Dropping To Hyatt Explorist Level

This morning I woke up to a change in my Hyatt status that I wasn’t looking forward to; I downgraded to Explorists from Globalist. Globalist is the highest published elite level with Hyatt, were as Explorist is the second highest. The change came as no surprise, as Hyatt had made program changes over a year ago that increased the number of nights required to achieve their highest level. Before last year’s changes Hyatt required 25 stays to achieve the highest elite level (then called Diamond). Now 60 nights are required for Hyatt Globalist (the new name), which is much more difficult to accrue.

Hyatt has been criticized for the way they have been handling these changes, and with good reason. Last year I ended up with 47 nights. It was a higher number than I expected, and this was because Hyatt made a last-minute change to their program that started counting award nights towards status. Several of Hyatt’s competitors already do this (Starwood, Marriot and Hilton included) and Hyatt copied their method. Had Hyatt announced this change at the beginning of the year I might have (as well as many others) tried to close the gap with additional nights. Instead Hyatt made the change late in the year, after I had already changed my loyalty strategy.

It has been enjoyable to try out other hotel brands. One group I normally wouldn’t have considered is Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, not because of Fairmont per se, but because of the small footprint of the chain. Last year Fairmont discontinued their Chase Fairmont Visa Signature credit card, and I was able to sign both Susan and myself before they stopped accepting applications. Those two cards ended up being very lucrative, which I’ll update in another post. Fairmont’s President Club is now in process of changing to Le Club Accor Hotels loyalty program.

I also was able to pick up stays at both Marriot and Starwood properties. The Platinum Card from American Express gives you gold status with Starwood as a benefit. Marriot will then match your Starwood Gold status to Marriot Gold. We have really enjoyed the Starwood and Marriot mid-level status perks. Starwood is very generous with these mid-tier benefits which include an upgraded room at check-in, 4pm check out, and a bonus of Starpoints. Marriot also includes upgraded room at check-in, 4pm check out, and lounge access / breakfast for their gold members.

Vienna Park Hyatt

While it has been fun to experience the other hotel loyalty programs, I will admit the Hyatt highest elite level included 4 yearly upgrade certificates and breakfast for 2 at all the Hyatt properties. Those perks will be very missed, especially at properties like the Park Hyatt in Vienna. I should also note the Hyatt Explorist includes a few nice perks including 2pm late check out, upgraded room (not including suites) and 4 Club Access Awards. Hyatt’s Explorist Level isn’t a total loss, and has some nice dividends. When you add in the benefits of belonging to and using other hotel programs, we will be enjoying another year of nice hotel stays. We just won’t be doing it as Hyatt loyalists.