Feb 25, 2022, 8:38 am
Last edit by: goodeats21
*** It seems the Free Night Certificate + Points "top-off" redemption went live on April 29 or 30th 2022 - Discussions here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html ***
Starting March 29, our new flexible point redemption rates will go into effect. That means free nights will align more closely with nightly rates and availability. For stay dates in 2022, you can expect that nearly all of our hotels will have the same minimum and maximum number of points required for redemption — similarly to how they were previously categorized.
All the ways you earn points will not change — you’ll just have more flexibility when you’re ready to redeem.
Plus, starting at the end of April, you can combine your Free Night Award with up to 15,000 points to access more hotels you’ll love.
Our current redemption process will remain in place through March 28. After that, you will not see hotel categories (1–8) or redemption rates classified as Off-Peak, Standard, or Peak. At the same time, as part of our yearly redemption assessment process (similar to our annual category changes in previous years), the minimum point redemption rates will increase for approximately 200 hotels on March 29 — that’s less than 3% of all hotels. You can explore this list of hotels and decide when and where to maximize your free nights.
With our flexible cancellation policy, you can reserve your redemption stay and still modify your reservation if you find a lower rate in the future.
Want to learn more? Check out all our flexible point redemption rates FAQs.
When there is a redemption points rate drop, this info about how to modify award reservations -- on the website, not the app:
If you click to modify the existing reservation, and select to edit payment, it will adjust the points and keep the same reservation
HT to Schnit
Starting March 29, our new flexible point redemption rates will go into effect. That means free nights will align more closely with nightly rates and availability. For stay dates in 2022, you can expect that nearly all of our hotels will have the same minimum and maximum number of points required for redemption — similarly to how they were previously categorized.
All the ways you earn points will not change — you’ll just have more flexibility when you’re ready to redeem.
Plus, starting at the end of April, you can combine your Free Night Award with up to 15,000 points to access more hotels you’ll love.
Our current redemption process will remain in place through March 28. After that, you will not see hotel categories (1–8) or redemption rates classified as Off-Peak, Standard, or Peak. At the same time, as part of our yearly redemption assessment process (similar to our annual category changes in previous years), the minimum point redemption rates will increase for approximately 200 hotels on March 29 — that’s less than 3% of all hotels. You can explore this list of hotels and decide when and where to maximize your free nights.
With our flexible cancellation policy, you can reserve your redemption stay and still modify your reservation if you find a lower rate in the future.
Want to learn more? Check out all our flexible point redemption rates FAQs.
When there is a redemption points rate drop, this info about how to modify award reservations -- on the website, not the app:
If you click to modify the existing reservation, and select to edit payment, it will adjust the points and keep the same reservation
HT to Schnit
29 Mar 2022 : Introduction of Dynamic award pricing and removal of award chart
May 15, 2022, 9:52 am
#496
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 694
Figuring things out: Bonvoy vs Hyatt
Im Titanium Elite - should I work towards Globalist? A switch has been flipped and I dont feel same brand loyalty to Bonvoy anymore esp given recent dynamic pricing.
I've had a slew of bookings set up for Japan this year in hopes that things open... so right now I'm in a bit of a sweet spot for a few places. I have a 2 nights at the MESM in Tokyo for about 30000 JPY per night (uSD, $232! consecutive night promotion which is long over) which is a steal given the 50,000 points redemption. But in truth, both feel like 'good value' because I locked in a room rate early in pandemic, I think MESM is close to 48000 JPY right now, closer the USD $371.
But in general, the places that I want to go - big cities like NYC (old hometown), Paris, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Barcelona - and the properties I want to stay at, seem (as FT noted) really disproportionately hurt by dynamic pricing.
I was going to head back to NYC for a bar mitzvah for close friends in June, and wanted to stay nearish to Central Park. Essex House rates are 80,000 points, Meridien and Residence Inn cash rates were high even on older less inflationary rates, and neither had breakfast benefits or onsite dining right now (even if I wanted the convenience). So I ... just went with Hyatt despite only Discoverist status (Im Titanium Elite on Bonvoy). 25,000 points per night at Thompson or Andaz 5th. No SNA of course, but...
25000/nt > $2000 cash rate at a crappier hotel (Le Meridien), and 25000/nt (Thompson) > 92000 nt (Essex) even factoring value of possible suite upgrade and 'free breaky'. Imean at that rate:Hyatt is worth $.02! And Bonvoy is worth $.006!
My last 2 nights in Tokyo - Jul 9-11. Westin Tokyo 60,000 points. GHT - 25,000. I dig the WT! Rooms are oldish, Ebisu > Roppongi (tho I havent stayed in Roppongi yet), but still... breaky is what, $30USD pp? Honestly, wasn't even a close choice. Just switched from Andaz Toranomon to GHT (2 rooms 2 nights gets me 20000 point savings between the two) and GHT seems like still a lovely property. Not the PHT where I've stayed a few times, but with Prince Gallery poor elite recognition... no easy competitor to Andaz or PHT at very highest end.
It seems to me that Bonvoy points are worth less than $.007 now. Since it seems to be tied to cash rates, given cash hikes - the Essex House is 92000 points a night, $555 USD for the time period I'm looking at.
With UR xfer to Hyatt, it was an easy choice. I've hit Titanium for the year, so I have no incentive in this case. TBH, doing the same for my Tokyo trips.
So I'm wondering - I dont travel a lot for work anymore, but that may tick up. Maybe I should try and maximize Hyatt status, though I do not think I can hit Globalist this year.
Why should I stay beyond the Titanium status? Where's my calculus wrong?
Im Titanium Elite - should I work towards Globalist? A switch has been flipped and I dont feel same brand loyalty to Bonvoy anymore esp given recent dynamic pricing.
I've had a slew of bookings set up for Japan this year in hopes that things open... so right now I'm in a bit of a sweet spot for a few places. I have a 2 nights at the MESM in Tokyo for about 30000 JPY per night (uSD, $232! consecutive night promotion which is long over) which is a steal given the 50,000 points redemption. But in truth, both feel like 'good value' because I locked in a room rate early in pandemic, I think MESM is close to 48000 JPY right now, closer the USD $371.
But in general, the places that I want to go - big cities like NYC (old hometown), Paris, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Barcelona - and the properties I want to stay at, seem (as FT noted) really disproportionately hurt by dynamic pricing.
I was going to head back to NYC for a bar mitzvah for close friends in June, and wanted to stay nearish to Central Park. Essex House rates are 80,000 points, Meridien and Residence Inn cash rates were high even on older less inflationary rates, and neither had breakfast benefits or onsite dining right now (even if I wanted the convenience). So I ... just went with Hyatt despite only Discoverist status (Im Titanium Elite on Bonvoy). 25,000 points per night at Thompson or Andaz 5th. No SNA of course, but...
25000/nt > $2000 cash rate at a crappier hotel (Le Meridien), and 25000/nt (Thompson) > 92000 nt (Essex) even factoring value of possible suite upgrade and 'free breaky'. Imean at that rate:Hyatt is worth $.02! And Bonvoy is worth $.006!
My last 2 nights in Tokyo - Jul 9-11. Westin Tokyo 60,000 points. GHT - 25,000. I dig the WT! Rooms are oldish, Ebisu > Roppongi (tho I havent stayed in Roppongi yet), but still... breaky is what, $30USD pp? Honestly, wasn't even a close choice. Just switched from Andaz Toranomon to GHT (2 rooms 2 nights gets me 20000 point savings between the two) and GHT seems like still a lovely property. Not the PHT where I've stayed a few times, but with Prince Gallery poor elite recognition... no easy competitor to Andaz or PHT at very highest end.
It seems to me that Bonvoy points are worth less than $.007 now. Since it seems to be tied to cash rates, given cash hikes - the Essex House is 92000 points a night, $555 USD for the time period I'm looking at.
With UR xfer to Hyatt, it was an easy choice. I've hit Titanium for the year, so I have no incentive in this case. TBH, doing the same for my Tokyo trips.
So I'm wondering - I dont travel a lot for work anymore, but that may tick up. Maybe I should try and maximize Hyatt status, though I do not think I can hit Globalist this year.
Why should I stay beyond the Titanium status? Where's my calculus wrong?
As a current Globalist and former SPG Ambassador, get away from Marriott if Hyatt has enough properties where you travel. That's really the only downside to Hyatt at this point - lack of properties or poor selection where you may need them.
May 15, 2022, 10:11 am
#497
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska, Bonvoy, Hyatt
Posts: 601
A Hyatt point has always been worth more than a Marriott point. Frequent Miler blog values Hyatt points at $0.016 each, but Marriott points at $0.0075 each. You have to account for the ease of earning as well as the redemption rates. They aren't equivalent.
As a current Globalist and former SPG Ambassador, get away from Marriott if Hyatt has enough properties where you travel. That's really the only downside to Hyatt at this point - lack of properties or poor selection where you may need them.
As a current Globalist and former SPG Ambassador, get away from Marriott if Hyatt has enough properties where you travel. That's really the only downside to Hyatt at this point - lack of properties or poor selection where you may need them.
May 15, 2022, 2:56 pm
#498
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: Marriott Titanium -> United Silver
Posts: 936
I think the disparity in value is even greater than that. You can get some really nice Hyatt hotels for 20k-25k that would be comparable to Marriotts for 60k-80k points. Even at the lower end, Hyatt has several Cat 1 properties that are closer to the city center in a lot of places than Marriott (formerly) Cat 1 or 2.
May 15, 2022, 3:14 pm
#499
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska, Bonvoy, Hyatt
Posts: 601
I think the disparity in value is even greater than that. You can get some really nice Hyatt hotels for 20k-25k that would be comparable to Marriotts for 60k-80k points. Even at the lower end, Hyatt has several Cat 1 properties that are closer to the city center in a lot of places than Marriott (formerly) Cat 1 or 2.
The challenge is how I can get to Globalist this year - probably can't without a mattress run.
May 15, 2022, 3:41 pm
#500
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
I think the disparity in value is even greater than that. You can get some really nice Hyatt hotels for 20k-25k that would be comparable to Marriotts for 60k-80k points. Even at the lower end, Hyatt has several Cat 1 properties that are closer to the city center in a lot of places than Marriott (formerly) Cat 1 or 2.
As Ambassador, I earn 17.5 points per dollar spent at Marriott. At Hyatt, as Globalist I earn 6.5 points per dollar spent. Nearly 3x higher earn per dollar for Marriott. So shouldn't be surprising to anyone that Marriott properties often cost 3x more.
May 15, 2022, 4:00 pm
#501
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska, Bonvoy, Hyatt
Posts: 601
The direct points to points comparison are not meaningful.
As Ambassador, I earn 17.5 points per dollar spent at Marriott. At Hyatt, as Globalist I earn 6.5 points per dollar spent. Nearly 3x higher earn per dollar for Marriott. So shouldn't be surprising to anyone that Marriott properties often cost 3x more.
As Ambassador, I earn 17.5 points per dollar spent at Marriott. At Hyatt, as Globalist I earn 6.5 points per dollar spent. Nearly 3x higher earn per dollar for Marriott. So shouldn't be surprising to anyone that Marriott properties often cost 3x more.
May 15, 2022, 4:45 pm
#502
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 5,141
I'm Ambassador and Globalist - enjoy both - though, I have been leaning towards Marriott more recently due to the need for Ambassador spend, higher treatment received as an Ambassador (top of list for upgrades), and diversity of footprint (i.e. many choices in Canada vs. like 1 or 2 Hyatts per city in Canada).
May 15, 2022, 5:17 pm
#503
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska, Bonvoy, Hyatt
Posts: 601
If you can get both Marriott P/T/A and Hyatt Globalist (and you want to stay at Hyatt properties) without an amount of spend that is significantly higher than you would be normally spending, go for it. But, make sure you actually want to stay at Hyatt properties and that they exist in the destinations you want to travel to.
I'm Ambassador and Globalist - enjoy both - though, I have been leaning towards Marriott more recently due to the need for Ambassador spend, higher treatment received as an Ambassador (top of list for upgrades), and diversity of footprint (i.e. many choices in Canada vs. like 1 or 2 Hyatts per city in Canada).
I'm Ambassador and Globalist - enjoy both - though, I have been leaning towards Marriott more recently due to the need for Ambassador spend, higher treatment received as an Ambassador (top of list for upgrades), and diversity of footprint (i.e. many choices in Canada vs. like 1 or 2 Hyatts per city in Canada).
I likely won't get Ambassador spend, though work is a wildcard.
May 15, 2022, 5:26 pm
#504
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 5,141
Yeah, good points. My main areas of travel for work are going to be SF/Burlingame, London, Stockholm. Marriott's way better in London, but I can live with what Hyatt has there. For family, NYC, DC, Vancouver BC. NYC/DC Hyatt seems to have an edge. Japan, Hyatt feels like it's better. Paris - Marriott has an edge?
I likely won't get Ambassador spend, though work is a wildcard.
I likely won't get Ambassador spend, though work is a wildcard.
Let me be clear, though - my experience and sentiment towards Marriott improved vastly after achieving Ambassador last year. I am now funneling more stays to Marriott to try to hit the $20K (rather than the $14K last year) to maintain this experience at the increased number of Marriott properties I still have and want to try (as well as return to). I don't think the Platinum or Titanium experience compares. I will likely always prefer Marriott due to my long-running attachment to several of their brands as well as their increased footprint (will be especially useful as I start traveling internationally).
May 16, 2022, 3:08 am
#505
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,034
I am now funneling more stays to Marriott to try to hit the $20K (rather than the $14K last year) to maintain this experience at the increased number of Marriott properties I still have and want to try (as well as return to). I don't think the Platinum or Titanium experience compares. I will likely always prefer Marriott due to my long-running attachment to several of their brands as well as their increased footprint (will be especially useful as I start traveling internationally).
Beaucoup Bonv°y!
🌴
May 16, 2022, 11:13 am
#506
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
The difference between Globalist perks/treatment and Ambassador perks/treatment is night and day in favor of Hyatt. In my view, the only rational reason to hit Ambassador is (i) you're locked into a corporate contract which requires or strongly favors Marriott stays, or (ii) there are a small number of Marriott properties where you have big spend.
May 16, 2022, 2:26 pm
#507
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 5,141
Agreed, I grew up staying in Marriotts during my early childhood and then spent my teenage years almost solely at SPG properties, so I have a strong penchant for Westin and Marriott (normal FS) for my "normal" stays. I doubt this will change anytime soon :-)
May 16, 2022, 2:46 pm
#508
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
I am not sure on the Europe side of things - hoping to travel there for the first time at some point near the end of the year and have not yet done my travel research. I would overall agree on the sentiment towards Hyatt exceeding in NYC and DC (although, in DC, it's really just the Grand and Park and maybe the Thompson if they can fix their breakfast situation, so only two good choices in the actual city) - though, my Hyatt numbers are higher in those cities because of the choices. Marriott in DC has plenty of good options - I need to explore Marriott in NYC more and have some stays planned for the near future.
Let me be clear, though - my experience and sentiment towards Marriott improved vastly after achieving Ambassador last year. I am now funneling more stays to Marriott to try to hit the $20K (rather than the $14K last year) to maintain this experience at the increased number of Marriott properties I still have and want to try (as well as return to). I don't think the Platinum or Titanium experience compares. I will likely always prefer Marriott due to my long-running attachment to several of their brands as well as their increased footprint (will be especially useful as I start traveling internationally).
Let me be clear, though - my experience and sentiment towards Marriott improved vastly after achieving Ambassador last year. I am now funneling more stays to Marriott to try to hit the $20K (rather than the $14K last year) to maintain this experience at the increased number of Marriott properties I still have and want to try (as well as return to). I don't think the Platinum or Titanium experience compares. I will likely always prefer Marriott due to my long-running attachment to several of their brands as well as their increased footprint (will be especially useful as I start traveling internationally).
May 16, 2022, 3:18 pm
#509
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), AA Gold, UA (*G) Gold
Posts: 5,141
I also am noticing much more frequent welcome gifts - some of which have been especially delightful (i.e. box of truffles at W Philadelphia, box of 20 cookies at the Sheraton Waikiki, fruit plate at Hotel Clio, loaf of homemade banana bread at Mauna Kea). I did not get these before Ambassador, and I don't get these too often as a Hyatt Globalist (though, I have). While, yes, it's just a temporary gift - I appreciate them and feel appreciated every time I get them.
Ambassador service has also been helpful - I have been lucky enough to speak to some rather fervent agents who have been helpful and easy to communicate with (though, my Hyatt Concierge has also been very helpful). Of course, I've had some that are less helpful, but that is more because of policy restrictions anyway.
Frankly, I know that the breakfast situation is better and easier at Hyatt properties as a Globalist (though not always perfect - i.e. Hyatt Centric Waikiki). However, I have found that Hyatt suite upgrades have been harder to come by - likely due to the glut of Globalists. I have also had negative experiences where I know I have been placed in a hotel's worst suite or been flat-out refused upgrades to the hotel's smallest suite unless I paid (discounted rates available for Globalists). It's insulting and really bums me out.
Another angle - Marriott has more luxury and aspirational properties that I want to stay at in the future and that I want to return to. Whether this be by points (yes, some of these have gotten harder) or by cash, I want top-tier status to maximize my enjoyment of these stays. At Hyatt, I feel like I've practically seen the best they have to offer (at least in the US and in destinations I want to travel to - not looking for rural resorts in California - a market they have a weird focus on).
May 16, 2022, 4:58 pm
#510
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
Do you have an active social media presence? Because your domestic Marriott upgrade experiences are not consistent with mine, nor with what most are reporting in this forum.