Hyatt faces criticism over denial of resort fee benefits during point redemptions

However, some benefits might be desirable, such as a $15 food and beverage credit designed to encourage spending on property. One reader shared his experience at the Hyatt Regency Seattle where he was denied this credit during an award stay because he did not pay the destination fee. The hotel stated that only Globalist members were eligible for such credits without paying the fee.

After reaching out to Hyatt's social team via Twitter, which then contacted the hotel, the guest received an apology and was granted the food and beverage credit as a "one-time gesture." However, the hotel's practice of denying destination fee benefits on award stays remained unchanged.

Hyatt compensates hotels for award stays through World of Hyatt by including all fees in their payments based on average room rates and occupancy levels. Globalist members do not pay resort fees even on paid stays; instead, Hyatt covers 50% of these fees contractually.

Resort fees often include minor discounts or credits that benefit hotels when guests spend more than allotted amounts. Denying these benefits to redemption guests is considered both a mistake and a scam since hotels are compensated for them and must provide equal benefits to all guests regardless of payment method.