Matched to Diamond, but still SPG Plat seems far superior (based on travel locations)
Dec 14, 2015 | 9:20 pm
#61
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,386
cdancer 20, thanks for suggesting Ultimate Rewards for better HGP point earning. I currently have the Hyatt CC (but not with Chase UR). Currently, I benefit from 2x points on restaurants, airlines, and rental cars.
Other than from a Freedom CC which can be associated with Ultimate Rewards, are there other good ways are to get 5x HGP Points on credit card spending? For Hyatt HGP purposes, I may consider Chase Sapphire/Freedom (other Chase options too) in the future. I am looking for ways to boost Hyatt point earning, as well as maximize HGP point redemption. I apologize in advance if there are other threads on this, but I haven't read all threads.
Other than from a Freedom CC which can be associated with Ultimate Rewards, are there other good ways are to get 5x HGP Points on credit card spending? For Hyatt HGP purposes, I may consider Chase Sapphire/Freedom (other Chase options too) in the future. I am looking for ways to boost Hyatt point earning, as well as maximize HGP point redemption. I apologize in advance if there are other threads on this, but I haven't read all threads.
Dec 14, 2015 | 9:30 pm
#62
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: North Bay, California
Programs: UA 2MM, AA MM, SPG Lifetime Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Natl Exec Elite
Posts: 1,526
I think I've had as many non-DSU suite upgrades w/Hyatt this year as with SPG ; I'm one of the SPGers who will have most (7) of my 10 SNA's expire unused. (Tried to use them, they didn't clear. Repeatedly.)
As a Starwood LTP, I've seen my share of great (non-SNA) upgrades, but I've also seen the upgrade program degrade as other benefits have been introduced. I'm too old now to make Hyatt lifetime Diamond but if I could, I would; it's a good program with plenty of value.
As a Starwood LTP, I've seen my share of great (non-SNA) upgrades, but I've also seen the upgrade program degrade as other benefits have been introduced. I'm too old now to make Hyatt lifetime Diamond but if I could, I would; it's a good program with plenty of value.
Dec 15, 2015 | 3:54 am
#63
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 827
you've made the same argument over in the Marriott forum so once again, same response - if you love SPG props so much just stay there.
Neither Marriott nor Hyatt needs your business cause you will only whine how much better SPG is.
Neither Marriott nor Hyatt needs your business cause you will only whine how much better SPG is.
So like so many other SPG Platinums, I got matched to Hyatt Diamond. I'd been Diamond several years ago but let it lapse as I found SPG to be easily comparable if not better for upgrades, perks, points earned utility, and far more location/property coverage. I'm SPG Plat 100+ nights, so I'd imagine I'm absolutely the customer Hyatt most hopes to convert. I stay mostly at StR, Lux Collection, W, Le Meridien, and Westin properties, with the occasional Sheraton or Four Points/Element/Aloft when nothing else is available in smaller cities/towns.
Now I confess I am reminded repeatedly why I switched from Hyatt to SPG in the first place.
(1) There really aren't that many Hyatt properties in far too many of the locations I visit, both domestically and abroad. The holes are stunning to me now that I've been with SPG for many years.
(2) While DSUs are nice, you still must pay for a regular room or at least use Cash&Points and still spend cash. I can be automatically upgraded to a suite on a free award stay with SPG. The true savings using DSUs is not very significant for me...since I usually only want a suite at nicer hotels which either don't allow Cash&Points (Andaz Maui) or which have high rates even for entry rooms (Park Hyatt Milan). The cost-benefit isn't nearly as good as I remember, and isn't even close to what SPG offers now.
(3) I love Park Hyatt, and I enjoy some Andaz (basically reminding me of W hotels)...but there are so few. There are far more of these luxury type hotels available in the SPG portfolio, not to mention Lux Collection.
(4) I've been underwhelmed with the few Grand Hyatt properties I've either stayed at or visited to consider. They usually don't seem as luxe/upscale to me as others so often seem to perceive them, especially in the rooms, themselves--with rather mundane, sterile furnishings that don't seem all that different from those in a regular Hyatt or Hyatt Regency hotel. A nice lobby does not a luxury hotel make IMO. I'm more impressed usually with the Westin or Le Meridien in the same markets, which surprised me...a lot.
(5) Hyatt has even more limited offerings in the midscale sector than SPG, at least for where I tend to visit in the USA. Marriott certainly will help SPG here.
While I have 4 DSUs to burn on bookings through Feb 2016, I find that I still get far more value from free award stays or even paid stays with SPG--even with the looming Marriott-SPG merger which motivated Hyatt to offer the Diamond status match in the first place!
I still am concerned about the parameters of new loyalty program that will emerge from the Marriott-SPG merger. I know my points will devalue, that I likely won't be able to transfer points to airlines like SPG now allows, and that it likely will require more nights to achieve status. I suspect Plat suite upgrades may be more limited or eliminated as exists with SPG. I suspect SNAs may be more limited or eliminated as exists with SPG.
Yet Hyatt doesn't permit most of those, either. And had Hyatt acquired SPG, most of those still wouldn't exist, most likely. And Hyatt's one big perk--4 DSUs per year--is turning out to be a big red herring for me now that I have the chance to use up to 8 of them through Feb 2017! I can't find but a few hotel stays where I'd want to use DSUs, and all but one are for significantly less than a week stay.
I'm not thrilled about the SPG-Mariott merger, but I may discover in retrospect that it may be better than the potential Hyatt-SPG merger we all expected would be somehow superior. At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to Ritz Carlton hotels, easily a worthy option comparable to Park Hyatt and St Regis (even if still prefer most StR and PH over most RC). At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to Autograph and Bulgari and Edition (e.g. W-ish clones) hotels. At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to tons of options for midscale hotels even in the more remote locations I may need to visit.
Retrospect is a funny thing, I'm surprised to discover that Hyatt is far less opportune for a much higher-than-average spender at more upscale/luxury hotels like me. The perceived value for Hyatt is turning out to be not so great. I am as shocked as anyone.
Hyatt, in giving me the Diamond match, DID accomplish its goal of making me consider more stays with Hyatt for 2016. Unfortunately, it also made me recognize the weaknesses of Hyatt that may yet make the Marriott merger a bigger win for SPG members than we currently believe it to be.
Now I confess I am reminded repeatedly why I switched from Hyatt to SPG in the first place.
(1) There really aren't that many Hyatt properties in far too many of the locations I visit, both domestically and abroad. The holes are stunning to me now that I've been with SPG for many years.
(2) While DSUs are nice, you still must pay for a regular room or at least use Cash&Points and still spend cash. I can be automatically upgraded to a suite on a free award stay with SPG. The true savings using DSUs is not very significant for me...since I usually only want a suite at nicer hotels which either don't allow Cash&Points (Andaz Maui) or which have high rates even for entry rooms (Park Hyatt Milan). The cost-benefit isn't nearly as good as I remember, and isn't even close to what SPG offers now.
(3) I love Park Hyatt, and I enjoy some Andaz (basically reminding me of W hotels)...but there are so few. There are far more of these luxury type hotels available in the SPG portfolio, not to mention Lux Collection.
(4) I've been underwhelmed with the few Grand Hyatt properties I've either stayed at or visited to consider. They usually don't seem as luxe/upscale to me as others so often seem to perceive them, especially in the rooms, themselves--with rather mundane, sterile furnishings that don't seem all that different from those in a regular Hyatt or Hyatt Regency hotel. A nice lobby does not a luxury hotel make IMO. I'm more impressed usually with the Westin or Le Meridien in the same markets, which surprised me...a lot.
(5) Hyatt has even more limited offerings in the midscale sector than SPG, at least for where I tend to visit in the USA. Marriott certainly will help SPG here.
While I have 4 DSUs to burn on bookings through Feb 2016, I find that I still get far more value from free award stays or even paid stays with SPG--even with the looming Marriott-SPG merger which motivated Hyatt to offer the Diamond status match in the first place!
I still am concerned about the parameters of new loyalty program that will emerge from the Marriott-SPG merger. I know my points will devalue, that I likely won't be able to transfer points to airlines like SPG now allows, and that it likely will require more nights to achieve status. I suspect Plat suite upgrades may be more limited or eliminated as exists with SPG. I suspect SNAs may be more limited or eliminated as exists with SPG.
Yet Hyatt doesn't permit most of those, either. And had Hyatt acquired SPG, most of those still wouldn't exist, most likely. And Hyatt's one big perk--4 DSUs per year--is turning out to be a big red herring for me now that I have the chance to use up to 8 of them through Feb 2017! I can't find but a few hotel stays where I'd want to use DSUs, and all but one are for significantly less than a week stay.
I'm not thrilled about the SPG-Mariott merger, but I may discover in retrospect that it may be better than the potential Hyatt-SPG merger we all expected would be somehow superior. At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to Ritz Carlton hotels, easily a worthy option comparable to Park Hyatt and St Regis (even if still prefer most StR and PH over most RC). At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to Autograph and Bulgari and Edition (e.g. W-ish clones) hotels. At least with Marriott, I soon will get access to tons of options for midscale hotels even in the more remote locations I may need to visit.
Retrospect is a funny thing, I'm surprised to discover that Hyatt is far less opportune for a much higher-than-average spender at more upscale/luxury hotels like me. The perceived value for Hyatt is turning out to be not so great. I am as shocked as anyone.
Hyatt, in giving me the Diamond match, DID accomplish its goal of making me consider more stays with Hyatt for 2016. Unfortunately, it also made me recognize the weaknesses of Hyatt that may yet make the Marriott merger a bigger win for SPG members than we currently believe it to be.
Dec 15, 2015 | 9:44 am
#64
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Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
My OP and this thread about my revelation that Hyatt Diamond isn't as spectacularly generous or awesome as I had thought it would be--for me. That my revelation/conclusion for my travel habits disturbs you is not something that bothers me.
Marriott is going to get my business if I ultimately stick with SPG hotels, since Marriott is acquiring Starwood. I love SPG's higher tiers of hotels, but I do also love PH, Andaz, and some GH, and regular Hyatt and HR properties are often suitable for me, as well--they just aren't in nearly enough locations to serve my diverse business and leisure travel interests. Sorry if that disturbs, but it still doesn't preclude that being true for me.
Dec 15, 2015 | 9:11 pm
#65
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 827
so since you got Hyatt Diamond via the SPG matching of your vaulted SPG status (so under a month) just how many Hyatts, if any, have you stayed at to knock the entire Hyatt brand?
Being defensive doesn't change the fact that someone whining on this thread isn't any different than my supposed whining in this or another forum.
My OP and this thread about my revelation that Hyatt Diamond isn't as spectacularly generous or awesome as I had thought it would be--for me. That my revelation/conclusion for my travel habits disturbs you is not something that bothers me.
Marriott is going to get my business if I ultimately stick with SPG hotels, since Marriott is acquiring Starwood. I love SPG's higher tiers of hotels, but I do also love PH, Andaz, and some GH, and regular Hyatt and HR properties are often suitable for me, as well--they just aren't in nearly enough locations to serve my diverse business and leisure travel interests. Sorry if that disturbs, but it still doesn't preclude that being true for me.
My OP and this thread about my revelation that Hyatt Diamond isn't as spectacularly generous or awesome as I had thought it would be--for me. That my revelation/conclusion for my travel habits disturbs you is not something that bothers me.
Marriott is going to get my business if I ultimately stick with SPG hotels, since Marriott is acquiring Starwood. I love SPG's higher tiers of hotels, but I do also love PH, Andaz, and some GH, and regular Hyatt and HR properties are often suitable for me, as well--they just aren't in nearly enough locations to serve my diverse business and leisure travel interests. Sorry if that disturbs, but it still doesn't preclude that being true for me.
Dec 15, 2015 | 10:46 pm
#66
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I have knocked the fact that there are not enough Hyatts in locations I visit for work or want to visit for leisure. That isn't the same thing as knocking the brand.
I have knocked Gold Passport for some weaknesses. Every loyalty program has weaknesses, including SPG. It's about maximizing the returns/benefits while minimizing the weaknesses as much as possible with any loyalty program.
I've also mentioned that the DSUs can be very valuable for many, even me, even if they aren't as useful for me when compared to SPG Platinum benefits and property availability and selections over the course of a year.
Again, defensiveness isn't pretty.
Dec 16, 2015 | 12:09 am
#67
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 827
so the response to my question of how many Hyatt's you've stayed at since you received a D status match to Hyatt is ZERO, but yet from the very start of this thread you've continually bashed Hyatt/HGP (although you state here that you aren't - you've got to be joking!) while repeatedly praising your beloved SPG.
Now I confess I am reminded repeatedly why I switched from Hyatt to SPG in the first place.
(1) There really aren't that many Hyatt properties in far too many of the locations I visit, both domestically and abroad. The holes are stunning to me now that I've been with SPG for many years.
(2) While DSUs are nice, you still must pay for a regular room or at least use Cash&Points and still spend cash. I can be automatically upgraded to a suite on a free award stay with SPG. The true savings using DSUs is not very significant for me...since I usually only want a suite at nicer hotels which either don't allow Cash&Points (Andaz Maui) or which have high rates even for entry rooms (Park Hyatt Milan). The cost-benefit isn't nearly as good as I remember, and isn't even close to what SPG offers now.
(3) I love Park Hyatt, and I enjoy some Andaz (basically reminding me of W hotels)...but there are so few. There are far more of these luxury type hotels available in the SPG portfolio, not to mention Lux Collection.
(4) I've been underwhelmed with the few Grand Hyatt properties I've either stayed at or visited to consider. They usually don't seem as luxe/upscale to me as others so often seem to perceive them, especially in the rooms, themselves--with rather mundane, sterile furnishings that don't seem all that different from those in a regular Hyatt or Hyatt Regency hotel. A nice lobby does not a luxury hotel make IMO. I'm more impressed usually with the Westin or Le Meridien in the same markets, which surprised me...a lot.
(5) Hyatt has even more limited offerings in the midscale sector than SPG, at least for where I tend to visit in the USA. Marriott certainly will help SPG here.
(1) There really aren't that many Hyatt properties in far too many of the locations I visit, both domestically and abroad. The holes are stunning to me now that I've been with SPG for many years.
(2) While DSUs are nice, you still must pay for a regular room or at least use Cash&Points and still spend cash. I can be automatically upgraded to a suite on a free award stay with SPG. The true savings using DSUs is not very significant for me...since I usually only want a suite at nicer hotels which either don't allow Cash&Points (Andaz Maui) or which have high rates even for entry rooms (Park Hyatt Milan). The cost-benefit isn't nearly as good as I remember, and isn't even close to what SPG offers now.
(3) I love Park Hyatt, and I enjoy some Andaz (basically reminding me of W hotels)...but there are so few. There are far more of these luxury type hotels available in the SPG portfolio, not to mention Lux Collection.
(4) I've been underwhelmed with the few Grand Hyatt properties I've either stayed at or visited to consider. They usually don't seem as luxe/upscale to me as others so often seem to perceive them, especially in the rooms, themselves--with rather mundane, sterile furnishings that don't seem all that different from those in a regular Hyatt or Hyatt Regency hotel. A nice lobby does not a luxury hotel make IMO. I'm more impressed usually with the Westin or Le Meridien in the same markets, which surprised me...a lot.
(5) Hyatt has even more limited offerings in the midscale sector than SPG, at least for where I tend to visit in the USA. Marriott certainly will help SPG here.
Oh dear. If one bothers to read my posts to even this one thread, it is fairly apparent I love Park Hyatts (having stayed at the PH Istanbul, Shanghai, Sydney, Melbourne, and with a future booking for Chicago, not to mention dining at the Washington, DC, property and loving it) in the same way I love most StR (but dislike the flagship StR NYC, actually). I am booked for the Andaz Maui next year, and have stayed at the Andaz WeHo several times. I was Hyatt Diamond a few years ago for many years...before switching to SPG. Hard to say I'm knocking the Hyatt brand. I've stayed at many, many Hyatts over the years, including the last year. Oops.
I have knocked the fact that there are not enough Hyatts in locations I visit for work or want to visit for leisure. That isn't the same thing as knocking the brand.
I have knocked Gold Passport for some weaknesses. Every loyalty program has weaknesses, including SPG. It's about maximizing the returns/benefits while minimizing the weaknesses as much as possible with any loyalty program.
I've also mentioned that the DSUs can be very valuable for many, even me, even if they aren't as useful for me when compared to SPG Platinum benefits and property availability and selections over the course of a year.
Again, defensiveness isn't pretty.
I have knocked the fact that there are not enough Hyatts in locations I visit for work or want to visit for leisure. That isn't the same thing as knocking the brand.
I have knocked Gold Passport for some weaknesses. Every loyalty program has weaknesses, including SPG. It's about maximizing the returns/benefits while minimizing the weaknesses as much as possible with any loyalty program.
I've also mentioned that the DSUs can be very valuable for many, even me, even if they aren't as useful for me when compared to SPG Platinum benefits and property availability and selections over the course of a year.
Again, defensiveness isn't pretty.
Dec 16, 2015 | 2:23 am
#68
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
so the response to my question of how many Hyatt's you've stayed at since you received a D status match to Hyatt is ZERO, but yet from the very start of this thread you've continually bashed Hyatt/HGP (although you state here that you aren't - you've got to be joking!) while repeatedly praising your beloved SPG.
this is the usual approach after major status match promos.
Certain people show up, post about their limited experience and ask why they did not receive an upgrade to the senior suite on the first stay.
Became boring over the years, even more so (as you pointed out) in case these people did not even stay at a Hyatt
Dec 16, 2015 | 5:09 am
#69
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Helsinki & Austin
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,881
Oh dear. If one bothers to read my posts to even this one thread, it is fairly apparent I love Park Hyatts (having stayed at the PH Istanbul, Shanghai, Sydney, Melbourne, and with a future booking for Chicago, not to mention dining at the Washington, DC, property and loving it) in the same way I love most StR (but dislike the flagship StR NYC, actually). I am booked for the Andaz Maui next year, and have stayed at the Andaz WeHo several times. I was Hyatt Diamond a few years ago for many years...before switching to SPG. Hard to say I'm knocking the Hyatt brand. I've stayed at many, many Hyatts over the years, including the last year. Oops.
I have knocked the fact that there are not enough Hyatts in locations I visit for work or want to visit for leisure. That isn't the same thing as knocking the brand.
I have knocked Gold Passport for some weaknesses. Every loyalty program has weaknesses, including SPG. It's about maximizing the returns/benefits while minimizing the weaknesses as much as possible with any loyalty program.
I've also mentioned that the DSUs can be very valuable for many, even me, even if they aren't as useful for me when compared to SPG Platinum benefits and property availability and selections over the course of a year.
Again, defensiveness isn't pretty.
I have knocked the fact that there are not enough Hyatts in locations I visit for work or want to visit for leisure. That isn't the same thing as knocking the brand.
I have knocked Gold Passport for some weaknesses. Every loyalty program has weaknesses, including SPG. It's about maximizing the returns/benefits while minimizing the weaknesses as much as possible with any loyalty program.
I've also mentioned that the DSUs can be very valuable for many, even me, even if they aren't as useful for me when compared to SPG Platinum benefits and property availability and selections over the course of a year.
Again, defensiveness isn't pretty.
Dec 16, 2015 | 6:58 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
I completely agree about this.
SPG folks seems to fall on in one of two camps here;
SPG fans either dislike Hyatt because they can't redeem points + apply DSU like they can with SPG.
or
SPG fans love Hyatt because they can book into suites with DSU's*
I think Hyatt has a stronger position here because;
1) SNA's are very questionable in their usefulness. I have stayed at SPG something like 210 nights over 2 years, and I have only been able to successfully use a SNA once, for a one night stay.
2) DSU's can be used for up to a 7 day stay. So 28 Hyatt suite nights vs. 10 suite nights at SPG.
DSU's = guarantee
SNA = stay and pray.
Lastly, PH has redefined the hotel experience and make most of my SPG stays seem impersonal and underwhelming. I do expect this same treatment would exist at a St. Regis, but I have never been in a St. Regis.
SPG folks seems to fall on in one of two camps here;
SPG fans either dislike Hyatt because they can't redeem points + apply DSU like they can with SPG.
or
SPG fans love Hyatt because they can book into suites with DSU's*
I think Hyatt has a stronger position here because;
1) SNA's are very questionable in their usefulness. I have stayed at SPG something like 210 nights over 2 years, and I have only been able to successfully use a SNA once, for a one night stay.
2) DSU's can be used for up to a 7 day stay. So 28 Hyatt suite nights vs. 10 suite nights at SPG.
DSU's = guarantee
SNA = stay and pray.
Lastly, PH has redefined the hotel experience and make most of my SPG stays seem impersonal and underwhelming. I do expect this same treatment would exist at a St. Regis, but I have never been in a St. Regis.
As well, if I'm staying 1-4 nights, I would far rather book SPG as I feel I get better value, all things held constant, using the SNA than using a DSU and 'wasting' 3-6 nights of the DSU.
Dec 16, 2015 | 7:35 am
#71
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
(1) I will have 9 SNA's expire at the end of this year. Your success, and my lack of success - is a great reason for me to diversify and have Hyatt DSU's. I obviously do not have great luck with SNA's.
(2) I don't care if I can use SPG points + SNA, when my SNA has almost a <10% chance of being successful.
(3) I appreciate the SNA. I try and use the SNA. I just know I can't rely on it.
(4) The SNA is useless if you book into the highest category room that the SNA can be used for. You can't upgrade to inventory beyond it. Hotels may give you a room above what you booked, but it is the exception and not the norm.
I like Starwood, but the SNA has so many nuances complicate the program to the point that it is useless - because so many things have to be a certain way for you to even use it.
DSU's take all of these nuances out for the most part. I can just - redeem. Not with points, but I can actually use the dang thing - which is way more than what I can say for SPG and the SNA.
DSU's don't expire
SNA's expire all the time
The DSU's are so valuable, you yourself even question how to use your DSU. But us SPG members try and burn SNA's at every good opportunity we have - and I still have 9 out of 10 expiring this year.
And plus - Hyatt just offers diversification. Places like the Hyatt in Nice,FR make me appreciate the brand. I love Park Hyatt service. There is no hotel I would rather be at in Paris than the Park Hyatt Paris when an incident like the terrorists attacks were going on. And most importantly - there are going to be cities where Hyatt or Hilton or IHG is going to have the best located property. So I find myself really wanting to achieve top status at most brands.
Like I totally loved the Hotel Indigo location in Rome, no other chain hotel is going to be so centrally located. Plus the Intercontinental allows me to wake up and walk out to the Spanish Steps - can't do this at a Hyatt or a SPG hotel.
The award rooms available to SPG guests are pretty crappy at a lot of their best hotels. You really want those SNA's to work on those redemptions....
(2) I don't care if I can use SPG points + SNA, when my SNA has almost a <10% chance of being successful.
(3) I appreciate the SNA. I try and use the SNA. I just know I can't rely on it.
(4) The SNA is useless if you book into the highest category room that the SNA can be used for. You can't upgrade to inventory beyond it. Hotels may give you a room above what you booked, but it is the exception and not the norm.
I like Starwood, but the SNA has so many nuances complicate the program to the point that it is useless - because so many things have to be a certain way for you to even use it.
DSU's take all of these nuances out for the most part. I can just - redeem. Not with points, but I can actually use the dang thing - which is way more than what I can say for SPG and the SNA.
DSU's don't expire
SNA's expire all the time
The DSU's are so valuable, you yourself even question how to use your DSU. But us SPG members try and burn SNA's at every good opportunity we have - and I still have 9 out of 10 expiring this year.
And plus - Hyatt just offers diversification. Places like the Hyatt in Nice,FR make me appreciate the brand. I love Park Hyatt service. There is no hotel I would rather be at in Paris than the Park Hyatt Paris when an incident like the terrorists attacks were going on. And most importantly - there are going to be cities where Hyatt or Hilton or IHG is going to have the best located property. So I find myself really wanting to achieve top status at most brands.
Like I totally loved the Hotel Indigo location in Rome, no other chain hotel is going to be so centrally located. Plus the Intercontinental allows me to wake up and walk out to the Spanish Steps - can't do this at a Hyatt or a SPG hotel.
The award rooms available to SPG guests are pretty crappy at a lot of their best hotels. You really want those SNA's to work on those redemptions....
I have cleared all 10 of my SNA (admittedly, 6/10 on business trips when they would otherwise expire.)
As well, if I'm staying 1-4 nights, I would far rather book SPG as I feel I get better value, all things held constant, using the SNA than using a DSU and 'wasting' 3-6 nights of the DSU.
As well, if I'm staying 1-4 nights, I would far rather book SPG as I feel I get better value, all things held constant, using the SNA than using a DSU and 'wasting' 3-6 nights of the DSU.
Dec 16, 2015 | 7:57 am
#73
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Posts: 4,386
Dec 16, 2015 | 7:59 am
#74
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I meant it in the sense where, SPG members have their SNA's expire all the time. Hyatt diamond members are far more likely to have used their DSU'S. It implies you cannot reliably use SNA's, and you can more reliably use DSU's.
Dec 16, 2015 | 9:25 am
#75
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so the response to my question of how many Hyatt's you've stayed at since you received a D status match to Hyatt is ZERO, but yet from the very start of this thread you've continually bashed Hyatt/HGP (although you state here that you aren't - you've got to be joking!) while repeatedly praising your beloved SPG.
Of course, I'd already stayed at several Hyatts in 2015, and I immediately looked to re-book every already booked SPG stay for December 2015 and for the coming 2016 year with a Hyatt hotel. Unfortunately, that is what made me discover and be reminded of what I perceive as some weaknesses for Hyatt:
(1) There were no Hyatt properties at all available or located nearby in numerous places at which I'm already booked with SPG (or another brand)...including Hollywood, CA (Jan, W Hollywood), Chapel Hill, NC (Feb, Franklin Hotel, Hilton Curio), Coral Gables, FL (Feb, Westin Colonnade), Bogota, Colombia (Feb, W Bogota), New Haven, CT (Mar/Apr, Courtyard New Haven/Omni New Haven), West Philadelphia (Mar, Sheraton Univ City Philadelphia), Bora Bora (Apr, StR Bora Bora), Columbus, OH (Sept, Le Meridien Joseph Columbus), Venice, Italy (Oct, Gritti Palace Luxury Collection), etc.
(2) There were Hyatts available but were significantly more expensive but no better quality than the current SPG hotels or other brands at which I'm already booked...including Arlington, VA (Mar/April, Le Meridien Arlington vs Hyatt Arlington), Philadelphia, PA (Mar/April, Le Meridien Philadelphia/Sheraton Univ City Philadelphia vs Hyatt at the Bellevue), New York, NY (Four Points Chelsea/Midtown vs Hyatt Place Midtown South etc), Boston, MA (Mar/Apr, Le Meridien Cambridge/Sheraton Boston/W Boston vs Hyatt Regency Cambridge/Hyatt Regency Boston), Chicago, IL (May, The Gwen/W Chicago Lakeshore vs Park Hyatt Chicago), and Milan, Italy (Oct, Excelsior Gallia Milan vs Park Hyatt Milan).
(3) There were no Hyatts of comparable luxury for leisure stays for hotels already booked with SPG...including Los Angeles, CA (Dec 2015/Jan 2016, W Los Angeles/Hollywood & SLS Beverly Hills vs Andaz WeHo), San Francisco, CA (Dec 2015, StR San Francisco vs Grand Hyatt San Francisco), Boston, MA (May, The Liberty vs Hyatt Regency), etc.
(4) I also conceded that I had one booking that was ALREADY booked for the Andaz Maui (Nov 2016) in a suite BEFORE I was matched, FYI. I've since changed that booking to a regular garden room and applied 1 newly matched DSU to get a comparable suit, saving me about $1500 for the 6 nights.
(5) My first Hyatt stay now looks to be in Jan or Feb at the Andaz WeHo, the closest luxury property that I can remotely consider for a weekend in Los Angeles. I'd normally stay and am also booked at the W Los Angeles and W Hollywood and SLS Beverly Hills on other occasions in Jan, Feb, and April, as it were.
I have conceded there is value to Hyatt Diamond and the DSUs. I simply haven't found enough locations where this value works well for me for the destinations I travel for work and leisure for my already planned 2016 hotel stays. Since I know and plan my calendar far in advance, as evidenced by my current reservations extending through Nov 2016, I believe I am fully capable of commenting as I have here and with my original post.
That you and/or others disagree with my assessment or take offense because of some perceived slight is not something that bothers me at all--since I take no offense or perceive any slight because you or others disagree with me or mischaracterize what I am actually stating. I know that everyone has different expectations and preferences when traveling, and that mine are not necessarily the same as what others might prefer. But I am comfortable with my opinions based on my experience and future bookings based on my own preferences and expectations.
Last edited by bhrubin; Dec 16, 2015 at 9:36 am