impressions a little bit? This is a property with relatively few suites and one of the few properties that uses premium suites for DSUs. Together with healthy paid demand that often doesn't leave much left for CC.
While recognition varies at domestic Hyatts, it is always well beyond what I experienced as a Diamond (things like pre-arrival e-mails, refrigerator stocked per prior preferences, lavish amenities with multiple bottles of wine, meet & greet with multiple managers at arrival). Not all of these with every stay, but quite frequently. In my experience, staff will also go above and beyond and ensure that any issue is resolved prior to departure. You almost always receive a welcome note from the GM as well. Yes, there are some properties, especially franchised ones, where treatment is Diamond plus better upgrade. But that seems to be the exception not the norm.
With respect to the thread topic, let's see what happens on March 1!
While recognition varies at domestic Hyatts, it is always well beyond what I experienced as a Diamond (things like pre-arrival e-mails, refrigerator stocked per prior preferences, lavish amenities with multiple bottles of wine, meet & greet with multiple managers at arrival). Not all of these with every stay, but quite frequently. In my experience, staff will also go above and beyond and ensure that any issue is resolved prior to departure. You almost always receive a welcome note from the GM as well. Yes, there are some properties, especially franchised ones, where treatment is Diamond plus better upgrade. But that seems to be the exception not the norm.
With respect to the thread topic, let's see what happens on March 1!
I'm going on several years now and I couldn't disagree with you more.
First of all, meeting "higher-ups" is not something I necessarily believes factors in, nor have I done so in the last several years, as I've been too busy on business. I suppose though it depends on your definition of said individuals. A quick handshake of a GM, which I've seen many do to non elite customers as well as Diamond members doesn't count, as those folks aren't and weren't CC members.
You would think that staff would be careful to make CC members happy. It makes sense, no? But it varies TREMENDOUSLY by property. At the GH BKK, every staff member is shown your photo and knows you by name. At the GHT, it's 50/50. At domestic US Hyatt's it's zero. There is literally no recognition other than comp'ed upgrades -- I am not complaining - I am simply making a point. Being "quite careful about making CC members happy" is a serious YMMV situation.
Your last point; however, is spot on. It's a spoiling factor and getting free upgrades to nice suites (with the exception of certain properties who are incredibly stingy - GHTYO / PH Zurich / others - it's still easy to get spoiled with Pres Suite upgrades at no additional cost to a lowest cost room rate.
The ultimate lesson here is the following: the CC experience varies so much from property to property and based on your relationship with the staff (sometimes the better you know them the worse you are off - read: GHT) - that making assumptions having never had the status does little benefit. Glad to provide some insights and happy to help those who are curious about my personal theories about qualification and what not. But please don't assume that CC members are gods or treated as such. I've been put into stock traditional rooms at high rates as well. There is no free lunch in this world - and I am a CC by revenue, not a family member or owner.
First of all, meeting "higher-ups" is not something I necessarily believes factors in, nor have I done so in the last several years, as I've been too busy on business. I suppose though it depends on your definition of said individuals. A quick handshake of a GM, which I've seen many do to non elite customers as well as Diamond members doesn't count, as those folks aren't and weren't CC members.
You would think that staff would be careful to make CC members happy. It makes sense, no? But it varies TREMENDOUSLY by property. At the GH BKK, every staff member is shown your photo and knows you by name. At the GHT, it's 50/50. At domestic US Hyatt's it's zero. There is literally no recognition other than comp'ed upgrades -- I am not complaining - I am simply making a point. Being "quite careful about making CC members happy" is a serious YMMV situation.
Your last point; however, is spot on. It's a spoiling factor and getting free upgrades to nice suites (with the exception of certain properties who are incredibly stingy - GHTYO / PH Zurich / others - it's still easy to get spoiled with Pres Suite upgrades at no additional cost to a lowest cost room rate.
The ultimate lesson here is the following: the CC experience varies so much from property to property and based on your relationship with the staff (sometimes the better you know them the worse you are off - read: GHT) - that making assumptions having never had the status does little benefit. Glad to provide some insights and happy to help those who are curious about my personal theories about qualification and what not. But please don't assume that CC members are gods or treated as such. I've been put into stock traditional rooms at high rates as well. There is no free lunch in this world - and I am a CC by revenue, not a family member or owner.
Last edited by sensei; Jan 7, 2017 at 11:50 am
Jan 9, 2017, 12:14 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: Delta Diamond/ Hyatt top tier(lifetime)
Posts: 652
anyone know when Hyatt does the CC bumps ?
Just checked into ph Sydney. Got a great upgrade on both rooms and they restocked the mini bar with some of my favourite wines that I've ordered on previous stays as a "gesture to your loyalty". Seems above and beyond for diamonds for this property?
Just checked into ph Sydney. Got a great upgrade on both rooms and they restocked the mini bar with some of my favourite wines that I've ordered on previous stays as a "gesture to your loyalty". Seems above and beyond for diamonds for this property?
Jan 9, 2017, 2:40 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP & AAirpass, Hyatt Courtesy Card, SPG Platinum
Posts: 991
March 1, unless they changed that recently.
anyone know when Hyatt does the CC bumps ?
Just checked into ph Sydney. Got a great upgrade on both rooms and they restocked the mini bar with some of my favourite wines that I've ordered on previous stays as a "gesture to your loyalty". Seems above and beyond for diamonds for this property?
Just checked into ph Sydney. Got a great upgrade on both rooms and they restocked the mini bar with some of my favourite wines that I've ordered on previous stays as a "gesture to your loyalty". Seems above and beyond for diamonds for this property?
Jan 9, 2017, 5:42 pm
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Will CC folks be called Hyattists or Hyatterists in WOH?