Hyatt Diamond Challenge

Last week, I wrote a couple of posts about status (M Life and Hertz). There was some good feedback from some of you, while others made it clear they had no interest at all. Let me be blunt here…

If you are into points but ignore free status opportunities, you are either (1) New to this, (2) Lazy, or (3) Not very smart. If you stay in hotels at all, top-level status can COMPLETELY change your experience at that chain. That’s all I have to say about that. On to my intro of Hyatt’s Diamond Challenge…

  • With Hyatt, your status is either Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. 
  • Gold sucks, Platinum is half-decent, and Diamond is spectacular.
  • Some jaded Hyatt people will disagree with the word “spectacular.” They are wrong.
  • Diamond status includes upgrades when available, late checkout, free internet, lounge access/breakfast, a 30% point bonus, and 4 confirmed suite upgrades per year.

The suite upgrades ensure that you can turn paid stays into suite stays 4 times a year. You don’t have to show up on the day of your vacation and depend on “luck.”
  • Since it’s a status match, you need “approved” existing status to do the Hyatt Diamond challenge.
  • The easiest options for most people are Hilton Gold or Marriott Gold (both of which you can get through credit cards).
  • Ask for the challenge by emailing goldpassport@hyatt.com and saying you want their Diamond Trial Offer. 
  • Give them the proof of existing status and 1 stay in the last 12 months when they ask for it.
  • Usually within a couple days, it’s done! Just like that, you have Diamond status for 60 days. 
  • If you want to extend the status, you need 12 stays in the next 60 days.

For some of you, those 12 stays are never going to happen. So the best time to do this challenge would obviously be before an upcoming Hyatt stay somewhere nice. You’ll get the goodies above and a great shot at an upgrade. In addition, you get those 4 suite upgrades that you can use down the road (they’ll last 6 months). 
One last tip…ideally, you’ll apply for the Hyatt card right after you get approved for Diamond status. If so, your 2 free credit card nights improve into 2 free suite nights. Big difference. And just another Diamond benefit!