A match to Diamond level elite status was recently offered from the Hyatt Gold Passport frequent guest loyalty program; and as I have stayed in Hyatt hotel properties in places such as Muscat and Shanghai within the past year, I thought that I would try for it as well. What would I have to lose?
I currently have Diamond VIP level elite status in the Hilton HHonors frequent guest loyalty program; so I figured that I should have no problem being matched to Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond — especially as I have had achieved that level of elite status in the past.
The Response to My Status Match Request
Understanding the delays from the overwhelming response, I finally received the following message from a representative of Hyatt Gold Passport approximately a week after first submitting proof of not only my current elite level status with Hilton HHonors; but also proof that I have stayed at a hotel property within the brand portfolio of Hilton Worldwide within the past year:
Dear Mr. Cohen,
Thank you for contacting Hyatt Gold Passport.
We are excited about your interest in Hyatt’s Tier Match Offer. Currently, we are able to match our Diamond status only with Starwood Preferred Guest’s Platinum status. On reviewing the attachment, I am glad to inform you that you are eligible to receive Platinum status on your Gold Passport account number, XxxxxxxxxX.
Platinum membership entitles you to a wide range of exclusive services and benefits including a 15% point bonus on your stays. In order to continue to receive exclusive Platinum membership benefits, simply complete five stays or 15 nights at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide during the course of the calendar year.
Please confirm if I shall upgrade your tier status from Gold to Platinum. Looking forward to your response.
Best Regards
My first thought was “well, I am glad you’re excited — because I am not.”
Sorry, Hyatt — Your Platinum Status is Not a Match For Hilton Diamond
I then submitted the following reply:
While I appreciate being upgraded to Hyatt Platinum status, that is underwhelming at best, to be honest. Hilton HHonors Diamond status — which I currently have — is far superior to Hyatt Platinum status for a number of reasons, in my opinion.
I am somewhat disappointed that I did not qualify for Hyatt Diamond status; but I thank you for the opportunity to have Hyatt Platinum status and look forward to my account being upgraded.
Regards,
Brian Cohen
Of course, my Hyatt Gold Passport account had not yet been upgraded — if it will be at all, to which I really do not care.
Call me ungrateful; but the “wide range of exclusive services” of Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum elite level status does not even come close to matching those of Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP elite level status, in my opinion.
Comparison of Elite Status Levels
Just for kicks, I decided to compile a chart of the benefits of Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP elite level status to that of both Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum and Diamond…
Benefit |
Hyatt Platinum |
Hilton Diamond VIP |
Hyatt Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus Points | 15 percent |
50 percent
|
30 percent |
| Room Guarantee | 72 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Executive Lounge Access or Complimentary Breakfast | No |
Yes
|
Yes |
| Premium Internet Wi-Fi Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Afternoon Late Check-Out | Until 2:00 |
Yes
|
Until 4:00 |
| Dedicated Check-In Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fifth Night Free on Award Stay | No |
Yes
|
No |
| Preferred Room Upon Arrival | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choice of Point Bonus or Food Amenity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Exclusive Telephone Number | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two Complimentary United Club Passes | No |
No
|
Yes |
| Annual Suite Upgrades | No | Not Specified | Up to Four |
| Complimentary Access to Fitness Centers and Health Clubs | No |
Yes
|
No |
| Match to equivalent M life Elite Level Status | Yes | No | Yes |
| Nightly Room Refresh | No | Not Specified | Yes |
| Share Elite Benefits with Family and Friends | No |
No
|
Yes |
| Digital Check-In | No | Yes | No |
| Express Check-Out | Not Specified |
Yes
|
Not Specified |
| Second Guest Stays Free | No | Yes | No |
| Two Complimentary Bottles of Water Per Stay | Not Specified |
Yes
|
Not Specified |
| Quick Reservations and Check-Ins Based on Your Room Preferences | No | Yes | No |
…and I have to say that — based upon both the chart shown above as well as my personal experience — Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum is no match for Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP elite level status.
In fact — if relying solely on the number of existing hotel properties worldwide — Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP elite level status beats even Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond, in my opinion.
Disclaimers
Granted, the chart is not completely specific with all of the disclaimers which are associated with all of the benefits; but for me, the most useful benefit to Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum elite level status is the point bonus of 15 percent on all stays — with the late checkout, preferred room and room guarantee following closely behind. Any of the other benefits are minimal or useless to me.
It is also important to note that I entered the designation of Not Specified in those areas of the chart where the benefit is not definite but could happen. For example, I received at least six complimentary bottles of water at the Grand Hyatt Muscat with Platinum status; and I have checked into a Hilton hotel property as early as approximately 3:00 the morning without being charged for an extra day — and I even was invited to an extra complimentary full breakfast. I have also received upgrades to suites at some Hilton hotel and resort properties even though it is not a published benefit. Some hotel properties simply treat their guests better than others — no matter which brand or lodging company.
Summary
Would I have liked to have been matched to Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond elite level status? Of course. It is ideal to be able to have the highest level of elite status in as many frequent guest loyalty programs as possible; but the opportunity cost is usually too high — unless you stay in many hotel rooms throughout the year.
For me, there are not enough benefits to Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum elite level status to care as to whether or not I actually receive it — but it is certainly better than nothing.
In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy Hilton HHonors Diamond VIP elite level status; but if you were matched to Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond elite level status, congratulations and enjoy!
