You can say goodbye to Global Passport as today marks the first day of Hyatt’s new “World of Hyatt” program. There are a ton of changes – some good, some bad. It really depends on your needs, but if you are looking to earn top tier status, you’ll definitely have to work harder.
This past year I’ve been a Hyatt Diamond member thanks to a generous status match. Starting today, Hyatt got rid of their three tier level (Diamond, Platinum, Member) and implemented a four tier level (Globalist, Explorist, Discoverist, and Member). Unfortunately, I was not able to maintain my Hyatt status or earn Globalist status just yet, so assumed I’d see my account stating “Discoverist” upon signing in. I have the Hyatt co-branded credit card and one of the benefits is that you’ll receive automatic Discoverist status (it used to be Platinum status). I was pleasantly surprised, however, to see “Explorist” appear in my account. And no, I did not spend $50,000 on my credit card to earn this status. Not sure if Hyatt is giving Diamond members a soft landing to one status below or if those with the credit card are being granted a one status higher then originally stated. Or maybe just a Hyatt glitch. No idea, but I am pleased! You can learn all about the benefits for each tier here.
One of the perks of Explorist status is that you receive 4 Club Lounge access awards to use. They are available to use for a paid or points night, up to a 7-night stay. Unfortunately though, if a hotel does not have a club lounge they do not substitute breakfast at the hotel instead.
This happen to anyone else?
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All prior year Diamonds get downgraded to Explorist, even if you had 0 stays during 2016. Nice move on Hyatt’s part – I surely am thankful.
Hyatt explained that Diamonds requalifying for Diamond status would become Globalists and that Diamonds not requalifying would become Explorists.
I don’t remember how Platinums were sorted into Discoverists and Explorists … it didn’t matter to me 😉
I was Diamond as well due to a status match. Without the switch to a new program I would have been a Platinum now by number of stays. By number of nights … nothing, even under new program. So I am happy to be Explorist now. We will see how often I will benefit from that …
So I have the Hyatt CC and was Platinum, now I’m Discoverist. Seems like a step down and they probably wanted to dilute the people who just have the credit card and don’t stay enough.
Thanks for the data point. I hadn’t checked yet and was also surprised to see my Explorist status! One head fake, though. Under “Awards” my account showed that I had earned 4 suite upgrade awards. However, when I clicked on “award details” it stated “Club Access Award” I’ll take what I can get.
All Diamond members who did not requalify were matched to Explorist, per the rules of the new program. If they don’t stay 30 nights this year, then they will drop to Discoverist – if they hold the Hyatt card
Long time Hyatt cc user with platinum status. Was able to use points for many ‘free’ nights in NYC. Now ‘Discoverist’ level. I am not happy with these changes. Will be looking at other cc that have greater ability to earn points for free nights.
Another former Diamand (due to a status match) with a Hyatt credit card, got updated to Explorist status as well. Will encourage me to stay at a Hyatt when I may or may not have otherwise.
It actually says in this blog post on VFTW from last October that all people who were diamonds in 2016 but didn’t qualify for 2017 would get explorist status until Feb 2018: http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2016/10/27/confirmed-full-details-hyatts-new-elite-status-program-lot-previously-reported/