Hyatt’s Globalist elite status inspires global lust for many points and miles collectors. The benefits are the best in the industry, including guaranteed room upgrades, waived parking fees on award stays, and hot breakfast for two adults and two children at almost all properties (except for vacation rental properties).
There’s a new exception to the Globalist breakfast benefit, however: Hyatt’s new “budget-conscious” brand, Unscripted. Hyatt has added the following to its Globalist terms and conditions:
For stays at an Unscripted by Hyatt hotel or resort that does not offer guests a “sit-down” dining option, breakfast benefit will be provided from select “grab-and-go” breakfast menu items (as determined by the property in its discretion) – one food item and one beverage for each registered guest in the room, up to a maximum of two (2) adults and two (2) children.
Quick Thoughts
Unscripted is described by Hyatt as “designed for travelers who value the essentials and prefer spontaneity over structure.” Hyatt says that there are over 40 hotels in discussions to adopt the brand.
There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of consistency promised (as evidenced by the breakfast benefit), which makes it sound more like JdV or the Unbound Collection, but more budget-oriented.
I’ve seen some online hand-wringing over this new exception allowing Unscripted properties to provide breakfast from a “grab-and-go” menu, the fear being that it may mark the beginning of the degradation of Globalist bennies. I think that’s probably a little alarmist.
For some time, Hyatt has already had terms for its European me and all brand (lowercase intended – it’s hip, you see?), saying that some properties may provide a “light continental buffet” in lieu of a hot breakfast. It hasn’t spread any further than that so far, and based on the lower-tier nature of Unscripted, it makes sense that some properties without a restaurant may have to make other arrangements in order to provide breakfast.
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Hyatt’s late checkout policy is also becoming optional. I think Hyatt wants to Bonvoy us.
More concerning, I’ve had two Hyatt stays (Centric Chicago and Regency Boston) over the last two weekends that only include buffet for Globalists rather than offering the choice between buffet and a la carte. While I understand that this satisfies the brand requirements, it’s a bummer for folks with dietary restrictions who may do better with an a la carte menu.
Dynamic pricing
I think you should use “tim steinke” from now on…
Hope you’re right but I think this is just the start. Remember when there was consternation about Hyatt creating a category 7 but we allowed ourselves to be soothed by the fact that the 30,000 point a night price tier only had half a dozen hotels. How did that work out?
I think inflation is to be expected. Point valuation generally holds steady or decreases over time, so point costs increase over time to match inflation.
I guess the free category 1-4 certificate didn’t get the memo that they were supposed to keep up with inflation, lol.
The annual fee hasn’t gone up either
“it’s hip, you see”
“I used to be with it, then they changed what “it” was…”
Since this only appears to apply at locations without a sit-down restaurant, rather than being an exclusion it sounds to me like it’s more of a confirmation that they have to give you whatever breakfast they do offer. What’s getting taken away?
That’s my takeaway as well. If a hotel flat out won’t have a kitchen, which makes sense for a budget focused brand in a city, what are they supposed to do? “My elite status requires you to buy breakfast for me at the Denny’s down the street!” The terms for this brand still seem much better than Marriott going “here’s 500 points”.
Love your writing, Tim. Quick request, though. Please never write “Globalist bennies” again. -The rest of the humans.
I know, I’ve always thought the name “Globalist” was lame too. 😉
If you can’t immediately figure out the order of the tiers from the name, they are poorly chosen names. I would rather be called an Explorer or Discoverer than a Globalist.
Unbreakfasted.