World of Hyatt VP Amy Weinberg Talks Summer Travel, World of Hyatt Program
True to reputation, new World of Hyatt Senior Vice President Amy Weinberg is utilizing data insights and analytics to learn more about Hyatt's most loyal guests. In preparation for summer travel, Ms. Weinberg and World of Hyatt revealed the top five most redeemed Hyatt properties during the summer months as well as the five hotels with the highest year-over-year increase in award night redemptions from June-August 2016 vs. 2017.
I had a chance to speak with Ms. Weinberg about how she plans on utilizing this data and was able to ask a few more World of Hyatt program questions.
Top 5 Properties With the Most Redeemed Award Nights During Summer Months
- Hyatt Regency Boston
- Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- Grand Hyatt San Francisco
- Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
The top of the list was a surprise for me, as I would've never guessed Hyatt Regency Boston was the most popular Hyatt property for free summer nights. It does have a great location, but Boston doesn't strike me as a top summer travel destination for the majority of World of Hyatt members.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is no surprise, as I've heard time and time again it's the favorite property among many Hyatt patrons, and who doesn't love Hawaii in the summer?
Top 5 Properties With the Highest Year-Over-Year Increase in Summer Award Night Redemptions
- Hyatt Regency Montreal – 67.1% YOY increase
- Park Hyatt New York – 64.7% YOY
- Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown – 57.1% YOY
- Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown – 55% YOY
- Hyatt Centric Times Square New York – 39.9% YOY
Montreal, New York, Chicago and Seattle are all definitely better travel destinations in the summer than winter, but it's interesting to see such growth in established travel markets. Montreal may be the outlier and I believe a hidden gem (as Ms. Weinberg also stated) where the secret may be getting out.
I asked Ms. Weinberg what conclusions she drew from the two lists and how she planned on utilizing the information. "This (data) is an opportunity for us is to help members explore and to continue to learn where members are finding themselves," Weinberg told me. "We are also using this to help other members understand opportunities that exist with us. The list shows customers are traveling with us in two ways: some planned far in advance that has logistics (Hawaii), while other properties on the list are great opportunities to sneak away for a kind of staycation."
Weinberg continued, "We need to know if we are using this data to adequately engage members and help them recharge and relax and help them understand what's an easy escape, while continuing to highlight our aspirational end."
Hyatt's made it clear over the last 18 months that it's focusing on more than just a comfortable hotel stay when it comes to guest experience. With the acquisitions of Miraval and Exhale, the company now has a distinct wellness brand in its portfolio and has been making constant strides to ensure guests are cared for on multiple fronts. Along these lines, Weinberg concluded, "we are definitely investing beyond the traditional."
World of Hyatt Current Events
As a loyal Globalist member, I took the opportunity to ask a few program-specific questions and give a bit of recurring feedback that I personally experience and readers routinely bring to my attention.
Knowing she had over 12 years of work experience with the Starwood Preferred Guest program, I began by asking what she was most pleased with in the World of Hyatt since beginning her new job last October.
"We have some elements that really set us apart from the others," she said. "The Guest of Honor benefit and confirmable suite upgrades are envied on the external side. Members are also really embracing the portfolio and love giving me feedback in a desire to better the program."
I envy Ms. Weinberg for having such vast experience in a competing program, as it gives her a unique insight into the hotel loyalty industry. With that in mind, I asked her what she would tell a business traveler trying to decide between Marriott (SPG), IHG, Hilton and Hyatt.
To that, she answered, "The care that we afford our members as a program stands above the others in the way that we bring together value for the high end traveler. We focus on helping you to be your best through Miraval and Exhale and letting members take care of those important to them through Guest of Honor. We engage members more holistically than the competition."
Even with the newly focused approach, the World of Hyatt program has some hiccups. I asked Weinberg for feedback on two of the most prevalent frustrations I hear every week from readers and experience myself: properties making it difficult to redeem points and short expiration dates on upgrade certificates and free night certificates.
"I hear the same feedback and we converted it into an evolution point of letting free night certificates expire at 180 days instead of 120 days. We also take it very seriously when we hear members complain about a hotel not being transparent. I don't think that is a systemic issue, but welcome the feedback from members whenever they see this so we can further study it."
I hope the expiration dates continue to evolve, at least to allow suite upgrade certificates to expire with your status level.
I ended our conversation by pleading my case to have the Diamond (Globalist) welcome amenity re-instated. While not getting a guarantee it would return, I feel confident Weinberg and her team have heard the message time and time again that it is missed.
Bottom Line
I expect with the properties on the above lists, free night availability may face some stiff competition. You'd better book your summer hotel nights with points sooner rather than later if you plan on visiting these locations. The Hyatt Regency Montreal, a Category 2 property requiring only 8,000 points per night, looks like a beautiful hotel and it certainly captured my attention while I researched for this post.
By the end of 2018, most major hotel loyalty programs will be almost unrecognizable from where they were just a few years ago. We've already seen Ms. Weinberg and World of Hyatt make a few elite-friendly changes, and I suspect more may be in the works. I hope with the changes to Hilton Honors and the announcement of the combined SPG/Marriott program, Hyatt takes a chance on attracting new elites with a few more benefits.
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
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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.