Hyatt Place is Hyatt’s select service brand, and the largest share of Hyatt Hotels portfolio. The Select Service brand offers standardised rooms and a breakfast, with a Deli for to-go options. Check out one of our previous review of the Hyatt Place Amsterdam Schiphol airport to get a better idea of the brand.

Hyatt has been trying to find the best way to make it good to their elites and go direct with as much business as possible. This is the lay of the land where all hotel chains are adding benefits for their direct business, but largely limiting to discounts.

Now, effective November 1, 2018, there are two big changes coming up at Hyatt Place hotels worldwide

Complimentary breakfast for all World of Hyatt members

Till a while ago, Hyatt was trying to explore if they could monetise breakfast at Hyatt Place hotels, which they rolled back shortly after they made the change, and called it a trial.

Going forward in order to get free breakfast you will have to be a World of Hyatt member and book your stay directly with Hyatt Hotels. I imagine this is another way for Hyatt to increase its member base worldwide as free breakfast will be offered to all World of Hyatt members irrespective of their membership tier. I had previously written about how hotels pay significant commissions to online travel agencies such as, MakeMyTrip and Expedia.

So, this is another way for Hyatt to incentivise people to book directly with the chain. If you are planning a stay at the Hyatt Place Goa, for instance, then by just being a World of Hyatt member and booking direct, you get free breakfast that costs INR 650/$10 per person. Free breakfast will be offered to all guests staying in the same room as the member.

Hyatt Place also promises to offer new, reimagined breakfast that will focus on quality sourcing and offer regional food options. This is aligned with Hyatt’s philosophy of serving food that is good for your health, community and the planet. For example, Hyatt Place hotels in India will have local delicacies such as idlis and paranthas on the menu whereas breakfast items at the Hyatt Place in London will include sausages, cheeses and eggs.

Early and Mobile Check-in options

Starting early 2019, World of Hyatt mid-tier Explorist and top-tier Globalist members will be able to check in early. Of course, this will be based on markets and the occupancy at the hotel. I find this as a valuable perk. For example, due to flight restrictions in Goa flights arrive early morning, or late afternoon, and if I am getting a room at 7 a.m. instead of the usual 2 p.m., it is very valuable for short weekend stays.

Another feature that will be introduced to new and upcoming Hyatt Place properties will be mobile-check in. This is similar to the SPG keyless feature where room access will have RFID enabled doors and members can check in with just a tap on the lock. We are still waiting to hear more details on this.

Bottomline

This is potentially a good announcement from Hyatt and some clever thinking. It dissuades OTA bookings, and also incentivises members to sign up for their loyalty program. I prefer breakfast to be included in my stay since I hate thinking about where to get my breakfast early morning and would rather eat at the hotel’s restaurant.

What do you think about these new changes to Hyatt Place Hotels?