I second that - as a person who will be staying at a Hyatt on 8/31 and checking out on 9/1, I hope this stay will count!!!

Sorry if this goes a bit off topic, but that same logic doesn't appear to apply to G1,G2,G3 bonuses, as I just tried booking a reservation 8/31-9/1 with a G2 bonus at a property advertising the G2 bonus from 9/1-11/30, and hyatt.com responded by telling me that no G2 bonus was applicable to that reservation (whereas, there was no problem making the booking with G2 bonus for 9/1-9/2).

Any illumination?

I know we're hearing both answers here, but I just called the plat res line and was told that "last year went by check-out date, so this year should be the same". I'm going by that answer and booking my 8/31 stay.

Bonuses are based on check in date, i.e. they have to valid when you check in to the hotel. Points are credited when you checkout, as you have not earned them until you stay. I think it actually makes sense.

Inasmuch as we are now a week away from September 1, 2008, perhaps the Hyatt Concierge will clarify this issue soon?

Looking to make a quick driving weekend trip to Chicago to take advantage of FFN.

What are the closest, most economical choices to Chicago (Hyatts, Hyatt Places or Summerfield Suites)? I'll have a car, so access is not a huge issue, but we also don't want to be an hour or so away.

So far, the best option I came up with was the Rosemont for around $109 on weekend nights in Sept.

I've been a diamond for several years, and have noticed it has been increasingly difficult to get the FFNs extended past the set expiry date. Also, you used to be able to ask for an extension at any time in the redemption period and usually get it, the last time around I wasn't able to get one until two weeks before the promotion ended. When I tried earlier, I was told "oh, you've got plenty of time to use those nights."

Posting as a regular member here and not as a moderator - I also don't think that you sould "count" on the extension - and hope that people will not call until close to the time of the expiration since that could encourage Hyatt to deny all extensions this time (and in the future). I also think that it will be harder in any event now since Hyatt has done away with the dedicated Diamond CS group.

Not sure if you necessarily need to be in Chicago, but I've gotten very good rates at the Livonia Hyatt Place in the past...LTOs, AAA's. etc.

Peter: They have?!?! When did this happen? I must have missed that day. :mad:

Joan: My experience tracks with yours. It seems that, early on, it's iffy, agent by agent. Word trickles onto this board about spotty successes. Then, in the last weeks, the gates seem to open wider and wider until all the (Diamond!) CSRs get the word. (This is crucial: It's been the Diamond CSRs, not the reservationists, who have had "the word"**) The "iffy" period lasts longer and longer, each year. I've guessed that it has to do with the utilization balance sheet as the expiry date approaches. In any event, Peter's advice is sage.


**Now, with the Diamond CS group gone, I suggest that the uncertainty factor will increase greatly. And, come to think of it, with March as the month in play, we'll be up against spring break occupancies, as well. May be best to be grateful for our gain that February is not in play, this round.

(Acknowledging that the unofficial extension was a huge Diamond privilege, with availability opening wide during that time. Which means that this year, knowledge of how to play the system will be the important advantage -- e.g., reserve during the official burn period with points and then backfill with FFN awards.)

Quite a few months ago - they've been integrated into the main CS group - supposedly they're trained to act as Diamond CSR but we all know how that goes.

Still :mad:. But, credit to Hyatt, I haven't had reason to care. Now, come February.....

Ideally hotels and airlines wouldn't need special elite lines, the general customer service lines would be good enough to handle whatever one needed regardless of status, and in Hyatt's defense, I've never been left wishing for a higher level of service from them when I've contacted them without the benefit of dedicated Diamond level personnel.

As a diamond, I have noticed substantial decline in CS without the dedicated diamond personnel. Calls take much longer and often require 5-10 minutes on hold while they try and sort out problems. Typically in the past similar calls would take 1-2 minutes.

No argument.

OK, downgrade (upgrade?) from initial reaction :mad: to :(.