In the wake of the news that Marriott is buying out Starwood, a lot of Starwood enthusiasts (myself included) are saying eulogies to the program we once loved so much. Because make no mistake, Marriott WILL destroy Starwood Preferred Guest, ย if the way it runs its own loyalty program is any indication.
I’ve mentioned in my analysisย that there’s no particular need to burn all your SPG points asap, because the big changes, when they do happen, will only happen in 2017. However, you’d be well advised to start planning your exit opportunity.
Hyatt has reacted to the news of the merger by offering status matches to Diamond status for members of competing hotel loyalty programs. Hyatt’s Diamond status comes with 4 suite night certificates which can be used to guarantee upgrades to suites for stays of maximum 7 nights each. That’s very generous and can give you great holidays in some of its top properties for less.
Status granted will be valid till Febย 2017
Other perks of Diamond status
- Achieve rewards even faster with a 30% point bonus when choosing points
- Enjoy the best room available upon arrival, excluding suites
- Receive exclusive access to the Regency Club or Grand Club lounge featuring complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors dโoeuvres. Enjoy daily complimentary full breakfast in hotels without a club lounge
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Treat yourself to a suite upgrade at the time of reservation four times annually on eligible paid nights
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Receive a special welcome point bonus or food and beverage amenity during each stay
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Receive a nightly room refresh
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Stay connected with complimentary premium Internet access where available
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Expedite check-in at a dedicated area for elite members
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Ensure a room is always available with our 48-hour guarantee
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Extend your stay until 4:00 p.m. with a late check out request
To ย take advantage of this, send a copy of your hotel status (card or account screenshot) and hotel stay history (you need at least 1 stay in the past 365 days with that chain- the idea is to weed out people who get elite hotel status via credit cards and never actually make a stay in the chain) toย goldpassport@hyatt.com
I’m not sure how long they’ll keep this open for because Boardingarea has picked up on it, so get this done sooner rather than later.
