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Hyatt just launched widespread complimentary, on-site COVID-19 testing

Jan. 26, 2021
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3 min read
Hyatt Reserve Puerto Rico
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In case you missed it, as of today, Jan. 26, all passengers traveling to the U.S. from abroad must present a negative COVID-19 test for entry. In response, many hotels have stepped up their game and introduced on-site testing for guests so they can remain compliant without worrying about the logistics.

So far, on-site testing availability largely varied by property, not brand. However, Hyatt has just become the first major chain to launch on-site COVID-19 testing across all its resorts its Latin America. The tests are free and there are plans in place to assist those who test positive and can’t return to the U.S. for a period of time.

Hyatt's complimentary on-site COVID-19 testing

Hyatt is now offering on-site COVID-19 testing at all 19 Hyatt resorts in Latin America. These cover destinations Americans can travel to relatively easily, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica as well as South America. Best of all, the tests are free.

Depending on the property, you'll either get a rapid antigen or RT-PCR test, both of which are approved per CDC guidelines. You can get two complimentary tests per guestroom, per stay, with additional tests available for a fee. Minimum length-of-stay requirements vary per property.

It's important to note that this only applies to properties designated as resorts. In other words, a random Hyatt Place by the airport likely won't offer testing. Participating resorts include the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Thompson Beach House in Playa del Carmen and various Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara properties.

Related: The hottest hotel amenity is a nasal swab

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What happens if you test positive

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (Summer Hull/The Points Guy)

Unlike some hotels that offer testing, Hyatt has a plan for when people eventually test positive. Specifically, resorts in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America (excluding Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara properties) will offer a Travel Delay Rate to guests whose travel plans are impacted by test-related reasons. Guests can save up to 50% on room rates and up to 30% on food and beverage.

Hopefully, you won't need to take book these rates. But if you do, you will earn World of Hyatt points and tier-qualifying nights as per usual. If you enrolled for the Bonus Journeys promotion, that means extra points and double elite nights for eligible stays through Feb. 28. Between that promotion, a cobranded Hyatt credit card and Hyatt cutting elite qualification thresholds in half, you could end up with top-tier Globalist status after your quarantine.

Related: What happens if you test positive for COVID-19 and can’t fly back to the US?

Bottom line

Hotel COVID-19 testing will be a must to get the travel industry moving again. Although Marriott and Hilton offer it at some Latin American properties, Hyatt is the first major chain to offer widespread testing across all of its resorts in the region.

It's great to see that, unlike some hotels, Hyatt is offering on-site testing for free. More importantly, it has a plan in place for those who test positive and is helping reduce the cost should you need to quarantine.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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