AAA Breakfast Rates- A Word of Caution
 

The AAA Breakfast rate currently being promoted has very unclear "terms and conditions" listed with the rate. The promotion states that the guests are entitled to up to two full breakfasts which include juice, coffee, and a hot entree off the a la carte menu OR the breakfast buffet if it is offered by the hotel.

I contacted Hyatt Customer Service as the meaning of the "OR" was unclear- does the guest have a choice of the full breakfast OR the buffet, or does the particular hotel make that decision? In addition, at the Hyatt Regency SFO I received a coupon good for a breakfast buffet or a $10 credit towards something off the menu. At that hotel, you certainly can't get juice, coffee, and an a la carte item for $10 and the buffet is rather poor.

Hyatt has responded that each individual hotel makes the decision as to what you will get. In effect, the hotel decides the meaning of the word "OR" in the terms and conditions.

Yes, I have found the same thing at most hotels. The AAA Breakf plan is either the buffet, if available, or the American Breakfast (Eggs, meat, potatoes, toast, coffee, and juice). Not very interesting or exciting but it's breakfast. The RC breakfast at some hotels is FAR better with lots of fresh fruit, lox, bagels, meats, cheeses, etc.

At the HR Chicago, they said we could have any entree on the menu or the buffet.

That's the way it should be and that seems to me to be the way it is described in the terms of the AAA Breakfast rate. And it should be consistent throughout the chain. But Hyatt has responded to me that each hotel can decide on its own what it wants to offer.

Have you actually had a problem at a hotel with the breakfast you received, or do you just not like the 'wording' in the T&Cs?

I've used these a few times and the restaurants always seem to be reasonable and flexible about using them.

Most of the hotels (Hyatts, Hiltons, etc.) that I've been to on this rate will give me a choice IF they have it. For example, most people will let me order 2 entrees from room service or 2 buffets at the restaurant. I have been to a hotel where they did not have a buffet, so I had to order the entree either from room service or the lobby restaurant.

Both. At the Hyatt Regency SFO you get a $10 credit per person or the buffet (although Hyatt Customer Service has told me that it's only a $10 credit towards the buffet as well). My next stay will be at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco. Hyatt Customer Service contacted them and the AAA rate entitles the guest to the buffet ONLY.

The terms and conditions should say "The rate entitles you up to two breakfast buffets, or at certain hotels a credit towards the buffet or towards items ordered off the menu. Offerings will be at the descretion of the individual hotel."

Could be interesting what you would get at the PH Beaver Creek.
A dry muffin and a cup of coffee at the self service kiosk?

The PH SF gives a $25 per person (no buffet). The Grand SF told me I could order anything off the menu (so I had the steak and eggs) and did not set a limit. Of course this was a few months ago and things change

I've never felt short changed on the AAA breakfast... the diamond free breakfast is another story. Given that it is a promotion, it's hard to see how you can get worked up about the terms which are generally pretty reasonable.

I'm not worked up about the terms at all, other than they are unclear, and the fact that each hotel sets its own terms. The offer needs to be the same at every hotel and not subject to local whim.

However,'local whim'(s), or customs, are what make each property unique. If we get to the point of EXACTLY the same rules for every property then the weekend rates won't apply for 'all week at many many resorts', the SAME menu items would be on EVERY menu at EVERY property. How boring, loosen up and flow with it! Life's too short.

The alternative is to go for the cheaper hyatt.com rate (in most cases), and take the saved $$$ and buy whatever breakfast you want. Then your problem will be solved! :)

I don't appreciate snide remarks.

All I want is what Hyatt says it offers, and for it to be clearly stated. I can then decide if some other rate- or some other hotel- better meets my needs. If you like whatever anyone gives you, regardless of what they say they will give you, then good for you. I don't.

I had my stay on the AAA Breakfast rate at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco last week. Despite what the front desk supervisor told Gold Passport, the AAA rate proviided two of us with a voucher good for anything on the menu, plus juice and coffee in the Grand Views restaurant, and an excellent selection of entrees they had. They also had a buffet. I just wish the hotels would be consistent.

In addition to the great breakfast, the hotel itself was wonderful as always. Very quiet lobby and generally a very friendly and helpful front desk staff. Had an averaged sized room with a direct view facing the north bay. Terrific location. Regency Club had a wonderful selection of hot and cold appetizers, but unfortunately they had nothing but drinks after 7pm, not even a cookie.

I was just going to ask a question about these AAA rates. Do they consistantly ask for your memebership card at check-in? I don't belong, but the rate in Texas is worth either me joining or borrowing my dad's card. My middle name is the same as his first so that's not been a problem in the past. Thanks.