Hyatt Hotel redemptions saved me $6000 across 11 nights so far in 2022

Hyatt had reduced their status requirements in 2021 and I needed 30 qualifying nights to achieve Globalist Status – which would be valid through Feb 2023. I did this through a combination of signing up for the World of Hyatt Credit card which gave me 5QNs and 2QN for every $5K I spent on the card as well as by staying at various properties throughout 2021.

Benefits of Globalist status include perks like free parking on award stays (booked with points or certificates), free breakfast, club lounge access, 30% bonus on points earned during stays, complimentary upgrade to standard suite (if not higher) subject to availability.

I have found great value in each of these benefits as I will cover in detail below.

Hyatt Regency Austin ($1411 value)

Earlier in January 2022, I had planned a two night weekend getaway using two Category 1-4 free night certificates – one which I received by keeping the Hyatt Credit card open for a year and the second by earning 30 qualifying nights with Hyatt (earned by staying at various Hyatt properties in 2021 and spending on the card).

Mind you the $1247 doesn’t even cover breakfast or parking. I used the certificates to book a standard king room and was upgraded to the River View Suite. In addition, I received free breakfast for two, free valet parking which would totaled an additional ($32×2 + $50×2 = $164 + taxes). They also provided us with complimentary drink vouchers to the bar (~$30 value) .I did have to pay an $85 pet fee for my dog but I earned 9x points on that (4X for having the Hyatt card + 5X for being a globalist)

All in it, was an amazing stay with beautiful views and practically free all the way through.

Hyatt Place Colorado Springs/Downtown ($490 value)

I booked this in late April for 8K points as this was a Category 2 Hyatt Place. Free breakfast comes included regardless of status but valet parking ($50) was covered as it was a reward stay. I loved the location as there were plenty of spots within walking distance but the hotel itself wasn’t very fancy. Considering all hotels in the vicinity costed a minimum of $150 and up + parking/taxes, it made the most sense.

Since the property does not have suites, no room upgrades were given but they did move me to a high floor which had much better (and unobstructed) views of the area.

All in it, was an decent stay with good views and 100% free out of pocket.

Grand Hyatt Denver ($965 value)

Originally, I booked this stay only for 1 night for 12K points for a standard King bed but again due to Globalist status was upgraded to the Executive Suite facing the city/mountains in the backdrop. Loved the location and property so much that I extended the stay for another day for another 12K points. In total, 24K points for two nights + the usual free valet parking ($50/night) and breakfast ($24/person/day).

The location is genuinely perfect considering this is a Category 4 property and goes for 12k points/night. The room did seem dated and while it wasn’t a home run, the space and views were really mind blowing considering it costed me no $s.

I really loved this property despite the slightly aged room. It was walking distance to all the local shops/restaurants and very conveniently located with really good views.

Hyatt House Pittsburg/Bloomfield ($915 value)

I booked this stay in May when my friends were graduating from CMU and all hotels were insanely priced that weekend.

I luckily snagged a standard queen with sofa for 16K points for two nights and was upgraded to a suite thanks to my globalist status. Parking and breakfast was free for all four of us (but the breakfast was really bad – like one you’d find in a small inn).

Considering the timing, it was a great deal.

Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown ($412 value)

I booked a 1 night stay for 12K points as this was a category 3 property. Was upgraded to their suite which really blew me away as it was completely unexpected.

When I walked into the room, I was really blown away as I did not expect this from a Hyatt Place – making this an instant recommendation if you’re a globalist traveling to Boise.

I would also note, my guests and I got free breakfast (standard at Hyatt Place) and free parking ($50/night as it is located in downtown) as it was a points booking.

Thompson Austin ($1400 value)

Full disclosure, this stay was actually booked using my American Express Platinum card’s $200 FHR credit that I get every calendar year which includes multiple benefits like:

• Daily breakfast for two
• Experience Credit: US$ 100 Property credit
• 4pm check-out guaranteed
• 12pm check-in, when available
• Room upgrade at check-in, when available

Ideally, the room upgrade is one level up and I had booked a standard King through the AMEX travel portal splitting 15,000 MR points and $202 which effectively made it a $2 stay (thanks to the $200 credit).

However, thanks to my Globalist status, I was upgraded to the San Jacinto Suite (standard suite) which costs a whopping $1234 not including parking and breakfast.

I ended up using the $100 property credit for valet parking + few drinks at the bar. The room was almost brand new as the hotel had just recently opened and we were pretty high to get good views of Austin’s 6th street without the noise.

I especially liked the two well separated rain shower heads as well as the complimentary wine and champagne the staff sent to our room.

Overall, I’d recommend the hotel but I would personally not go out of my way to book it as it does not seem “good value” to me – but the experience was really good for the 1 night we stayed there.

Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor ($400 Value)

I booked this stay using two Cat 1-4 Free Night Certificates (near expiration) that I collected by hitting 30 qualifying nights and spending $15K on my Hyatt card. In my honest opinion, this stay is NOT worth the full cash value price tag. While city views at night from the Harbor side are great, the overall experience I had at this property was abysmal and not ideal.

The one thing I would highlight is that my room was ready at 8am for check in – which meant a lot to me after a red eye flight and I received a 4pm late check out. This definitely lends to my Globalist status in addition to the breakfast ($27/person value) which was of very low quality.

In conclusion, I’d avoid this if you want to explore Boston but since I had a rental car, it did not bother me as much, but something to keep in mind. I’d honestly tag this as a $400 value for two nights IMO.

Conclusion

While I still have more upcoming stays in Hawaii and Maldives that are amazing redemptions, I’d say, my experience so far has definitely been really good. My favorite stay was in Denver given the location, room, food and staff. My least favorite stay has to be in Boston with the inconvenient location and poor food.

If you’re interested in similar experiences or having a fast track to earn status, consider checking out the World of Hyatt credit cards as do offer great value.

Having Globalist status really does pay off and I have also made Guest of Honor bookings which I have not included in this article but were great stays for close family and friends.