What it's really like using Hyatt perks at Standard hotels
It’s big news at The Points Guy when World of Hyatt does anything to grow its reach across the globe — and it's been happening a lot lately. World of Hyatt is one of our favorite hotel loyalty programs, and an expansion can sometimes create exciting new opportunities to earn and redeem points.
At the same time, some of these changes can leave you disappointed when families of hotels aren’t fully integrated with Hyatt's typically fantastic award chart and list of elite benefits, instead taking more of an affiliation rather than full integration approach when compared to the rest of the brands.
So when the hip, fun Standard brand of hotels recently began to join the World of Hyatt family, I was cautiously optimistic. If you aren’t familiar with Standard hotels, know that they are really anything but standard. They are typically located in fun spots such as New York City’s High Line and East Village, the Maldives, London, Bangkok, and Singapore, to name a few.
I’m mostly a points and miles girl, so I hadn’t actually stayed at a Standard hotel before this most recent trip, since the brand previously wasn't part of a major loyalty program.
After a couple of nights, I can vouch that Standard lived up to the reputation of being stylish, a little edgy and not afraid to party ... until literally 4 a.m. in the case of the Le Bain on the top floor of the High Line location. (Pssst: Get a floor far away from the club on the 18th floor if you can.)
But that wasn’t exactly what I went there to find out. I went to see how things played out as a World of Hyatt member looking to use my points and perks at The Standard, High Line in New York City’s Meatpacking District.
Using Hyatt points at a Standard hotel
Many, though not all, Standard hotels are now truly a part of the World of Hyatt program, which means they are on the award chart with a fixed range of points prices. In my experience and research, availability for standard rooms is generally on par with that of most other Hyatt properties.
To put some numbers to it, here are example award prices at a few Standard hotels now bookable with Hyatt points:
- The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon: Awards starting at 12,000 Hyatt points per night
- The Standard, Singapore: Awards starting at 17,000 Hyatt points per night
- The Standard, Maldives: Awards starting at 21,000 Hyatt points per night
I was able to book a room with two double beds at The Standard, High Line for 25,000 points per night during a busy weekend in June when cash rates were over $600 per night, making this a good redemption by TPG point valuations. (Note that I'm now seeing one queen bed as the room type commonly available using World of Hyatt points at this property instead of the more varied room types that were available when it first joined the Hyatt program.)
This adherence to the Hyatt award chart is great news, and not something to take for granted, especially given that the Mr & Mrs Smith hotels and the Under Canvas glamping properties do not follow the award chart. Those properties use dynamic award pricing, even though they are also in the World of Hyatt family.
However, while it is great that most Standard hotels are on the regular award chart, note that some, including the one I was at in New York City, are excluded from Hyatt’s typical suite upgrade rules. That means that you won’t be able to use Globalist suite upgrades or a fixed number of points to secure suites when available.
Waived fees, late checkout and bonus points
When we arrived, it was after check-in time, so it wasn’t too big of a surprise that our room was ready. However, it was a pleasant surprise when we were proactively offered a 4 p.m. late checkout at check-in thanks to our Hyatt Globalist status.
Since we were staying on Hyatt points, we also avoided the $35 daily destination fee (true for all Hyatt members staying on points) and enjoyed earning not only 5 Hyatt points per dollar spent on eligible charges, but a 30% bonus on top of that for having Globalist status, plus another 4 points per dollar for putting the incidental charges on my World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees).
I also got to check off another brand for the Hyatt Brand Explorer promo, which awards one free Category 1-4 award night for every five brands you try in Hyatt’s ecosystem. Luckily, Standard, StandardX and Bunkhouse will count as three separate brands to give you even more options to earn more Brand Explorer awards.
Free breakfast thanks to Hyatt status
I’m a sucker for a free breakfast thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, and The Standard, High Line surpassed the standard morning lineup at its Standard Grill, with options such as green and yellow juice, eggs Norweigan, and a Gruyere-and-bacon quiche.
We ate outside overlooking the lively sidewalk one day and inside the other. On both days, we had approximately $120 of daily breakfast wiped off our bill, since Hyatt Globalist status covers free breakfast for up to two adults and two children in the room (and New York City dining prices aren’t cheap).
We were told at checkout that we were charged for the tip we added both days, which was fine with us, but it is something that varies a bit within the Hyatt system.
Bottom line
Our weekend enjoying our Hyatt points and perks at The Standard, High Line in New York City was a ton of fun.
From staying on our Hyatt points, earning almost 12 Hyatt points per dollar spent on purchases we charged to the room — such as a classic soda with a scoop of ice cream from the midcentury-inspired open-air bar in front of the hotel — to a vibe that was a far cry from anything you’re likely to encounter at something like a Hyatt Place or Hyatt Regency, it was a blast.
I’m absolutely thrilled by the way the World of Hyatt and Standard Hotels have combined their respective superpowers to create all-new ways to earn and redeem points for stays that go well beyond the norm.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.