Hyatt was testing the elimination of free breakfasts at Hyatt Place a little while ago. However, the company has officially updated its policy, and Hyatt Place free breakfast remains a benefit, but only if certain conditions are met.
We’ll probably never know the results of Hyatt’s study regarding free breakfasts at Hyatt Place. But I’m guessing the responses weren’t so positive, as Hyatt has chosen to retain the benefit. Unfortunately, though, receiving the benefit isn’t going to be as simple as it used to be. Now, the free breakfast benefit is being used by Hyatt to encourage certain behaviors.
Hyatt Place Free Breakfasts Going Forward
Beginning on November 1, 2018, Hyatt Place free breakfast will only be available to World of Hyatt members that book directly with Hyatt. If you aren’t a World of Hyatt member at the time of booking, you may join at any time up through (and including at) check-in. However, if you don’t join, no free breakfast for you. Likewise, if you book via an OTA like hotels.com, Expedia, and more, you won’t be eligible for the benefit. Period. And while it seems as if this new rule targets leisure travelers, it has implications for business travelers too. Many business travelers, as it turns out, often need to book through a third-party OTA too. But unlike the likes of Expedia, these are often white-label systems that are specific to that company.
Explorist Early Check-In
All of the news out of Hyatt isn’t negative this time around. Begining in 2019, World of Hyatt Explorist members will be eligible for 9 am early check-in. This amenity is based on availability, of course, which means your mileage may vary and popular properties likely won’t give it to you.
Hyatt Place Free Breakfast Remains, Final Thoughts
Hyatt’s change in policy regarding free breakfasts at Hyatt Place properties doesn’t surprise me one bit. One would think, as the underdog organization, that they wouldn’t make such changes. Especially as Marriott moves to make breakfast available at even more properties (sort of). But, again, we’re also talking about the company that made their elite status as difficult to get as Marriott and reduced the value of their points. This, at a time when they could have easily scooped up new members that aren’t satisfied with changes happening at Marriott and SPG.
Personally, this change doesn’t affect me much. The Hyatt Place breakfast I had at the Waikiki location was very *meh* and not worth battling the crowds for. Further, with since I primarily travel for leisure, staying at a Hyatt Place isn’t my first choice. But for those on business or traveling kids, this is a very negative change for sure. Yes, it isn’t hard to book directly with Hyatt or be a member, but there are situations in which this won’t be possible.