i have booked one of my free nights at the kathmandu hyatt and had no problem at all... i used points for the other nights...

the free nights came through in about 2 weeks after i first used the cards....

btw, i saved $185 by using this... not $400 like a park hyatt but i am pleased with this savings.... for breakfast i can eat a la carte or eat a pastry in my room

good deal bob on the card and only 5000 points per night for the rest.....a steal. when you check in show your platinum card on top of your cc and passports and ask if there are upgrades available for the regency club......hardly ever works in the us or europe but always seems to work in asia. we even got upgraded to a suite in the hyatt gora japan just by asking as a plat.

Aloha!

The breakfast buffet at the Kathmandu Hyatt is well worth the money. In fact, we thought their food the best we had in Kath. Some interesting times were had were in the Hyatt dining room. Two days there were different religious leaders eating there as their followers stood and bowed. One leader brought a tray of "something, bread, pastry?" to share with his people. The mix of people from different countries were also interesting. Many from India, good vacation place for them when it gets too hot in India. But, I am now saving my points for a really expensive Hyatt.

We just booked 4 nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai using the card with absolutely no problem, we were even given a choice of room types depending on the dates. Bob, thanks for the original tip!

I am typing this from the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris. You can use the free nights here only if the cheapest of the cheap, the lowest of low room categories ("classic queen") is available. I was looking forward to staying here, but was not expecting much in terms of the room itself.

But wow. The room is by no means large (though larger than the miserable hovel at the 4-star Crowne Plaza), but certainly ample for 1 or 2 people. And the bathroom! The bathroom is as large as the bedroom -- fully marble, with a large tub and a walk-in shower, plus a huge area for the sink.

The furnishings, both in my room and in the public areas, are wonderful: contemporary and tasteful. Not like many of the posh places where the furnishings make you think that they're still mourning the fall of Louis XVI.

Breakfast in the room is an extravagance, and one that you should treat yourself to. And the staff are courteous without being condescending or snooty. I can't imagine how the hotel found such personnel in France.

Anyway, if you're thinking of getting the Hyatt card, or if you haven't used the free nights, this joint is a good place to use them. You'll likely need to plan several months ahead as the free rooms tend to go quickly. (BTW, if you were to pay for this room, the best available rate on the internet is 600 euro/night).

hyatt is always a cut above i find...

Thanks for the report, Don!

Nice, that hotel is on my wish list in Paris.....

Don, I am envious. Enjoy your stay!

Does anyone know if the rooms are transferable? I am not a US resident so I can't get the card but I could pay for a family member to have it and get the rooms myself?

All, we're trying to decide whether to keep the card for a second year -- what are the ongoing benefits? We've already used our free nights.

Hi sf307,

We are keeping the card and for the second year I think you get the following

1. Platinum level status (or higher if you've achieved status through stays)
2. One Free night (category 1-4 hotel)
3. Certificate redeemable for a welcome amenity OR 1,000 dining points OR upgrade to Hyatt Regency club level for up to 3 nights for a paid stay of 3 nights or less

fee free purchases overseas

We did not renew. Kinda feel guilty but category 1-4 not exciting enough and we do not stay in hotels that often in US there are no Hyatts in Tanzania. But it was a great year one.

I just received my card and am using 1 free night at the park hyatt Dubai and plan on using another at the park hyatt Tokyo so a great deal already!

More miles, we got two cards (one each) and just spent 4 consecutive nights at the Grand Hyatt Kauai!