Looking at Seattle in early September. Seems we have a number of free nights. I'm mainly stayed in the more boutique Kimptons in Seattle, but free is hard to pass up. While the rates are considerably higher for the Grand Hyatt than for Hyatt at Olive 8, the number of points is the same. They're only about a block apart, so I guess there's no real location advantage. Any comments about one hotel over the other?

Just the location; the Grand is slightly closer to more things, but as you say they're only a block or two apart. I haven't spent much time at the Hyatt/8 but am pretty familiar with the Grand, and it's a fab hotel.

I stayed at the Grand several years ago. The room was large and quite comfortable. The food on site was also quite good. Front desk service was excellent. And the view from our room was gorgeous.

I have only been to events at both hotels, didn't stay there as a guest. In terms of location, the difference is negligible. The Grand, of course, is grand. If the number of points is the same, I would opt for the Grand, if you can.

I only know them from location and the outside appearances. But I like Olive 8 a lot, it's a modern "hip" looking hotel. Grand Hyatt looks really boring from the exterior but I know it's a great hotel by reputation. Location is basically the same with a slight preference imo to Olive 8.

Love the Olive 8! A smaller boutique hotel, personable service, a great indoor pool and spa, and classy rooms.

Oddly we have booked Grand Hyatt for four nights as it was considerably "cheaper" than the Olive 8. Two nights (the more expensive ones are free with 15,000 Hyatt points each) -- not available at the Olive8. The other two nights are a special Hyatt "My Elite" rate of $179 a night.

Great rate for one of the best hotels in town.

I'm a big fan of Hyatts. I didn't even know about this "My Elite" rate, but it is apparently open to Platinum Hyatt members?
When I called to do the points, I found that I could only get a free room with points on Sunday and Monday nights, but the agent told me about this "My Elite" rate for the Friday and Saturday nights".

Stayed twice at the Grand Hyatt, nice rooms (loved the window shades), good location and great service, no complaints.

Good deal for a nice hotel (where rates are ridiculously expensive in Seattle these days).

I just stayed in the Hyatt Olive 8 for 5 nights and loved it. Not much in the immediate area, but easy walking distance to the market and Capitol Hill. And a nearby Top Pot location for possibly the best donuts I've ever had

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt years ago and loved it. Can't speak to the Olive 8.

When checking on the Hyatt website, if you're checking special rates like Senior or AAA, you won't see 'My Elite.' You need to be logged in and a platinum member and checking for regular rates. Even then, it is not always available, but if it is, that is the way to see it.

Interesting, Centralparkgirl, I know I was logged in as a platinum member at the the time, but never saw My Elite. I got the impression you could only get it by phone. Recently I've checked at other Hyatts for it, and it never seems to be available.

Meanwhile, yes, we're still booked at those super rates at the Grand Hyatt for four nights. Rates for both those hotels are now MUCH higher for the second week of September than when I booked them back in February. Sometimes it really does pay to plan ahead.

Top Pot donuts rock!

NP - If you didn't see it, it wasn't available at that exact moment in time. Sometimes rates drop - briefly - and if you're diligent, it can really pay off. My Elite started this year as a new benefit for platinum or diamond members.

Actually, now I see the problem -- should have read your post more carefully. I guess when I'm logged on as a Platinum member, I still ALWAYS click either AAA or Senior for pricing. I see now, if I do that, it won't show My Elite pricing. Tried a couple again, and there they are!

By the way, just booked four nights in February for our anniversary at the new Hyatt Zilara All Inclusive ADULTS only resort in Montego Bay which opens November 1. It's HALF price as an opening special for advance booking, but not sure how long that will last!

That's right. I used to do the same thing until I stumbled across how it works.

I've booked the year old Hyatt Zilaria Cancun for next year and I'm wondering why the Jamaica half price is almost the same as the Cancun full price. I'm hoping to use all points, but I'm still wondering about the price difference.

By the way, Hyatt adult only means 16+. Hopefully there won't be a lot of teens when I go. I'm not going around any school holidays.