Quick Points: Hyatt Globalists get free parking on award stays

It's no secret that World of Hyatt's top-tier Globalist status comes packed with perks. Popular benefits include standard suite upgrades (upon availability), a full breakfast for registered room guests (up to two adults and two children), waived resort fees and 4 p.m. late checkouts.

But here's one of my favorite Globalist benefits you might not be aware of: free parking on award stays.

Today, we'll review what you need to know about this perk so that you can bring your car along for free on your next stay.

Related: World of Hyatt elite status: What it is and how to earn it

Free parking on award stays

According to the World of Hyatt terms and conditions, "Globalists receive free parking at participating Hyatt hotels or resorts for nights during which the Globalist stays on a Free Night Award."

This means the free parking benefit is only valid when redeeming points for the room or staying on a Category 1-4 or Category 1-7 free night certificate at participating properties. You're responsible for parking charges if you book a cash room rate.

The terms and conditions state, "Free parking benefit is valid at Hyatt hotels or resorts that offer parking, provided that parking charges at such hotel or resort can be billed to the guest room/folio."

This is an important point. If the hotel doesn't put the parking charge on your folio (i.e., you must pay directly with the parking lot or valet), Hyatt won't cover your parking. I recommend calling your hotel before arriving to confirm whether Globalists receive free parking on award stays.

The terms and conditions also specify that the benefit is valid for both valet and self-parking if the hotel offers both.

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Finally, the free parking benefit doesn't apply to vacation ownership properties.

How to maximize this benefit

Free parking can be a significant savings, particularly in pricey cities. Overnight parking at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco costs $62.70 for self-parking or $90.06 for valet parking, while at the Park Hyatt New York, you'll be spending $90 to valet or self-park your ride.

I redeemed 17,000 points (the off-peak Category 5 rate) to stay at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C., to dodge a room bill that would have totaled $422.17. I was already pleased with my redemption of World of Hyatt points at 2.5 cents apiece, about 40% above TPG's October 2024 valuation of 1.7 cents apiece.

But at Washington's Dulles International Airport (IAD), I rented a car. Parking rates at this property were $59 per night, so the free parking benefit stretched my points further — clocking out at 2.8 cents per point.

Guests who park at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. are also entitled to complimentary electric vehicle charging.

Since I found a plug-in hybrid on the National Car Rental executive aisle at Dulles, the hotel gladly charged up my rental car between outings — a greener way to drive, convenience and savings at the pump.

How to qualify for Globalist status

You must hold Globalist status to enjoy the free parking perk on award stays. Here's a look at how to qualify for Globalist status this year:

• Stay 60 qualifying nights or
• Earn 100,000 base points

If you hold the World of Hyatt Credit Card, (see rates and fees) you will receive five elite nights toward Hyatt status each year. World of Hyatt cardholders earn two elite nights for every $5,000 spent on qualifying purchases.

This card currently offers new applicants the chance to earn up to five free nights: three free nights after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from accounting opening, and an additional two free nights after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first six months. Free nights can be redeemed at any category 1-4 Hyatt property.

You'll also receive one free night certificate valid at any Category 1-4 property (for spending $15,000 in a single calendar year) and a free night certificate you earn just for keeping your account open. And yes, Globalists are entitled to free parking at a qualifying property when staying on these certificates.

Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them

Bottom line

Parking charges are on the rise, but as a Globalist, both you and your car might be able to sleep for free. Confirm that your hotel offers complimentary parking to Globalists on award stays. So far, I've yet to find a hotel that doesn't participate in this benefit.

The next time you redeem Hyatt points, factor parking charges into your redemption. In my case, this perk made a sweet deal that much sweeter.