Elite Status Sweet Spots
One of my favorite conversations is sweet spots in loyalty programs. Be it casino, hotel or airline programs it is always fun to imagine how one can reach top tier elite status with the least amount of spend. I was actually discussing CHEAP Hyatt Elite Status with my buddy John the other day, as it references to Hyatt Globalist status. Globalist (formerly Hyatt Diamond) is now the top published tier for Hyatt loyalty. This conversation is less about Hyatt, and the merits of the program and more about the concept of achieving elite status with minimal effort and spend. This is a bit of a parallel conversation to the CoachKitty article on achieving Total Rewards Seven Star Status with the least amount of video poker play.
The valuation of elite status is subject to interpretation. Some, like The Points Guy will claim that the value of Hyatt Globalist (Top Tier in the World of Hyatt Program) is just shy of USD $4,000. I am not sure I necessarily agree with this assessment. One thing I am pretty vocal about is that seldom does any status level EXCEPT top tier really reap benefits worth the effort. This includes casino loyalty, hotel loyalty and airline loyalty programs. This does not mean that lower status levels do not have benefits that are valuable, just that they are better ascertained via normal travel patterns.
I do not claim to be, or even desire to be, an expert with regard to the World of Hyatt loyalty program. But the brief overview of the new (2017) requirements have a heavy focus on a lot of qualifying nights for a hotel program that has a very small footprint in comparison to other hotel programs such as the Hilton and Starwood/Marriott programs. Without a status match, or accelerated status program, with Hyatt you really have to spend a substantial number of nights at their properties. Also, as we have seen with numerous promotions/gifting of Globalist (for the World of Hyatt launch) those do not include one of the most premium benefits, confirmed suite upgrades.
Enjoy the highest level of luxury, and rewards and benefits that will exceed expectations. Achieve status after completing 60 qualifying nights or earning 100,000 Base Points or holding 20 qualifying meetings/events per calendar year.
The only criteria with high variability with regard to cost is qualifying nights, since hotel night prices very dramatically globally. Could you actually manufacture a stay that was only a few thousand dollars? It turns out there are a few properties globally where you could qualify with 60 nights for under $3000. My other criteria was a refundable (cancel 24 hours in advance) rate and close to the USA, since trying to optimize via a sweet spot often requires flexibility. Turns out, there is a property (I believe there are a few more globally) in Mexico that met my criteria. One Mile at a Time talks about qualification plans for the new program, with a decent suggestion of optimizing the 4th night free benefit from the Citi Prestige Card (for US Residents). In addition, remember that Hyatt Elite Status also gets you Mlife casino loyalty status.
Related : Hyatt Elites | Don’t Let Mlife Downgrade You
Related : Cheapest Hyatt Mexico Hotels
Maximize Your Benefits and Minimize Your Spend
It is about more than just Hyatt Globalist on the CHEAP. Checking into a hotel for 60 days to achieve elite status is an extreme measure. It might work for one who has a very mobile work environment and nomadic lifestyle. It is also something that is more realistic if you just need an extra 10-15 days for qualification. The terms and conditions of this extended stay rate mention that it is a regularly published room rate with a 24 hour cancellation penalty to avoid a one night penalty, so you can book now and continue to contemplate. Also in this outlier example you would be earning points for the stay spend that would reduce the cost a bit further. But, as I said, the purpose of this article was more so about contemplating elite status on the cheap. This is one of the most powerful concepts of casino loyalty as well. Always study and understand the qualifications for any loyalty program. Look out for limited opportunities and offers that allow you to accelerate or match status from a competing loyalty program. Ask questions if you are unsure a particular stay/rate qualifies. Better to be certain than to be surprised. Be it a loyalty program, or an all-inclusive casino offer, there are always ways to maximize your benefits and minimize your spend.
Loyalty Program Status Checklist
- Understand and study the status levels and qualifications.
- Look for and research opportunities to accelerate or match status.
- Understand the qualification time period. (For example, is it January to December?)
- Ask questions if you are unsure, especially with regard to stay/rate qualifications. (Get answers in writing (email/twitter), if possible.)
Michael resides in London and travels extensively as a British Airways Executive Club (BAEC) Gold member, after previously being a Delta Diamond Medallion in The Netherlands. Miles+Points airline/hotel loyalty programs and learning to optimize the use of loyalty programs are intense interests of Michael’s. In addition, Michael is passionate about casino loyalty programs, the history of Las Vegas/Atlantic City and baccarat, as well as cooking and also enjoying foodie experiences around the globe.
I will take exception with one thing you said. In the case of Hilton and Marriott, Gold status gets you almost everything that top tier status does. You miss out on a few bonus points and a welcome amenity, but that’s about it, since neither does a particularly good job of upgrading.
This is a very valid point. Also, the fact that Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold (which gets you Starwood Gold) can be ascertained via membership programs (FoundersCard) or Credit Cards (AMEX Platinum, for instance) makes getting those benefits attainable (quite easily) by a wide audience. While SPG (Starwood) Platinum is a great level, it will be very interesting to see what happens when the Starwood and Marriott programs are eventually completely combined.
This article is GOLD! How did I miss this when it first posted? Excellent theory, checklist and timely information. And this is coming from someone who already knows these strategies, but it’s all in one place here, easy to understand!
So, that’s 60 nights at $48 a night or $1400 a month. Cheaper than some rents! You could rent your apartment for 2 months and possibly break even. You could go in with someone else and share the 60 days. So many possibilities. Lots to think about.
You would be the perfect digital nomad @catherinesmalfus:disqus. Thanks for the kind words. I really just like to share my “broad strokes” for TravelZork readers who might not follow that many miles+points blogs so closely.
Can’t believe I missed this post! Hyatt top elite status is super valuable to me. Since cash and points bookings count as qualifying nights ($50 plus points for evening steak and pour-it-yourself bourbon then waiter breakfast in AM?!), using Hyatt CC to accelerate stays adds up to real value. But that’s the potatoes. The echo effect between Hyatt, Mlife casinos and matching to similar programs is the real meat. And there are great sharing opportunities. If a non-hyatt friend is going to say, Aria, simply adding your name and WoH number to their reservation may scoop you those nights. And purchases made through room are subject to a high multiplier. If it’s my own casino reservation and a host is involved, sometimes paying in full then resolving with host after checkout can be *quite* helpful. And you’re totally right, these concepts are successfully applied in many similar hotel programs like IHG and Hilton.
Thanks! Yes, earned nights for casino-comp nights are most definitely a sweet spot. Heck, Mohegan-Sun even partners Hyatt Place. So much so, it’s called : “HYATT PLACE MOHEGAN SUN” in Uncasville. They also will COMP rooms there as over-flow or by desire.
What are you referring to when you say, “evening steak and pour-it-yourself bourbon then waiter breakfast in the AM?” For an additional charge you get those things, or with elite status you get that with a $50 plus points room? And what exactly is the offer? (I don’t travel with elite status, but you never know 🙂
That’s a free amenity to elite members. For instance Hyatt Regency club is usually a glorified manager’s reception and offers premium hors d’oeuvres in the evening and limited but high quality breakfast (lox, benedict to order etc). The club is open at least until midnight for a snack or an NA drink after 9. Not surprisingly busier properties in competitive markets offer better goodies. 4 hours of Pour your own liquor (crown royal, bacardi etc), wines, 3 homemade soups, flank steak, premium nuts and dried fruit, aged cheese and meat boards, desserts, a 24 hour grab and go drink cooler with everything from almond milk to sparkling water and fruit juices This is a free to highest tier members, along with automatic standard suite upgrade, 4pm checkout blah blah. At some properties the attitude is, “Don’t say no to Globalist.” So if you want breakfast in the restaurant instead of the Club they just give you a coupon for it. $30 filet and eggs. NP. Elites also get major upgrades at the all inclusive properties like Ziva Los Cabos.
Niiiice! I used to travel and get perks like that, but that is especially generous. Thanks for taking the time to explain.