The World of Hyatt Credit Card is one of my all-around favorite hotel credit cards. The card offers an anniversary free night on your account anniversary each year, which is valid at category 1-4 properties. The card has a $95 annual fee, and almost anyone should be able to get more than $95 worth of value out of that anniversary night certificate.
While the limitation of only being able to redeem at category 1-4 properties does exclude some properties, there are many awesome hotels that belong in those categories. This by no means limits you to Hyatt Place properties in third rate cities.
Yesterday I wrote a post about 10 great properties in the Americas where you can redeem your Hyatt anniversary free night , while in this post I wanted to look at 10 great hotels in Asia where you can redeem the anniversary night certificate offered by the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Some of Hyatt’s best properties are in Asia, and many of them are Category 4 or below.
In no particular order:
Andaz Shanghai
The Andaz is one of my favorite properties in Shanghai. Everyone has has an area of the city that they prefer, and personally I really like the Xintiandi area, as it has some nice pedestrian zones and great restaurants. The rooms at this hotel are a good size, and I found the Globalist treatment to be very good.
Park Hyatt Siem Reap
I just stayed here a few months ago, and haven’t gotten around to writing a review yet. Cash rates at this hotel can be quite high, so being able to use an anniversary certificate here is a great deal. While the town of Siem Reap as such isn’t terribly interesting, Angkor Wat is a must see, even if just for a few days.
While this isn’t the world’s best Park Hyatt, it’s a solid hotel.
Grand Hyatt Beijing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Beijing over the years, it’s that there’s no perfect hotel. I’ve stayed at the Park Hyatt, St. Regis, W, Sheraton, etc., and I can’t say I have a single hotel that’s an absolute winner for me. That being said, the Grand Hyatt is a solid option, with a pretty good club lounge, and also the coolest indoor pool I’ve ever seen.
Hyatt Regency Hong Kong
Hong Kong can be an expensive hotel market, so it’s great that Hyatt has a category 4 property there. The Hyatt Regency has a convenient location in Kowloon with great views of the skyline, as well as a nice club lounge and modern rooms.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur shortly after it opened, and was impressed. The hotel has nice views of the Petronas Towers, and a fantastic club lounge. The Kuala Lumpur hotel market is nicely improving, however, and there are other good options, like the St. Regis.
Park Hyatt Ningbo
I’m intrigued by the Park Hyatt Ningbo, which opened several years back, and looks pretty nice. It’s not a very long train ride from Shanghai, so maybe I’ll make a detour to this resort the next time I’m in Shanghai.
Park Hyatt Saigon
I love Vietnam, though it has been a while since I’ve actually planned a proper trip there. I hope to make it to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in the not too distant future, and when I do, will definitely stay at the Park Hyatt.
Andaz Delhi
Looking at a different part of Asia, the Andaz Delhi just recently opened. I love the Andaz brand, so would be curious to see what it’s like in India. I’m in the process of planning a trip to India, so hope to stay here when I’m in Delhi (though I realize there are tons of good hotel options there).
Park Hyatt Goa
Goa is one of the most popular vacation destinations in India, and there are several good hotels there. Among those is the Park Hyatt, which is one of the other category 4 or below Park Hyatt properties in Asia. I’m trying to combine a visit here with a visit to the Andaz Delhi.
Grand Hyatt Incheon
While this is a bit different than the other hotels on my list, I seem to have more than my fair share of overnights near Incheon Airport. The most practical place to overnight near the airport is at the Grand Hyatt, given that it offers a free shuttle, and given that the city of Seoul is quite a ways from Incheon. The hotel was recently renovated, and snagging a room here for the equivalent of the $75 annual fee on the Hyatt Card is a steal.
Bottom line
There are lots of great hotels where you can redeem the category 1-4 anniversary free night offered by the World of Hyatt Credit Card. However, I’d say some of the best eligible hotels are in Asia, including some Park Hyatt and Andaz properties. Of course this isn’t especially practical for a weekend getaway if you’re US-based, but if you’re planning a trip to Asia, I’d definitely consider redeeming my anniversary free night certificate at a property there.
Furthermore, keep in mind that if your spouse/friend/travel companion signs up for the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can potentially book two back-to-back nights by using your anniversary free night certificates for the same stay.
Do you have a favorite category 1-4 Hyatt property in Asia?
wanderingjos says: "I frankly think the Park Hyatt Siem Reap has the best treatment I’ve ever experienced of (then) Diamonds, now Globalists....my mother and father were upgraded to a suite with private plunge pool."
I have received fantastic treatment and service at PH Siem Reap. Your mentioning a "suite with a private plunge pool" just reminded me of my very first stay at this property 4 years ago. I'd gotten the Chase Hyatt visa that...
wanderingjos says: "I frankly think the Park Hyatt Siem Reap has the best treatment I’ve ever experienced of (then) Diamonds, now Globalists....my mother and father were upgraded to a suite with private plunge pool."
I have received fantastic treatment and service at PH Siem Reap. Your mentioning a "suite with a private plunge pool" just reminded me of my very first stay at this property 4 years ago. I'd gotten the Chase Hyatt visa that year and it came with two suite upgrade certificates as my signup bonus. The term for using the suite upgrade certificates was that one had to book an eligible paid rate, and then use the certificate to upgrade to at least an entry-level suite depending on the level of room booked.
I planned to stay 4 nights in Siem Reap, so I first booked 2 paid nights in a standard Park King for $366/night and used one of the certificates to upgrade the two nights to a suite; and then I booked the last two nights using just points (15K/night). However, upon checking in, not only was I upgraded to an Executive Park Suite (the suite with a "private plunge pool", which was not an entry-level suite, though I did know it at the time), I was also told that they were letting me stay in the Executive Suite for my last two standard award nights! If the upgrade had happened today, it would have been equivalent to being upgraded from a $320/night King Room to a $765/night Executive Suite...for 4 nights, with two of the nights booked as standard award nights! That's unbeatable "value."
@John Didn't have a good experience with Park Hyatt the last i visited Goa. Taj Exotica, Goa and The Leela, Goa are the best hotels in Goa. Stayed at both of them. Heard Goa Marriott Resort and Spa and recently opened W Goa are also good.
@ Karan -
While there are three Taj properties (if counting the Fort Aguada and the sister property as one) in Goa, the Park Hyatt actually is very nice. Awesome huge set of pools, clean beach (cannot be said for many hotels there), and great little seafood shacks along the beach. If you're in Goa for the water (versus for the food), then the Park Hyatt is not a bad choice.
Make sure to take diarrhea medicine to India, you'll need it. And remember to wash your hands every 5 minutes with bottled water.
I used it at the Park Hyatt Goa in 2016 and will try the Park Hyatt Saigon this year. Park Hyatt Goa was awesome - private beach, luxurious grounds, great food, exquisite rooms.
ooops, I left out the most important part: I was referring to Park Hyatt Saigon.
I stayed at Park Hyatt 1 night in Sept 2012 using points and I had Platinum status. no upgrade or free breakfast.
It was clean and nice and well-maintained but the standard room felt small to me. The pool was nice and if I recall correctly, the location was pretty good. Staff were nice and professional.
Nothing bad to say, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay again, but not an exceptional or aspirational hotel if...
I stayed at Park Hyatt 1 night in Sept 2012 using points and I had Platinum status. no upgrade or free breakfast.
It was clean and nice and well-maintained but the standard room felt small to me. The pool was nice and if I recall correctly, the location was pretty good. Staff were nice and professional.
Nothing bad to say, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay again, but not an exceptional or aspirational hotel if that's what somebody is looking for with their free nights.
Andaz Delhi is a nice choice but I would recommend you to stay at Leela Palace or The Oberoi, Gurgaon or ITC Maurya or ITC Grand Bharat both are a luxury collection hotel . Also Park Hyatt, Goa is not worth it. There are way better choices in Goa like The Leela Goa, Taj(all 3 properties are excellent) etc. And if at all it is possible I would suggest you to atleast spend a night each at The Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad and Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur.
@Alex how'd you pass moderation?
If you're going to India, you might want to try out the ITC Maratha; it's a luxury collection hotel so it might be useful for you as a Starwood loyalist. I've stayed there personally and find it to be a great hotel. It's pretty close to the airport's international terminal too.
https://www.itchotels.in/hotels/mumbai/itcmaratha.html
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1349&language=en_US
+1 on PH Busan and I'd like to throw in Hyatt Regency Danang. If you have status, there's a club side with a lounge with practically dinner and nice ocean view rooms.
Lucky,
i agree with you most of the time but i can't agree with you on GH incheon. it's a nice airport hotel and it used to be cat. 2 or 3 up until last year.
even GH shanghai, which i don't think should make the list because of their lack luster food offerings, is better than GH incheon.
like many above, i would put PH busan instead. it is owned by...
Lucky,
i agree with you most of the time but i can't agree with you on GH incheon. it's a nice airport hotel and it used to be cat. 2 or 3 up until last year.
even GH shanghai, which i don't think should make the list because of their lack luster food offerings, is better than GH incheon.
like many above, i would put PH busan instead. it is owned by the same company that owns PH seoul and is being run in similar fashion. nice food, nice people and impeccable service.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok should be on the list too. The ladies on the 17th floor were simply phenomenal. Best service I've ever received at any hotel anywhere.
Grand Hyatt Tapei and Park Hyatt Busan should definitely replace the Grand Hyatt Beijing/Incheon on the list.
I frankly think the Park Hyatt Siem Reap has the best treatment I've ever experienced of (then) Diamonds, now Globalists. In late 2015, we had two rooms, both Diamond bookings. My room was for a standard king and my mother's was for a standard king + suite upgrade. In the end, I was upgraded to a suite and my mother and father were upgraded to a suite with private plunge pool. And they had a...
I frankly think the Park Hyatt Siem Reap has the best treatment I've ever experienced of (then) Diamonds, now Globalists. In late 2015, we had two rooms, both Diamond bookings. My room was for a standard king and my mother's was for a standard king + suite upgrade. In the end, I was upgraded to a suite and my mother and father were upgraded to a suite with private plunge pool. And they had a bottle of French white wine waiting for me in the room, and a vast array of teas and dried fruits for my mother and father. They really knew our preferences and I have never had more personalized or better service, anytime or anywhere with Hyatt. Also the happy hour in the Library was unbeatable: USD$3.50 for a decent glass of French wine. And regularly only $5. Unbelievable.
+ 1 on Park Hyatt Busan. Should be on this list. I do love the Andaz Shanghai.
Grand Hyatt Muscat! Great hotel. Where's the review, lucky?
NONONONONO to any place in India. While the hotels may be great, the country is the biggest dump in the world. Good luck in India dealing feces, urine, garbage and all the other nastiness that is there. I'm not as well travelled as you, but India is by far the nastiest place I've been.
JW Marriott is my absolute winner in Beijing. Has not disappointed
@Jason +1 for the Rambaugh Palace. Incredible place.
What about Grand Hyatt Taipei?
Siem Reap would be considered "not interesting" by folks who would rather to get there flying in a SQ "suite" on a A380 than in a single packed cabin on a Cambodia Angkor Air or Bangkok Airways turboprop. For those of us who travel to enjoy the world in far away places with strange sounding names, Siem Reap is more than just the gateway to Angkor Wat. Within the setting, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is...
Siem Reap would be considered "not interesting" by folks who would rather to get there flying in a SQ "suite" on a A380 than in a single packed cabin on a Cambodia Angkor Air or Bangkok Airways turboprop. For those of us who travel to enjoy the world in far away places with strange sounding names, Siem Reap is more than just the gateway to Angkor Wat. Within the setting, Park Hyatt Siem Reap is a delightful Khmer-theme little "palace" that consistently yields a great redemption value. In fact, I am planning to use my Chase Hyatt visa anniversary certificate there again for my 2017 Year-end Escapade(tm), and I won't even get near Angkor Wat!
Neat choices, but for India you've gotta really go for the local unique places, if you can swing it. Stay at the Imperial in Delhi. Truly incredible. Then go to Jaipur and stay at the Rambagh Palace. It'll blow you away. Finally, I know you're an Amen Junkie. Stay at the Amanbagh for a few days. I was there for 4 days two years ago. Amazing.
I think Park Hyatt Busan should be on the list instead of Grand Hyatt Incheon.