Unlike most large hotel chains, all of the properties owned by Hyatt have their name included in their brand. These brands include the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and others. Nevertheless, they boast over 450 properties in 44 different countries around the world. Hyatt offers its Gold Passport program to frequent guests as well as holders of its affiliated reward credit cards.
Using Gold Passport Points For Hotel Stays
Members can redeem their points for stays in most Hyatt properties. There are six different categories of hotels, which require between 5,000 and 27,000 points per night. Although there are no blackout dates, awards are subject to capacity controls which can have a similar effect. Members can redeem points for more expensive rooms such as suites and residential style vacation club properties. Upgrade awards are available for 3,000 – 6,000 points for up to four nights. This would seem to be a good value, but the terms of this offer require the purchase of the prevailing deluxe rack rate, far higher than most discounted rooms. Points can also be redeemed for Escape awards which include free nights as well as breakfast and dinner. These awards generally require about 35,000 points more for a three night stay, so their value would appear to be greater at higher end properties featuring more expensive dining options.
Using Gold Passport Points For Non-Hotel Awards
There are many uses for Hyatt points beyond free night awards. Customers can convert points to miles in most airline programs at a rate of 2.5 points per mile. Even with a 5,000 mile bonus for converting 50,000 points, this is less than half the rate that Starwood Preferred Guest points are worth. Car rental awards are available for 6,000 points a day, although travelers will be unable to utilize their credit card’s rental insurance since they are not paying for the rental with their card.
Conclusions
Hyatt offers many different award options, but on a dollars per point basis, few are as valuable as simply receiving free nights. When members are able to reserve award nights at premium hotels, they can receive in excess of one cent per point. This represents an acceptable, but not especially impressive use of points earned from spending with Hyatt branded credit cards. The hotel industry is highly competitive, and loyalty programs like Hyatt’s are an important factor when travelers chose to devote their business to one brand. By focusing on free night awards, members can receive the most value from their Gold Passport points.
