I just downloaded an app update for the Hyatt mobile app for Android. I believe the iPhone update for the app has been out for a few week now.
From what I’ve noticed, it’s a very useful update. Prior to this update, the app was only great for checking out current reservations. It sometimes wouldn’t remember your login so you would have to log in every time you opened the app. Searching for, let alone booking, reservations (paid only) was a pain and easier done on an actual web browser.
Hotel cards are often overlooked in the credit card game, but they shouldn’t be. Many of them have lucrative sign-up and anniversary bonuses. The Chase Hyatt credit card is no exception. In fact, many see it as one of the best hotel rewards cards out there.
After landing at Jorge Chavez International (LIM) Airport, we got our passports stamped and collected our bags. First order of business was to get a taxi to the Sheraton Lima Convention Center.
Thanks to a great tip from fellow blogger Jamison, we went directly to the Taxi Green stand before even entering the actual Arrivals Hall. We paid the posted rate, received a receipt, and a driver started rolling our luggage through the throngs of people and taxi drivers.
Sheraton Lima Convention Center is in the Centro Historico (Historic Center) district of Lima. This is where you can find most of the history of the city, with several monuments and other Spanish-influenced architecture. As a semi-history buff, it was interesting to be within the city that Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded almost 500 years ago.
As for the hotel, it is conveniently located next to a shopping mall with food court in case you need to do any shopping or grab a quick bite.
Upon checking in, the front desk agent welcomed us and informed us that we had been upgraded to the Club Floor, which meant access to the Club Lounge. This was great because it meant we were all set for breakfast the next day, before leaving for Cusco.
We were shown to our room on the 17th floor and a welcome amenity of was awaiting us. Nice to have some fresh fruit after a day of travel.
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
Sheraton Lima Convention Center
The following morning, we woke up early to eat in the Club Lounge before heading back to the airport for our flight to Cusco. It was early enough that we were the only ones in the lounge. The lone waiter was very attentive and friendly, offering to refill our coffee and juices more than once.
The spread was pretty extensive. I am a fan of a hearty breakfast so I found the spread, especially the meat options, more than adequate for breakfast. I can see why these Starwood Platinums cherish their breakfast amenity!
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge – Lomo Saltado
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
Sheraton Lima Convention Center Club Lounge
As we approach January 7, 2014, keep in mind that tomorrow, January 6, will be your last day to book Hyatt free nights/upgrades/suite nights at the current rates.
I wrote about these Hyatt award chart changes when they were first announced. Some of them major; some minor.
Regardless, it would behoove you to figure out if your travels this year include a Hyatt stay. If they do, you might want to speculatively book some award nights now and lock in the current rates.
For the most part, they are fully cancellable until a few days before the stay. Only in certain circumstances can you not cancel Hyatt award nights. Always check the cancellation policy before completing the booking!
The Hyatt schedule goes as far as 1 year out so you’ll be able to book for New Year’s 2015 if you so desire.
With regard to modifying your award nights, you’ll have until February 15, 2014 to modify reservations at the old rates.
A good tactic I’ll be using as we book a few award nights is booking each night as a separate reservation.
By booking each night separately, you can cancel each night independent of the others. Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle during the booking process, but it gives you great flexibility in case plans change.
Again, check out my earlier post on the great Hyatt devaluation and decide whether you should burn your Hyatt points.
Well, as some of us expected, one of the last popular loyalty programs with an untouched award chart has announced award chart changes. Hyatt has published some changes that will go into effect on January 7, 2014.
Here is the current Hyatt award chart that is valid until January 6, 2014:
Current Hyatt Award Chart
Here is the new Hyatt award chart that will take effect January 7, 2014:
New Hyatt Award Chart
The current Hyatt award chart has six hotel categories, with the highest Category 6 hotel coming in at 22,000 points per night.
The new chart will see a new top-tier category (7) where six Park Hyatt hotels will now live.
