Hyatt’s Offering A Discount On Award Redemptions!
- Hyatt members who hold the Hyatt credit card will receive a 10% rebate on any points redemptions for free nights, suite upgrades, points & cash reservations as well as spa and dining redemptions at all Hyatt hotels worldwide.
- Hyatt is offering the discount/rebate for stays through October 31, 2016
- Members will need to register by August 31, 2016 to participate in the promotion
- Members will have bonus points deposited into their account 6-8 weeks after they complete their stay
- Existing bookings count as long as you register for the promotion. No need to cancel and rebook!
You do need to register, but that’s easy to do right here.
While it may seem like a simple thing, I like that Hyatt is saying we don’t have to cancel and rebook existing award reservations. That’s what defines this as an extra benefit to customers for me, and not just a marketing effort to drive more business.
I can remember a conversation I had with Jeff Zidell, who runs Hyatt Gold Passport, a number of years ago. It was not long after the rollout of their co-branded credit card with Chase. He was asked what other ways Hyatt Gold Passport was going to leverage their loyalty program to generate revenue.
His answer was that they view Gold Passport as a loyalty program, and they think about each decision/initiative as a way to build loyalty. Can you imagine that? A loyalty program that’s actually building loyalty.
It still remains one of the most honest, unvarnished answers I’ve heard in a while, mostly because they’ve stuck to this philosophy.
I see this promo as a great way for Hyatt to reinforce the benefits of carrying their credit card. I already carry their card, though I don’t use it for much spending outside of Hyatt hotel stays because I manage to amass a great deal of Gold Passport points through my travels. But, along with promos like this, the Hyatt Credit Card offers a compelling proposition:
- 2 free nights at any Hyatt worldwide when you sign up (huge potential, think Park Hyatt Paris)
- A free night at any Category 4 or lower property each year at renewal. This benefit pays my $75 annual fee every year.
- 3 points per dollar spent at Hyatt hotels
- 2 points per dollar at restaurants, on airline tickets and car rentals
Note: I have no referral links nor do I earn a dime if you sign up for the Hyatt credit card. I just think it’s a great card to have in your wallet.
But, promotions like this are a great way for Hyatt to thank members for their loyalty, and in turn to help members get extra value out of the Gold Passport program.
By offering a promotion this broad, it only misses those folks who don’t hold the Hyatt credit card and/or won’t have a reason to spend any Gold Passport points over the next 3+ months.
This comes on the heels of a pretty painless award chart adjustment last week. Overall, positive news from Hyatt over the last few weeks with this, the new award chart and an improved website with new tools.
We’ve already covered the reasons why you should carry the Hyatt Credit Card (no referral credit or upside for me if you sign up, I just carry the card in my wallet).
I don’t think I need to cover the reasons to use your points for a cool stay. But, just in case, a few reviews of places we’ve really enjoyed using our Hyatt points:
how did you confirm existing reservations will work? Terms on the offer states:
Only points redeemed between 7/11/2016 and 10/31/2016 will be eligible for this promotion.
I assume unless you booked today, historical bookings dont count. I have 7 nights booked at andaz maui and I’m wondering if I have to call in and rebook.
Can you expand on how you know you dont have to rebook existing reservations?
David, I confirmed this with Hyatt before I wrote the blog post.
how did you confirm? I would like to get an email on record as it is against their on T&C.
Also, I used CC free nights for 2 of the 7 nights. Wonder if I can call in and change it to points instead. Netting me another 5K totaling 17.5K
David, a representative of Hyatt confirmed this to me in writing. I think the key point here is they are probably defining the act of redeeming as occurring at the time of your actual stay.
They confirmed no need to cancel and rebook
Rebooking several stays, which were cash+points. This promo makes is more lucrative to be points only. I loved last year because I was able to take advantage of already existing reservations.
HJ, didn’t think about the fact that this does change the economics of points v points & cash. Good point. Thanks for sharing your strategy!
I must be dim. I don’t see a link for the registration page.
Glenn, that’s because I was too stupid to include it in the first draft. It’s in there now, and I included it here. http://hyatthotels.hyatt.com/content/partnerlandingpage/en/chase-redemption-2016.html
FYI, called in, manager said this DOES NOT APPLY to Guest of Honor reservations.
Oh well.
Vicente, didn’t think about that. Unfortunate, but not something I use often.