Hyatt New Change for 2018: Free Night Awards Count toward Tier Status

Hyatt has been my mainstay hotel chain of choice over the last number of years.  I've visited quite a few properties in the U.S. and other foreign countries - while their footprint is smaller compared to other chains, I find the quality to be a step above the rest.  Take for instance the Hyatt in the Maldives (from site):

Since World of Hyatt changed up the earning process for qualification, there has been a lot of grumbling about how to get stay credit and other points.  Thankfully, Hyatt is introducing a feature that most will probably like: credit for award stays.

From their email:

You deserve to be rewarded for your loyalty. We are excited to announce starting January 1, 2018, all nights on free night awards will count toward tier status. You can now earn elite status and additional benefits and rewards faster.

Plus, we’re extending the validity dates for the following free night awards. Starting with awards issued January 1, 2018, you can use them up to 180 days from issuance.

Free night in a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort when you stay 30 qualifying nights or earn 50,000 Base Points in a calendar year

Free night in a Category 1-7 Hyatt hotel or resort when you stay 60 qualifying nights or earn 100,000 Base Points in a calendar year

Wherever your travels take you, World of Hyatt looks forward to rewarding you even more in 2018.

This is an excellent upgrade in service!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!

The Christmas season is upon us

Another year is winding down. Soon 2018 will be here - thinking back on the many adventures this past year brought, I find myself thankful for the opportunities to travel, experience immersion in cultures, and explore new locales. I may not have traveled as many BIS miles as other years but I have no complaints.  The new year promises a similar amount of fun and exploration.  I'm also looking forward to visiting family back in Wisconsin and in Arizona.

Curious if anyone else has big travel plans in the new year? 

Walking and Dining: Prague

Our three days in Prague were very fun - the weather held up with only a few raindrops in between which allowed for easy walking and exploring.  I admit that I was having a bit of deja vu walking around from my past visit during choir tour.  There wasn't a trip to Plzen in the cards for this trip.

We were able to visit some excellent restaurants along with the Palace, Dvorak Museum, and the main square and clocktower.

Pod Vezi - traditional Czech menu (site)

Sad Man's Tongue Bar and Bistro - Kudos to owner Steve who was kind to chat with us and share some great recommendations (site)

Wine O'Clock - hidden and well worth the find - reservations needed in advance! (site)

We chose to stay the Charles Bridge Palace (through Booking.com) - very close to the Charles Bridge and within easy walking distance of the Metro.  The room was average; shower was excellent though the furniture was old and the inner room did not allow for any air movement whatsoever, meaning it was generally hot.

It was fun to be back.  Looking forward to another visit soon. 

Thanksgiving Trip 2017: Prague

Departure day!  I'm excited to be heading out for this year's Thanksgiving trip which will take us to Prague via Switzerland.  It's been a long semester and we were once again able to fit in a trip over this time period for an amazing deal.  The weather might be a bit on the cool side, though I'm not anticipating any major flight problems at this point.  Ready for snow in the Alps!