Tag Archives: grand hyatt

Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Posted on February 25, 2013 | 9 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380

Pic: Bedroom Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Ever since my expat assignment in Kuala Lumpur (’07-’08) I’ve visited the capital of Malaysia on regular basis.  Back in May 2010, I spotted the construction site of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and promised myself to stay at the property as soon as it opened.  Located adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the Grand Hyatt offers amazing views on the Petronas Twin Towers…at least if your room faces the KLCC park.  The rate for my one night stay was quite steep at MYR678 (€171) compared to other KL Hotels, but as Gold Passport Diamond member I could use one of my Suite Upgrade Certificates to exchange a Grand King room (47-sqm) for a massive Grand Corner Suite (105-sqm).

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
At check-in around noon, I was originally assigned Grand Suite 3321 which was not facing the Petronas Twin Towers.  After contacting the font desk, I was able to move to Grand Suite 3109 facing the towers.

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Bathroom Amenities June Jacobs Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Grand Suite King Bed at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Living Room Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Diamond Welcome Amenity Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
One of the highlights of my short stay was lunch at Grand Hyatt’s signature restaurant THIRTY8 located on the, you guessed it right, 38th floor.  The service, the food and the view… just amazing!  Similar experience at breakfast at the Grand Club on the 37th floor and again what a view! 

Pic: Giant Prawns at Thirty8 Resto Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Straight from the Oven Chocolate Cake at Thirty8 restaurant (Jan 2013)

Pic: View from Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Video: Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Jan 2013)

→ 9 Comments

Posted in Hotels, trip reports

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Club View King room at Grand Hyatt Seoul

Posted on March 13, 2012 | 4 Comments


Pic: River view from “Club View King” room at Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)

Pic: King Bed Club room at Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)

Pic: Seating area and work desk Club room Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)
After my excellent stay at Park Hyatt Seoul last year, I had to try Grand Hyatt Seoul this time.  The night before my stay I was resting my head at IP Boutique Hotel (Itaewon).  Google maps indicated a 400 meter distance between IP Boutique and Grand Hyatt, so I decided to walk.  Turned out to be a bad idea.  GH Seoul is located on Namsan (lit. “South Mountain”) which means it’s  a 400m steep uphill walk.  To make things worse, the hotel’s entrance faces uphill, so you encounter the back of the hotel first.  What an embarrassing hotel arrival, carrying my suitcase through the garden looking for an entrance.  I finally managed to get in via the Spa/Gym floor garden entrance.  Arriving from the opposite direction at the front desk, staff were surprised I wanted to check-in, not check-out.  After showing my Gold Passport Diamond card, I was guided to the Club floor for check-in formalities.  My standard room (booked using Gold Passport points: category 4 hotel,  30K points for 2 nights) was upgraded to a Club View King room (1558,  28-sq. m) offering panoramic views of the city and Han River.  I was also informed about the free shuttle service which runs daily from 10am until 9pm as follows: Hyatt :00 -> Itaewon :05 (In front of KFC) -> Hyatt :10 -> Myeondong Subway Station Exit4 :20 -> Hyatt :35

Pic: Gold Passport Diamond Welcome Amenity Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)

Pic: Bathroom Club room Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)

Pic: Nighttime view Club View King room Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)
During the winter months, the outdoor pool is converted to an ice skating rink.

Pic: In room breakfast service at Grand Hyatt Seoul (Mar 2012)
Complimentary continental breakfast, evening drinks & Hors-d’oeuvre were served in style at the Grand Club on the 15th and 17th floor.  On the morning of my arrival, I had late in room breakfast charged at KRW35000 (€24).

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Hotels

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Club King room at Grand Hyatt Mumbai

Posted on October 19, 2011 | 2 Comments


Pic: Grand Hyatt Mumbai Lobby (Oct 2011)
Pic: Grand Hyatt Mumbai Lobby (Oct 2011)
Last weekend, I visited India for the first time.  A very brief visit, 26 hours to be exact.  Why such a short trip?  Lack of unplanned vacation days and an error fare which I couldn’t refuse (221€ round trip BRU-BOM on JetAirways, more on that later)  Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency or InterContinental Marine Drive, which hotel should I book?  Both Hyatt hotels are close to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.  All three of them had similar room rates.  My local contacts suggested to go for the Grand Hyatt, so that’s what I booked.  Not cheap at 9706INR (150€ incl tax) for one night at a Grand King room.  When I checked the rate again two weeks before my stay, I noticed I had booked too early (3 weeks in advance).  The rate had dropped to 7000INR (30€ less).  Lesson learned: don’t book non-refundable rates more than 15 days in advance, except when special events takes place.  I learned from reading Grand Hyatt Mumbai reviews, airport transportation was complimentary for Gold Passport Diamond members.  Apparently the reservations department at GH Mumbai was not aware of this, as they offered me a 2100INR (30€) rate for one way C.S.I. transportation.  I accepted the offer as my flight was arriving late on Saturday night and didn’t want to bother with the local cab drivers.  After clearing immigrations and customs, I made my way through the crowds and found several Hyatt representatives present at the arrivals exit.  I was introduced to my driver who escorted me to the hotel car.  On the way to the hotel, the driver gave me a briefing on India’s history.  Several guests were checking in when I arrived at 11.30pm on Saturday night.  As soon as one of the front desk staff spotted my Diamond membership card, I was directed to the Club floor for check-in.  When I brought up the question about complimentary airport transportation, I was immediately assured I would not be charged and they confirmed transportation to and from the airport is free for Diamond members.  My Grand King room reservation was upgraded to a Club King room (2181).

Pic: Club King room at Grand Hyatt Mumbai (Oct 2011)
Pic: Club King room at Grand Hyatt Mumbai (Oct 2011)
Pic: King bed at Club room – Grand Hyatt Mumbai (Oct 2011)
After taking some pictures of my room, I took one of the best showers in months and went straight to bed.  Too exhausted after the 9h flight to check-out the party at the hyped China House Lounge  (check Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s facebook page for agenda)  Breakfast at the Club lounge was a bit disappointing, limited selection and no hot dishes.  When I wanted to order two sunny side up eggs, I was informed hot options were only offered at the buffet breakfast of Fifty Five East.  After breakfast I headed to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Linking Road, Bandra West to meet-up with Ajay from Live From A Lounge.  As a Mumbai local, he showed me the highlights of this massive city (population 20.5 million!)
As I had checked out in the morning, I was offered access to the Oasis Fitness Centre and Spa on Sunday night to refresh before my flight on Monday morning 2am back to Brussels.  Lovely spacious Spa with Indoor Whirlpool, Finnish Sauna and Steam Room.

Pic: Hot tub at Oasis Fitness Centre and Spa – Grand Hyatt Mumbai (Oct 2011)
Conclusion:  Great hotel if you want to stay near the Mumbai airport.  High quality infrastructure and excellent service.  Thumbs Up for the extremely service minded staff!

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Hotels

Tagged , , , ,

Hyatt Gold Passport: Status Match Challenge

Posted on April 12, 2011 | 12 Comments

Hyatt Gold Passport currently offers trial Diamond membership for top tiers of competitor loyalty programs.  Listed elite levels can request Hyatt Gold Passport Customer Service to participate in the Status Match Challenge.
Competitors Hyatt Gold Passport will match:

  • Hilton Gold VIP or Hilton Diamond VIP
  • Marriott Gold or Marriott Platinum
  • Starwood Platinum Preferred Guest
  • Priority Club Platinum

You will receive trial Diamond membership for 60 days. However, you must complete 12 nights in 60 days to maintain Diamond tier through February of 2013. Diamond level normally requires you to stay 25 times or spend 50 nights at Hyatt hotels in one calendar year.  Note: this is a one in a lifetime offer, you can only status match once.  Diamond membership provides you some valuable benefits:

  • 30% point bonus
  • Best room available including Regency Club or Grand Club rooms
  • Access to the Regency Club or Grand Club lounge featuring complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres.
  • Four guaranteed suite upgrades annually
  • Special welcome point bonus or food and beverage amenity during each stay.
  • Complimentary in-room Internet access.

When you enroll for trial Diamond membership you’ll receive all of the above benefits during your challenge period.  As the Hyatt Hotels Corporation has some incredible luxury properties in it’s portfolio, this offers some great opportunities.  Have a look at the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Andaz hotels worldwide.

My Strategy

At the beginning of 2011, I set myself the goal of achieving Platinum level at PriorityClub, the highest (free) elite level at the InterContinental Hotels Group.  As 60K points were easily earned (signing up for all bonus points offers helps!), it took me less than three months to achieve this goal.

Today, the Hyatt Gold Passport Status Match Challenge offers me the opportunity to not only enjoy the benefits of my Platinum level at InterContinental brands (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, …)  but also have the perks of a Diamond at the Hyatt brands.

As I’ll be staying in Seoul next week, I have my first opportunity to collect eligible nights for the Status Match Challenge.  Generally Hyatt hotels aren’t cheap, in fact Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt hotels can be very expensive.  My two night stay at Park Hyatt Seoul will set me back 500 euro.  That’s a lot of money for two nights luxury.  In exchange I’ll get a Park Suite King and all the Diamond benefits. Note: I upgraded my Park DLX King booking using a ‘Suite Upgrade Award certificate’.  As a Diamond you receive 4 of those certificates each year.  You can use them to upgrade a stay of up to 7 nights to a guaranteed Suite.

For the remaining ten nights of my challenge I did some research for Hyatt properties with low room rates but at nice locations.  I decided to go for the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Cancun with a room rate of 80EUR/day (10 night stay, 1168USD)  Using two Suite Upgrade Award certificates, I exchanged my standard King Room for a Regency Suite (Value 10 night stay, 2878USD)

Conclusion

After my 12 night challenge, I’ll have spend 1300 euro at Hyatt properties and used 3 out of 4 Suite Upgrade certificates for 2011.  This will provide me with Diamond status until Feb 2013 (best rooms, free internet, club access, free food & drinks, etc.. on future stays) and 4 new Suite Upgrade certificates in Feb 2012.  Is it worth it?  Well, I didn’t cover the loyalty points yet.  I’ll earn quite some points during those 12 nights.  Hyatt currently has the ‘Possibilities‘ promotion until end of June 2011:  10,000 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points after you stay five nights and 5,000 bonus points for every two nights after that.  Additionally, the Status Match Challenge will provide me with 1000 bonus points per night for the first 6 nights.  Diamond status also includes 30% bonus on my base points.  You see where I’m going with this?  At the end of the 12 nights challenge, I’ll have enough points for at least two nights at the most luxurious hotels of the Hyatt portfolio! (Value: easily +1000EUR)

Expect detailed reports and pictures of my upcoming Hyatt stays. ;)

→ 12 Comments

Posted in Hotels

Tagged , , , , , ,