I got excited when many blogs posted about the return of the new Hyatt Diamond challenge for 2015. I’ve been especially excited because I have 4 nights booked in a few weeks at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun that can satisfy 4/12 nights needed for the challenge.
While bloggers seem to have such detailed information about the new challenge requirements, Hyatt insists that there’s no such thing. I’m confused.
A few days ago, I sent a note to goldpassport@hyatt.com asking to be enrolled in the new challenge. I received this back:
Dear Ms. Aucello,
Thank you for contacting Hyatt Gold Passport; I appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
I regret to inform you that I am unable to enroll you in the Diamond Trial offer as the offer is now unavailable as the end date of this offer was on Friday, 31 October, 2014. I apologize as I am unable to fulfill your request.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any other assistance with your Hyatt Gold Passport account.
I then scrolled through some comments on this blog post and others were reporting the same.
What’s the deal? Is it coming back or not? Has anyone been able to enroll?
Hyatt no longer offer a diamond trial. I think the new name is elite trial or something like that.
According to GP on FT, it’s only for certain people:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt-gold-passport/1643026-quick-qualifying-elite-trial-here-1-15-master-thread-invite-only.html#post24107384
No offense intended but I hope the Diamond challenge does NOT come back except perhaps to match similar top tier status from another program. I can understand Hyatt’s business model needing to lure other high-value guests but the generosity of the previous iterations of the “Diamond challenge” were a bit much.
Can’t tell you how many times I encountered (more than 5x, less than 10x?) guests at resort properties (Andaz Maui, GH Kauai, HR Waikiki, HR Orlando) who just gushed about upgrading to a suite and enjoying lounge privileges and free breakfasts. When asked how often they travel to get such great benefits they all extolled the virtues of the “Diamond challenge”. And that they take one vacation a year. Sigh.
As someone who spends 250+ nites/year in hotels and EARNS status and benefits the “old-fashioned” way, it sure makes me wonder what the heck Hyatt was thinking.
I’m all for the people in your “hobby” churning credit cards for miles and points but please leave the top tier benefits to those who actually earn them?
Is this the first time you’re going to do the Hyatt Diamond challenge? For some reason I thought you’ve done it before and I thought the purpose of these challenges is that you can only do it once a lifetime?
I called them twice since Jan 1st. The reps have no idea what I’m talking about. I think maybe it’ll come back but it’ll be a trial for platinum and fast track to diamond. Either way, I think Hyatt’s latest promo is a huge disappointment. I may shift some of my business to IHG since I’m trying to get to Bora Bora this year.
Maybe try to contact on Twitter @HyattConcierge
or people also talk to Jeff Z directly, the manager of GP. :)
I wonder if they decided to change it to a case by case basis vs a public offer like their original intent.
The details of the Challenge were emailed to me directly from Hyatt – http://www.travelingwellforless.com/2014/12/30/hyatt-diamond-challenge-returns-but-with-a-catch/
I received the exact same canned response yesterday, word for word. I’m not going to sweat it for now. I have an Asia trip planned for this fall, so if after June 1st it’s up and running, I’ll do it, otherwise so be it. I think Hyatt reps have been poorly trained with responses during this transition period. I do agree with GrincoLoco’s comments though. This gravy train wasn’t going to stick around forever. I think Hyatt dropped the ball with such an easy challenge and lots of people were abusing it at the expense and aggravation of those who earned it the hard way.
I called last week and asked about the diamond challenge and was told “12 nights in 60 days” gets you diamond.
So I made a non-refundable reservation (starting tomorrow night) that I otherwise wouldn’t have made if I wasn’t going for the trial (almost a mattress run – I chose to stay at a Hyatt instead of my sister’s house).
I called today to enroll in the diamond challenge, first person told me there definitely isn’t a diamond challenge anymore. Ugh.
HUCA.
Second person said they don’t have the challenge anymore (where you match status from another hotel chain), but they do have the “Hyatt Elite Trial”, where you stay 12 nights in 60 days and get diamond.
So try calling and asking for the Hyatt Elite Trial. If that doesn’t work, HUCA.
Good luck!