Hyatt introduces suite upgrade bidding option sparking mixed reactions

Research

Christine Gallipeau Senior editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Jan 21, 2025

World of Hyatt has introduced a new suite upgrade bidding option for certain reservations, surprising some of its loyal members. The move was first noticed when an email offering the opportunity to bid for a suite upgrade was received by a member ahead of an upcoming stay in Lisbon.

The bidding options at Hyatt Regency Lisbon included various upgrades, such as a standard river-view room starting at $41 per day and deluxe suites beginning at $97. For those interested in the largest suites, bids could go up to $185. Additionally, other services like early check-in or late checkout and pre-purchase classes were offered.

Summer Hull from TPG noted that she vaguely remembered receiving a similar offer from an all-inclusive Hyatt property. However, most colleagues did not recall getting such emails. Some World of Hyatt members shared their experiences on Facebook, indicating they had also received similar offers recently.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

One user, N. Glann, found the offers unappealing due to high costs. He stated that "none of the upgrade offers seemed worth it," citing airport pick-up prices as particularly high compared to local transportation alternatives.

Another reader named Viktor Kryvyziuk reported receiving an upgrade offer for Dreams Natura Resort & Spa in Cancun with minimal bid amounts suggested alongside average bid numbers typically seen among members.

Marie Christine Misajon-Seda received an upgrade offer at Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in Cancun but declined since she had already booked into a suite using points.

There is speculation that this bidding policy might not be new and could depend on individual hotels' discretion. One reader suggested it might lead to potential disadvantages for top-tier Globalists if nonmembers purchase available suites through cheap upgrades—a concern echoed by airlines like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines selling first- or business-class seats more effectively.

Despite reaching out to World of Hyatt for comments on this policy change, no response was provided by publication time.

While Hilton Honors has been offering similar bidding opportunities for years now—even impacting top-tier members—some hope this will not become standard practice across World of Hyatt properties.