Summary of Globalist Benefits at Hyatt
Loyalty programs have their benefits. Surprising, I know. My allegiance to the Hyatt program has paid off for the last three years, granting me lavish suite upgrades and impressively late checkout times. In my opinion, as someone who utilizes points and miles constantly to supplement travel, Hyatt delivers some of the most consistent and generous benefits to its program members among major U.S. hotel chains—namely Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.
While the World of Hyatt hotel portfolio is undoubtedly smaller than many other international chains, the number of properties continues to expand globally. Currently, there are more than 1,250 hotels in 75 countries under the Hyatt umbrella, featuring luxury brands like Park Hyatt, Alila, Andaz, and Miraval.
Here’s why (and how) I stay loyal to Hyatt during my travels.
How to Earn Top-tier Hyatt Status
With most major hotel chains, there’s one metric that matters for elite status: nights. World of Hyatt follows suit. Members who spend a certain number of nights each year at Hyatt and Hyatt-affiliated properties can earn elite status, gaining benefits such as room upgrades and free breakfast. To attain the highest published Hyatt status, known as Globalist, a member must accumulate 60 nights. Alternatively, Globalist status can also be earned by reaching 100,000 base points (equivalent to $20,000 in qualifying spending) in a calendar year.
However, for simplicity’s sake, let’s focus on nights. All stays, including those booked with points, count toward the 60-night tally for Globalist status. Holding the World of Hyatt credit card, issued by Chase, is advantageous. As a cardholder, I automatically receive five qualifying night credits each year, plus two additional qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent on the card.
For instance, last year, my expenditures reached $15,000 on the Hyatt credit card, granting me 11 “nights” toward Globalist status. Occasionally, Hyatt offers double elite night promotions, allowing each stay at a property to count twice, thus facilitating the attainment of that lofty 60-night goal.
Pro tip: Holding the World of Hyatt credit card (and paying the $95 annual fee) provides members a free award night at a Category 1-4 hotel. Moreover, members earn another free night once they spend $15,000 in a calendar year.
Upgrades to Luxurious Suites
Enviable suite upgrades are easily accessible for top-tier Hyatt status holders—even when paying for a standard room. As a Globalist guest, I’m entitled to complimentary, space-available upgrades to a suite at check-in. This includes some of Hyatt’s most luxurious hotels, like Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme and Alila Napa Valley, to name a few.
Additionally, to confirm a suite ahead of arrival, Globalist members can earn and utilize up to eight suite upgrades each year. These can be redeemed when booking a room, provided a “standard” suite is available in the hotel. Over the years, I’ve secured suite upgrades before arrival at hotels such as the Park Hyatt Toronto, and Park Hyatt Saigon.
A (Very) Late Checkout Time
There’s late checkout … and then there’s late checkout as a Globalist member. While it isn’t quite The Peninsula Hotels, where you can choose your own check-out time, a 4 p.m. late checkout is a guaranteed benefit at all Hyatt hotels, with resorts offering it based on availability.
This particular perk significantly influences my commitment to World of Hyatt. It’s immensely valuable for short one- or two-night stays. On several occasions, a 4 p.m. checkout allowed me to explore a destination extensively and return to my room to freshen up before heading to the airport for an evening flight. It’s a genuine game-changer and a guaranteed benefit.
Extravagant Complimentary Breakfasts
Globalist members—and their in-room guests—receive complimentary breakfast at all Hyatt hotels, with no brand exceptions or exclusions. While offerings may vary by property, Hyatts typically allow guests to order from the full restaurant menu.
On multiple occasions, such as my recent stay at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, I’ve found breakfast bills exceeding $150 for two. Once you sign the bill, charges are waived from the Globalist guest folio. Some hotels even offer complimentary breakfast through room service at no extra charge, the ultimate morning luxury.
Waived Resort Fees on All Stays
As a Globalist member, I never have to pay resort, destination, or facility fees (or any other creatively named charges). All of these fees are waived for Globalist members, regardless of whether the stay was booked in cash or with points. This has led to hundreds of dollars in savings throughout the year, including stays at Hotel 50 Bowery ($35 per night) and Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows ($51 per night).
A Special Phone Line and Concierge
Furthermore, white-glove service is a part of the Globalist experience. Members who meet the requirements for Globalist status gain access to My Hyatt Concierge, a dedicated customer service contact ready to assist with inquiries related to a Hyatt reservation or other requests. This includes a specific email for direct communication and a special phone line for any issues that may arise.
