Hotels

Category Archives for Hotels.

Double Hyatt Points at MGM Las Vegas Properties Through December 29

by Gary Leff on October 1, 2018

Oct 01 2018

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…

Hilton Enlists “Up in the Air” Star and Makes Big Improvement to Best Rate Guarantee

by Gary Leff on September 30, 2018

Sep 30 2018

George Clooney was loyal to Hilton in Up in the Air and really underscored the benefits of the Honors program.

Hilton has now enlisted Clooney’s co-star Anna Kendrick to do the convincing going forward. Will she convince you to book direct?

Hyatt Takes a Stand Against Free Speech, Will Ban Disfavored Groups From Holding Events

by Gary Leff on September 28, 2018

Sep 28 2018

According to Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian, “If a group is primarily focused on disparaging a group by virtue of their identity…that’s really where we need to draw the line. We’re going to apply our values to making these decisions along the way.”

Upcoming 3 Week Period Where Marriott Luxury Redemptions are Cheap and Hotels Can’t Play Games With Inventory

by Gary Leff on September 24, 2018

Sep 24 2018

There have been issues with inventory with certain hotels not bookable on points, others withholding most of their inventory from award redemption. Some General Managers at legacy Starwood properties have been upset by Marriott’s award availability policies and pricing — and have pushed back.

However the ability for hotels to play games with inventory is on the way out. And there will be at least a 3 week period before award prices go up next year when availability should be at its best.

Even As It Becomes Tougher to Earn a Marriott Ambassador, Ambassadors May Be Spread Too Thin

by Gary Leff on September 23, 2018

Sep 23 2018

I stayed 100 nights with Starwood in 2016 and was assigned an Ambassador for 2017. My Ambassador was excellent.

However members certainly have had varied experiences. Different Ambassadors provide different levels of service. Each person has different skills. The program itself provides guidelines but some go above and beyond. And workload matters. Now that the program is scaling to support top elites at Marriott too, Marriott’s metrics are being put into place.

Not Everyone is Welcome to Participate in Marriott Promotions

by Gary Leff on September 20, 2018

Sep 20 2018

Last week Marriott launched its first big promotion since launching their new program on August 18.

Nowhere does this offer say that it is targeted. In order to be eligible you just have to be a loyalty program member. Except not all members are allowed to register.

Instant Hyatt Explorist Status and Fast Track to Globalist For Employees of Various Companies

by Gary Leff on September 18, 2018

Sep 18 2018

Hyatt used to be super generous with elite status matches. If you had a pulse they’d give you 90 days of Diamond status including confirmed suite upgrades, and an expedited path to keep that status.

No doubt they brought over a lot of great members with the offer, but they also picked up plenty of people who just wanted to have that one special trip (honeymoon, anniversary) but transferring in Chase points, booking a cash and points redemption, and applying a suite upgrade to it. Probably at the Andaz Maui or Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris.

Hyatt’s Suite Upgrade Benefit Is Much Better Than Some Hotels Think

by Gary Leff on September 17, 2018

Sep 17 2018

Airlines have an easier time delivering consistent benefits than hotel chains do. Occasionally gate agents do not do their jobs correctly but for the most part airlines are able to follow their own rules for delivering elite benefits.

Hotel chains rarely own the hotels themselves any longer. And in some cases they do not even manage the hotels.

Housekeeping Protesting Guests Who ‘Make a Green Choice’ With Marriott

by Gary Leff on September 16, 2018

Sep 16 2018

Hotels want you to re-use towels, not have your sheets changed, and even decline housekeeping entirely. They tell you it’s for the environment, but their primary interest is saving costs.

Housekeeping staff complain about the programs. More guests opting out means fewer rooms to clean and less work. But they have to do more cleaning after a guest has gone without for several days. And they say work scheduling becomes more erratic.

Why I Don’t Think Hyatt Will Devalue Points Any Time Soon

by Gary Leff on September 14, 2018

Sep 14 2018

When I wrote that Hyatt points have remained a remarkably steady source of value for the last 5 years since they devalued their points, that even when they announced those changes in late 2013 they weren’t that bad, and since then even the modest shifts in award categories we’ve seen for hotels have been balanced my point was to re-assure about Hyatt points not to cause consternation.

However I received several comments along the lines of why are you pointing out to them it’s time to devalue? Hyatt is already aware of the economics of their program and when they last made changes.