Hyatt introduced a pretty revolutionary partnership with MGM 5 years ago with reciprocal points earning, redemption, and status matching. Hyatt didn’t have a significant presence in the Las Vegas market, while this became an opportunity for MGM to reach affluent customers whose choices in Vegas might otherwise be brand-independent.

This was a tighter relationship with more value than we had seen from other chains, something almost akin to the kind of codesharing airlines do with each other.

Since then the status match has been made less generous for Hyatt members, but there’s still valuable recognition. And the Hyatt-MGM M life deal isn’t ‘either-or’ you receive MGM recongition while still earning Hyatt points also.

Through the end of the year there’s a promotion to earn double Hyatt points (an extra 5 points per dollar) at MGM properties in Las Vegas. Registration required.

Bellagio		The Signature at MGM Grand		Park MGM Las Vegas, formerly Monte Carlo
ARIA		Mandalay Bay		New York-New York
Vdara		Delano Las Vegas		Luxor
MGM Grand		The Mirage		Excalibur

Earlier this year Hyatt offered a 20% bonus — 1 extra point per dollar — on Las Vegas stays though that offer included Hyatt’s own Hyatt Place there and not just MGM properties. This time the offer is 5 times as generous.

MGM M life stays in Las Vegas earn elite qualifying credit with Hyatt, not just points, and they have some inexpensive properties on weekdays especially. Earning falls proportionately, but this is still just in time for any end of year mattress runs for status.