There are some policies, whether for hotels or airlines, that we might not agree with. Then there are some that seem downright ridiculously stupid. Unfortunately, recently I came across one of those ridiculous ones. This Hyatt hotel policy is ridiculous. Hear me out, and then correct me if I’m wrong!
It’s no secret I’m a Hyatt fan girl. Maybe that’s why what I’ve noticed when booking hotel nights has my knickers in a twist.
Seems to me our Hyatt loyalty is being penalized rather than rewarded.
Maybe this has been Hyatt’s way of doing things for a long while now. Maybe I’m just realizing it. If I’m late to the party, so be it. Just don’t want you to PAY for not being at the party at all!
Here comes the disappointing way Hyatt is charging for hotel nights at some (and I say too many) hotels.
Here are a few examples of what I’m referring to!
This one shows a non-member standard rate with 24 hour policy and only a credit card to guarantee the reservation.
Here’s an example of a more restrictive cancellation time for MEMBERS and a deposit being charged at time of booking.
Another example of a more restrictive cancellation time frame for members. Surely, the preparation of that breakfast can’t take an extra 24 hours 🙂
The worst offender! Both the 72 hour cancellation time and a deposit when booking.
There are discrepancies in rates as to whether or not they put a charge on cards ahead of time or only hold the card. This irks me because it’s not standard even at the same properties.
But what irks me even more is what seems like a money grab from their Hyatt members.
Naturally, I reached out to Hyatt to see if they could explain why these cancellation policy discrepancies were necessary.
They told me there are a couple of factors.
The cancellation policy can depend on the type of rate that is booked. The cancellation policy can also depend on if there are any events at the hotel or city wide events at the hotel taking place.
Is it possible that all the hotels I’m checking have in-house events and city-wide events that require charging Hyatt members if they cancel within 72 hours rather than 24 hours?
I was also told by Hyatt that cancellation policies are set by the individual hotels. Each rate plan can be subject to a different cancellation policy depending on what the hotel sets for that specific rate plan.
I appreciate Hyatt telling me all this. Doesn’t make me hopeful though that hotels will see the error of their ways.
Feels more like monkey see, monkey do, given all the Hyatt hotel policies that have 72 hour cancellations in place for members.
As I already mentioned, it seems like a money grab from their loyal Hyatt customers. I’m not pretending to be an expert in hotel revenue management. I’m just presenting what I think is a backwards way of treating members.
Shouldn’t members be rewarded with more generous cancellation time frames than non-members?
At the very least, how about the same cancellation time frames as non-members?
Sure, it can be nice to save a few bucks now and again. No doubt about that. But why the more restrictive cancellation policy that sours the good deal?
The devil is in the details when it comes to booking Hyatt stays. Make sure you don’t get caught with your wallet open when you book nights!
Come on Hyatt, you can do better!!
Have you come across Hyatt hotel policies you think need fixing? Or any hotel chain policies that need fixing. Let us know!
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5 comments
Sorry I don’t understand this post and your indignation. There are often discrepancies in every chain’s pricing based on the dozens or hundreds of different rates and terms they post at any given time. You compare what you see and choose the best one for you. It can be confusing but it is all spelled out.
I understand your point, Larry. My point is that members are being given rates with more restrictive cancellation policies than non-members. I don’t think that’s necessary. Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
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No matter your status or being member vs non member its only fair that a given rate which is lower than what a non member pays comes with more restrictive policies, ie, cancellation and deposit.
I guess we’ll agree to disagree, 747. Thanks for reading and sharing your take on the policies.