Tag Archives: hyatt

Park Hyatt Sydney

Posted on March 17, 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: Enjoying the rooftop Pool & Spa at Park Hyatt Sydney (Jan 2013)
The 15h long layover between my Singapore Airlines First Class flight and my Air New Zealand Business Class flight to Auckland, allowed me to experience the amazing Park Hyatt Sydney.  Located at The Rocks, right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering stunning views on the Sydney Opera House, rooms don’t come cheap at Park Hyatt Sydney.  For my stay on Saturday Jan 12, the best available rate was AUD820 (€654, $853).  Luckily,  there was a cheaper alternative: Hyatt Stay Certificates.  Until a few weeks ago, it was possible to redeem Inspire certificates ($319) at Park Hyatt Sydney.  Unfortunately, Hyatt introduced new certificate levels in January and now an Ultimate certificate ($461) is required for night at the Park Hyatt Sydney.  It might still make sense to use Ultimate certificates at Park Hyatt Sydney, but redeeming 22K Hyatt Gold Passport points looks to be a better choice.  Using an Inspire certificate which was $319 + $25 shipping, I paid $344 (€272) instead of the best available rate of $853 (€654).
Pic: Breakfast with Opera House view at Park Hyatt Sydney (Jan 2013)
Upon arrival at Sydney airport, Aron, an Australian friend who I hadn’t seen since 2004, drove me to the Park Hyatt.  At check-in my room was upgrade from a City Harbour King to an Opera King.  Unfortunately I didn’t have time to make pictures of the room, as Aron and his friends insisted to show me Sydney nightlife until early in the morning. :)   From the numerous bars we visited, Palmer & Co was my favorite.  As I only returned to the Park Hyatt around 6am, I didn’t get to use my room much, except for a refreshing shower.  At least I got to enjoy the Australian sunrise from the Park Hyatt rooftop Spa & Pool with view on the Opera House, followed by a delicious complimentary breakfast as per Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond benefits.  Before heading to the airport for my 12pm flight to Auckland, Aron showed me some of the parks surrounding the Sydney harbour.  Thanks again for the great hospitality Aron & friends!  Hope to be back soon!Bart-Lapers-at-Sydney-Harbour-Bridge
Pic: Bart Lapers at Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge (Jan 2013)

Pic: View from my Opera King room 241 at Park Hyatt Sydney (Jan 2013)

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Loyalty Programs: Account Statuses (July 2012)

Posted on July 25, 2012 | 10 Comments

Back in May 2011, I published an insight in my loyalty program statuses including the number of points and miles earned.  More than a year has passed since then, so it’s time for an update:

HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAMS

1) PRIORITY CLUB

  • Membership Level: Platinum Royal Ambassador
  • Expiration date: Jan 2014 (Platinum) Feb 2013 (Royal Ambassador)
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 11
  • Number of points: 117,574
  • Points earned in 2012: 77,545

How did I earn these points?
Obviously by resting my head for 11 nights on qualifying rates at IHG properties in the first 6 months of 2012, but more importantly, by signing up for every possible Priority Club Promotion (check FrequentFlyerBonuses.com and FlyerTalk.com for more details)  I also made some changes to my London 2012 Olympic Games reservations.  I cancelled my 7 nights at Hotel Indigo London Paddington reimbursing me 175K points.  I retained my two night booking at Hotel Indigo London Tower Hill for the opening weekend and added one extra night at Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street using Club Carlson points.  This shortened my London 2012 Olympics trip to 3 nights instead of 9, but allowed me to use some of the points to book my upcoming French Polynesia trip.
Where did I spent points?
Past stays:
30K points for two nights at City Ocean View room at Holiday Inn Pattaya
25K points for one night at King Suite at Crowne Plaza Changi Singapore
5K points for one night at Crowne Plaza Venice East-Quarto d’Altino
Upcoming stays:
60K points for two nights at InterContintal Resort Tahiti
150K points for five nights at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
90K points for three nights at InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa
Video: Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

2) HYATT GOLD PASSPORT

  • Membership Level: Diamond
  • Expiration date: Feb 2013
  • Suite Upgrade Award vouchers left: 4
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 0
  • Number of points: 40,820
  • Points earned in 2012: 452

How did I earn these points?
I only stayed once at Hyatt this year and it was on points.  During award stays you only earn points on food & beverage charges, in my case 452 points.
Where did I spent points?
30K points for two nights at Club View King room at Grand Hyatt Seoul

3) HILTON HHONORS

  • Membership Level: Gold
  • Expiration date: Mar 2013
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 6
  • Number of points: 3,066
  • Points earned in 2012: 9,236

How did I earn these points?
Stays at Hilton Millennium Bangkok and Hilton London Tower Bridge.  Interesting detail:  I didn’t stay a single night at Hilton properties in 2011, still I managed to achieve Hilton HHonors Gold status for free.  I posted this opportunity several times on my twitter feed, make sure you don’t miss it next time, follow me on twitter! 
Where did I spent points?
170K points for four nights at Ocean View Pool Villa at Conrad Koh Samui
Note: 153,435K points were bought for this stay, read the blog post for all details.

4) STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST (SPG)

  • Membership Level: Preferred Guest
  • Expiration date: N/A
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 4
  • Number of points: 2,524
  • Points earned in 2012: 4,040

How did I earn these points?
Stays at Honeymoon Suite at Sheraton Seoul D Cube City and Caroline Astor Suite at St. Regis Bangkok
Where did I spent points?
3K points for one night at Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal

5) Club CArlson

  • Membership Level: Silver
  • Expiration date: Feb 2013
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 3
  • Number of points: 64,214*
  • Points earned in 2012: 108,722*

How did I earn these points?
Stays at Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit, Park Plaza Soi 18 Sukhumvit Bangkok and Park Inn Leuven.  Check my Club Carlson post for more details.
* Points from my Park Inn Leuven still need to post (including 44K bonus)
Where did I spent points?
50K points for one night at Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel (Opening weekend London 2012 Olympics)

6) LE CLUB ACCOR

  • Membership Level: Platinum
  • Expiration date: Oct 2012
  • Qualifying nights in 2012: 1
  • Number of points: 1,676
  • Points earned in 2012: 452

How did I earn these points?
One night stay at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Interesting detail:  I acquired free Le Club Accor Platinum status using a simple sign-up link.  I posted this opportunity several times on my twitter feed, make sure you don’t miss it next time, follow me on twitter! 
Where did I spent points?
No Le Club Accor points spent in 2012.  Le Club points have a very low value, you need a minimum of 4K points to convert them to 2000 airline miles or 2K points for a €40 discount voucher (which can only be used to lower roomrates, not on F&B)  In general, this loyalty program is really weak,  with platinum benefits rarely honored.  The only really positive experience I had as A Club Gold member was at Sofitel Paris La Defense back in 2010.

AIRLINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS

1) MILES AND MORE (LUfthansa)

  • Membership Level: Senator – Star Alliance Gold
  • Expiration date: 02/14
  • Number of Award miles: 346,564
  • Number of Status miles earned in 2012: 59,093
  • Number of eVouchers: 2

How did I earn these miles?
I earned more than 280,000 miles in the past year.
150K miles were ‘butt-in-seat’ miles (by taking flights)
32K bonus miles for business flight to Rio de Janeiro
75K miles were earned using the Brussels Airlines American Express cards.
23K miles were earned from various sources like hotel stays, shopping, etc…
On what did I spent miles?
70K miles to upgrade GIG-FRA from Business Class to new Lufthansa First Class

2) MILEAGEPLUS (UNITED)

  • Membership Level: MileagePlus member
  • Expiration date: N/A
  • Number of Award miles: 521
  • Number of Status miles earned in 2012: 0
  • Number of Award miles earned in 2012: 61,200

How did I earn these miles?
I bought 98,000 Wyndham Rewards points for $308 (€237,85) during the yearly U.S. Travel Association “Daily Getaways” campaign and converted them to 39,200 United Mileage Plus miles.  I also bought 20,000 Mileage Plus miles for $451 (€347,86) via a facebook 40% discount sale.
Finally, during an award reservation, I was 1479 miles short, so I had to buy a set of 2000 Mileage Plus miles for $70 (€58,47).
Conclusion, in total I bought 61,200 United Mileage Plus miles for €644,18
On what did I spent miles?
70K miles on an itinerary including Singapore Airlines First Class & Business Class + Air New Zealand Business and Economy Class.  More details to follow! :)

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Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Posted on September 1, 2011 | 2 Comments


Pic: Grand Suite Living Room at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (Aug 2011)
For my second weekend in Bangkok, I had booked two hotels: The Grand Hyatt Erawan and MGallery’s VIE hotel. (booking info)  The Grand Hyatt Bangkok is located opposite of InterContinental Bangkok.  The building is quite old and looks underwhelming when spotted from the Club lounge at IC Bangkok.  Yet first impressions can be deceiving.  As it turned out, the power of Grand Hyatt Bangkok is it’s staff.  They are all about service and making your stay enjoyable.

Pic: Grand Suite King Bedroom at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (Aug 2011)
Pic: Grand Suite King Bedroom at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (Aug 2011)
Pic: Grand Suite Bathroom at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (Aug 2011)
After check-in, I was escorted to my Grand Suite on the 21st floor (corner room 2122)  With it’s colonial interior and 80sqm not the most impressive Hyatt suite I’ve stayed at, but felt cozy.  The big comfy sofa in the living room was a plus. 

Pic: Breakfast at Grand Club Lounge – Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (iPhone)
As Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond member, I had access to the Grand Club lounge on the 17th floor.  Complimentary breakfast, high tea, evening Hors d’ouvres and cocktails.  Very attentive staff, great food selection.  Minor remark: only scrambled eggs for breakfast, why no poached or sunny side up eggs?Pic: i.sawan’s teak pool deck at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (iPhone)
Pic: Pool at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (iPhone)
Another highlight at Grand Hyatt Bangkok was the pool area.  A wonderful sanctuary in the middle of Bangkok by i.sawan Spa & Club.  Again, excellent service and fabulous food at The Breezeway (best Tuna Salad ever!)  Convince yourself with my iPhone 360 panaroma of the i.sawan teak pool deck.

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Hyatt Gold Passport: Diamond Status

Posted on July 26, 2011 | 3 Comments


Pic: Hyatt Gold Passport – Diamond Welcome Package (July 2011)

Pic: Hyatt Gold Passport – Diamond Welcome Kit (July 2011)
With my Hyatt Regency Cancun stay in June, I completed my status match challenge for the Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond level.  Today I received my new membership card via postal mail.  Until Feb 2013, I’ll enjoy the following benefits at Hyatt properties worldwide:

  • 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.
  • 4 guaranteed suite upgrades annually
  • Special welcome point bonus or food and beverage amenity during each stay.
  • Complimentary in-room Internet access.
  • Expedite check-in at dedicated area for elite members
  • Confirmed bed type at check-in
  • Always a room available (48-hour guarantee)
  • Reservations through exclusive Diamond line

If I want to extend my Diamond status after February 2013, I’ll need to stay 25 times or 50 nights at Hyatt properties in 2012.

With the 12 nights of this challenge, I collected 42844 points.  Almost enough (1156 points short) for two free nights at one of the Hyatt top category 6 hotels.  Have a look at Park Hyatt Maldives and start dreaming! :)

UPDATE 28/07/11: Hyatt announced the following Diamond enhancements:

  • Extend your stay until 4:00 p.m. with a late check out request
  • Receive a nightly room refresh
  • Experience a new welcome amenity Enjoy a USD$5 credit in the Guest Market at Hyatt Summerfield Suites or a complimentary beverage at Hyatt Place. Or, continue to choose 500 Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points for stays at either brand.

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Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun

Posted on June 5, 2011 | 3 Comments

Pic: View from my Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)Pic: Regency Suite Bedroom at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)
I’m currently enjoying a 10 9 night stay (arrived one day late thanks to Continental Airlines – United) at the Hyatt Regency Cancun.  The main reason for this trip is to secure my Gold Passport Diamond level for the next two years using the Gold Passport Status Match Challenge.  At arrival I was assigned a Regency Suite King with Ocean view (room 1115).  I used two Suite Upgrade Awards to exchange my King room for a Regency Suite at the time of booking.  Initially I was disappointed with the view.  The room was facing the ocean, but you couldn’t see the Cancun bay.  I went back to the front desk and requested a room facing the bay.  The front desk attendant told me no Regency Suites facing the bay were available, but I should come back the next day at 1pm to check if I could move to an other room.  I was fine with that, as I would stay 9 nights anyway.  Once back in my room, I got a call from John, the Chief Concierge at Hyatt Regency Cancun.  He wanted to check why I didn’t like the room and if he could offer a solution.  Ten minutes later I could pick-up new keys for a Regency Suite (room 1220) with view on the bay.  Now that’s customer service!

Pic: Arial Para Sailing view of Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Nighttime view from Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Lobby Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Lobby Area and O restaurant at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Main Pool Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool Area at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool Lounge Chairs at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Pool with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: The Beach House Spa Cabana at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Cabanas with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Cabana with beach view at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

Pic: Stunning beach at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)
Video: Regency Suite at Hyatt Regency Cancun (Jun 2011)

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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. ;)

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