hp12c

Agree. The dollar limit is obnoxious. Then again so is people over ordering just because the food is free.

However, don’t the T&Cs spell out what Globalist breakfast entails - something like hot drink, cold drink, and main dish? Why can’t hotels just leave it at that?

As other have pointed out, PH DC typically waives any overage anyhow.

777 global mile hound

I believe the inflated breakfast prices (at some of the hotels) its simply a cut to the Globalist benefit as Hyatt
is now trying to monetize,chip away @elite benefits and get the free breakfast paid for with on the overcharges
Having said that when I stay at the Waldorf a 25 voucher goes further (pre pandemic) as the servers typically
allow me help myself to the stunning continental buffet fruit assorted breads danish smoothies etc and
only apply the dollar amount to the actual entree.I am slightly less likely to stay at a given Hyatt unless now
price and or quality trumps the competing brand to start paying for various parts of the breakfast
Of course with every program it will be hit and miss with these new polices as to good or bad.
As others have speculated perhaps in some of the hotels
its just a reminder to some not to over order for those that are being excessive.
At the end of the day the complimentary breakfast is complimentary or it isn't based on the new WOH pecking order
YMMV.

MSPeconomist

It's also supposed to be for the two people (including Glob "OP") staying in the "OP's" room, unless the second room is booked as Guest of Honor using points. The hotel kindly doubled the breakfast benefit by extending it to the two people in the second room. Hence the "OP" here is collecting a breakfast benefit of $160 per day. I think that's extremely generous.

hp12c

fair point indeed.

there are actual bad actor hotels, and this is not one of them.

platbrownguy

It's YMMV. Half the time, the overage is waived. Half the time it's not... and when I've pushed back, it has either been enforced or reluctantly waived as a courtesy (even went up to the GM one time, who agreed the rules said one dish + coffee + juice... but because it was *possible* to get a cheaper dish or a cheaper concentrate juice or whatever and come in under $40 all-in, there was no problem with the policy... ended up waiving the overage as a courtesy but that kind of quibbling really leaves a bad taste...).

I agree re: over ordering. But it actually takes penny-counting to order a dish, coffee, and juice and come in under the credit here.

platbrownguy

While we're at it, what would the group do on a 2-night stay where early check-in was not needed:
1. book via Hyatt for $297/night, or
2. book via Amex FHR for $349/night (the higher rate is $104++ more, and it costs more even after the $100 credit because the full rate subject to the hotel taxes whereas the $100 credit is, I believe, just a post-tax credit to the folio).

So as of now I'm on the Hyatt rate. But if there's a reason to pay the slight extra for the Amex FHR rate I'd like to hear it.

WasKnown

There’s no reason to book through FHR. I would never do so if the rate is higher than the BAR. A preferred travel agent can book a room at the same hotel for you with similar perks at the BAR.

iluvdoco

How does the Prive rate compare? Not sure I'd take the risk of an FHR booking given its issues with crediting points/nights.

WasKnown

FHR is a risk for other programs but not for Hyatt. It will credit as a matter of policy. I have never had it not credit automatically but you can ask a globalist concierge to correct the issue if it ever happens.

iluvdoco

Booked a Park Executive Suite using points + cash and was upgraded to a Georgetown Suite. Was secretly hoping I'd get the Ambassador Suite but I prefer the 4-person dining table of the Georgetown Suite.

platbrownguy

Thanks, just emailed & will see -- I hadn't done so because in my experience the Prive rate is the same as the "Standard Rate" (which is the same as the FHR rate). But we'll see!

I stayed in the Ambassador suite once a while back and remember the tub being cool.

Some time a year or two ago, I tried to book the Georgetown Suite on a Prive rate and upgrade to the Ambassador, but the property said it wouldn't upgrade above the Georgetown suite. Shrug.

platbrownguy

Prive deal is the same as FHR ($349/night) but with a "welcome amenity"... pass.

iluvdoco

Had a fantastic stay at the PH DC. The Georgetown Suite was beautifully appointed and very comfortable. Even the rollaway bed was great! Excellent breakfast at BDT and wonderful rain showers. Would definitely return. Surprised that it's only a Category 5 hotel.

hp12c

Surprised to hear this. My experience was that my 5 year old son refused to sleep on the rollaway due to feeling the springs poking his back. Though he was being dramatic, but then felt it myself and found the quality of the mattress to be awful. Must just be luck of the draw. Glad you had a great stay.

schriste

Totally agree. So much of what you read now is severe staff shortages, no service, no this, no that. I had a 3 night stay starting July 4th (BTW the fireworks were absolutely spectacular) and you would be hard pressed to know it was not 2019. An almost flawless stay. Enjoying breakfast at the BDT outside by the fountain and garden was delightful and delicious with quality service too . I am particularly impressed that the room refresh in 2017 was overseen by Tony Chi who was responsible for the full 2006 renovation. So nice to see a thoughtful renovation that retains the comfortable residential luxury of the PH brand.