I’m getting so tired of Hyatt’s shenanigans. How can a property have prepaid rates only?
Hyatt has seemingly been on a warpath to ruin itself. They gut their loyalty program, turning the great Hyatt Gold Passport into the awful World of Hyatt. And they always seem intent on shooting themselves in the foot with program rules that discourage stays after a certain point.
Of course, these issues don’t really affect me because I don’t stay with them much. However, Hyatt was supposed to be my backup to Marriott, but after the change to World of Hyatt, no thanks. Actually, I was still considering Hyatt a little, but more and more they do things that cause me to solidify my decision more. Especially with the crap they pull at the Andaz Maui with award availability. But guess what? They’ve done something else to piss me off even more!
Prepaid Rates Only
Last month I wrote about a potential California trip towards the end of this year. And while I thought we’d be going to SoCal, I was mistaken. Turns out that trip will actually be in NorCal. So, as part of this trip, I’ve been thinking about spending some time in Napa. And, naturally, I decided to check out the Andaz Napa in my hotel search.
Unlike the Andaz Maui, the Andaz Napa has award stays and Points + Cash rates available on the nights I’m looking at. However, these rates show up as prepaid rates only; no changes or cancellations allowed.
Honestly, I’ve never seen a prepayment-only award rate before, so I decided to check out the property’s pay rates. And with Hyatt, that means being presented with a member rate, standard purchase rate, advance purchase rate, and special rates. So naturally, I clicked on the member rate and standard rate tabs. And guess what? ALL of these are prepaid rates only too!
Confirming Rates
I thought this couldn’t be right. There must be some kind of technical glitch, right? Nope. So I gave Hyatt’s reservation line a call and the rep confirmed that all rates, including award rates, are indeed prepaid only. And the reason for this unusual situation? The property has a large block during that time and wants to discourage speculative bookings. Um, sure. I’ve stayed at properties with large capacity constraints like this before, and they’ve never resorted to doing this. And why have rates in any other tab than the advance purchase one if that’s the only type of rate that’s truly available?
Prepaid Rates Only, Final Thoughts
Admittedly, I don’t travel a whole lot. On average, I only take two to three trips per year nowadays. However, I’ve never seen a situation like this, not even at the uber-popular, trickster Andaz Maui. And it’s disappointing to see situations like this. To me, it tells me that all Hyatt cares about is pushing revenue, even at the expense of loyalty. So, to me, Hyatt is becoming more like the airlines than any other of the big, well-known lodging programs.
The Napa Andaz is always challenging to book. Especially, if you are going during the harvest season. In general, Napa hotels have become increasingly expensive. The Westin may be an option, but I have found it is not the best use of points.
You may want to check out our Funjet vacations link. Sometimes you can find a decent package deal if the Mrs. is joining you. However, these packages are likely non-refundable as well.
You can email us the dates and I can see if I can get you rates with better a cancellation policy through my agent site or with our Hyatt sales rep.
Another option may be to get travel insurance or look at the travel policy on your credit card (typically only addressed airfare and rental cars).
Thanks, AJ! No kidding, though I do have a decently priced stay booked at the Napa Marriott at the moment, so the Andaz isn’t really a priority. I thought it would be nicer to be there, but it is what it is. And I can appreciate the place being difficult to book, but what really irks me is the 100% non-refundable reservations. Especially since they have an advanced booking tab that those rates should fall under. I think this situation could be confusing for some, especially since the rates seem almost contradictory.
But anyway, the hard part about this booking is whether we stay in Napa or not is wholly dependent on securing a reservation at The French Laundry. However, we can’t book that until 3 months out, though I’d be concerned that award stays would vanish by then. Ideally, though, we’d stay at the Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel. They do have award availability for the two nights we’re looking at, but I only have enough points for one… And I’m not sure I want to transfer my MR points for this stay, because I have just enough HawaiianMiles and MR points to secure premium seating on a (speculative) international trip coming up in two years… Which I could probably make up for through normal spending, but yeah. I don’t know. I’m not sure why I’m hesitating so much. I guess it’s partly because we’re not really drinkers, and the Mrs. especially doesn’t care for wine, so burning so many points to be in Napa seems like kind of a waste? Especially since I’d can that whole segment of the trip if we don’t get TFL reservations. Though, I’m interested, what’s your opinion on this? lol
The Las Alcobas wasn’t open the last time that we were in Napa. The Marriott has been updated since the last time I stayed there. The Andaz has a little bit better location. The past few times we have traveled there we have booked vacation rentals because we could get a whole house for the price of a hotel room. Plus, I like having a kitchen. I don’t think its worth the point transfer. You could do one night and pay for one night at Las Alcobas. Just depends on your cash/point budget. The way I look at it is if I know I am going you and know I can get a better value use out of the points then I will pay cash for the lesser value stay. If you do decide to do a cash stay with Las Alcobas, then I can book for you and get you the following amenities: (estimated value about $200)
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Complimentary Full American À La Carte Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
– $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
– Welcome Amenity & Bottle of Wine
– Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
– Complimentary Wi-Fi
If the French Laundry is the only reason for Napa, then you may want to check out some of the Michelin restaurants in SF as an alternative. Lazy Bar is epic, only two seatings a night and got their second star in 2017. Another favorite of ours is State Bird Provision. Obviously, Keller’s other restaurants are fantastic as well. Bouchon is still one of my favorite places for brunch. The Farmstead at Longmeadow is delicious as well. I think you guys would enjoy the Oxbow Market in Napa too. There are so many great food spots in NoCal. I have a huge list for you if you want to shoot me an email with dates.
How was the Marriott when you guys stayed? Looks like a nice property with good amenities, and I like the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike the Andaz haha. I looked into vacation rentals too, but man, are they pricey and I have an ulterior motive: trying to requalify for Marriott Rewards Gold haha.
Anyway, I’ve considered paying for a night at Las Alcobas and doing an award stay for one night, but man… The flex rate for the nights we’re looking at is over $800 with tax! I can’t afford that lol. If not, I would definitely take you up on that offer! It does look like a fantastic place to just lounge around and the fact that the on-site restaurant is by Chris Constantino doesn’t hurt either!
As far as restaurants go, the French Laundry is the primary reason for being in Napa, though I’m trying to see if there are other things we’d both enjoy in the area. I agree Oxbow Market would be interesting, and I’d definitely want to check out Bouchon. My backup for TFL is Atelier Crenn in SFO. I’m actually wondering if we should just go here instead, but the one person I’ve talked to so far says we should stick with Keller if we can secure a reservation. What’s your opinion?
As an alternative to Napa, I’m also considering doing two nights in Monterey, though I know of nothing to do there besides the aquarium. I’m also looking at LAX and n/naka, but that’s like a 3-4 hour drive… See, I’m all over the place right now lol.
By the way, where the heck are you guys now anyway?
It’s not just Hyatt.
I was checking rates for Copenhagen and the Crowne Plaza (IHG) has only non-refundable., but a dozen rare types listed.
The “Advance Saver” rate: non-refundable; the “Best Flexible” rate: non-refundable. So what’s different? You have to book the advance rate at least 3 days in advance, but the flexible rate — with a 10% premium — can be booked until the day of arrival.
So help me out, please, with the definition of “flexible”?!
Frustrating!! Seems like it is just the best rate at that point and not really a flexible rate. I am wondering if the “Best Flexible” rate is an error on the website for the dates you selected. The Flexible rate should allow free cancellation or the ability to change the booking without penalty (e.g., dates without an additional charge) for a period of time.
The only time I have seen the Flexible rate is non-refundable is when the date of booking is within the cancellation period. So for example, say the Best Flexible rate has free cancellation until 3 days before the night of your stay. If you are trying to book a stay for February 28th on February 26th, then that 3-day non-refundable period has kicked in.
I would try giving IHG a call if you are trying to book outside of their standard cancellation period. I am happy to help you with the booking if you like.