Hyatt’s Globalist Breakfast Benefit Explained: Best In The Business?

Hyatt’s Globalist Breakfast Benefit Explained: Best In The Business?

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There are pros and cons to each major hotel loyalty program, especially when it comes to elite perks. Personally World of Hyatt Globalist status is my favorite hotel loyalty status that I have, and that goes beyond Hyatt having the best suite upgrade policy for Globalist members.

World of Hyatt arguably has the most generous elite breakfast benefit of any major hotel loyalty program, and in this post, I’d like to take a closer look at how that benefit works.

The basics of Hyatt Globalist breakfast perks

World of Hyatt Globalist members receive complimentary breakfast with almost all stays. If a hotel has a club lounge, then Globalist members receive breakfast in the lounge. As with all hotels, the quality of that will vary based on where in the world you are. When a Hyatt property doesn’t have a club lounge (or the club lounge is closed), Globalist members receive daily complimentary full breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant.

As you’d expect, there are some terms to be aware of when it comes to the Hyatt Globalist breakfast benefit:

  • Guests receive full breakfast, which is defined as one entree or standard breakfast buffet, plus juice and coffee
  • Taxes and service charges are included with breakfast
  • The breakfast benefit is available for each registered guest in a room, up to a maximum of two adults and two children; each individual hotel can determine the age cutoff for a child

There are several exclusions for this benefit, which shouldn’t be a big deal for most:

  • At Caption by Hyatt, breakfast includes one “elevated” coffee and one “small plate” option per registered guest
  • At Unscripted by Hyatt, sit-down breakfast may not be offered, in which case a grab & go selection will be provided, including one food item and one beverage per registered guest
  • At Me and All Hotels, breakfast consists of a “light” buffet, which may include limited warm options, for each registered guest
  • The breakfast benefit doesn’t apply at Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Miraval, or the all-inclusive brands, because breakfast is generally included at these brands; if you’re staying at a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House that doesn’t include breakfast for all guests, then Globalist members still receive full complimentary breakfast, as at other brands
  • The breakfast benefit doesn’t apply at Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences, Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, Hyatt Centric Waikiki, the Laurel Inn, and Ventana Campground
  • The breakfast benefit doesn’t apply at vacation ownership properties, since these often don’t have restaurants; however, select Destination by Hyatt Residences properties do offer breakfast to Globalists, including The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Everline Resort and Spa, Wild Dunes Resort, Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn, Wild Dunes Resort Vacation Rentals, and Wild Dunes Resorts Residences at Sweetgrass Inn
Hyatt Globalist members receive complimentary breakfast

My experience with Hyatt Globalist breakfast

For some context, let’s just briefly compare Hyatt’s elite breakfast policies to those of competitors:

In my opinion the Hyatt Globalist breakfast benefit is the only elite breakfast perk where I don’t feel like I have to make a compromise with what I want to eat, yet everything is still covered. With Marriott I often end up paying an uncharge for breakfast, and with Hilton the credit in the United States isn’t enough to cover a real breakfast (though I realize some people like the credit for the additional flexibility, since you can instead use the credit for drinks at a bar, etc.).

Meanwhile with Hyatt I almost always have a great breakfast, and it doesn’t cost me a dime. Even at your typical airport hotel, like the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, you can order whatever you’d like off the menu, and it’ll be taken off.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Globalist breakfast

Meanwhile some luxury properties, like the Park Hyatt Paris, go above and beyond, and even offer room service breakfast as part of the Globalist benefit.

Park Hyatt Paris room service Globalist breakfast

I typically just order whatever I’d like off the menu, enjoy, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a substantial charge left at check-out. I think back very fondly on the amazing breakfasts I had at the Thompson Dallas, for example.

Thompson Dallas breakfast
Thompson Dallas breakfast

It’s also nice that gratuity is fully included. Some hotels, like the Andaz Maui, will include an 18% gratuity, and not even give you the option to tip further. Meanwhile other properties let you fill in the tip, but typically remove most or all of it at check-out.

The Andaz Maui includes gratuity on the check

Hyatt Globalist breakfast FAQs

With the basics out of the way, let me answer some FAQs when it comes to the Hyatt Globalist breakfast benefit (and if there any questions I didn’t address, let me know in the comments and I can add them).

Can Globalists order room service breakfast?

Officially the Globalist breakfast benefit is in the hotel’s restaurant. A small percentage of hotels will allow room service breakfast, but that’s the exception rather than the norm.

Should you tell the restaurant you’re a Globalist?

At check-in, Globalist members should generally be informed of what the Globalist breakfast benefit includes. It’s a good practice to let the restaurant server know you’re a Globalist, in case they have a certain system for that. For example, some restaurants will automatically add tip for Globalist breakfasts, rather than having you write down an amount.

Though typically if a hotel doesn’t tell you what the benefit is at check-in, I tend to think it’s safe to assume that you can just order what you’d like (within reason) and it’ll be taken off.

Do Globalist members have to sign for breakfast?

It depends on the hotel. At some hotels there’s no need to sign, while at other hotels you’ll have to sign the bill as usual, and then it’ll be taken off at check-out.

How does tipping work for Globalist breakfast?

Tips are included with Globalist breakfast, so hotels generally take one of two approaches:

  • Some hotels automatically add a gratuity for Globalist breakfast, and don’t have you add anything extra
  • Some hotels let you sign the check as you usually would if paying, including adding gratuity, and then it’ll be taken off after the fact

More often than not I find that whatever I tip is taken off. In some situations there may be a tip overage of a couple of bucks (for example, maybe the hotel automatically takes off 20%, but I tipped a bit more).

Can Globalists order specialty coffee with breakfast?

Officially the benefit is that Globalist members receive “coffee,” though it’s not defined beyond that. I’ve found that ordering cold brew, cappuccino, etc., is usually taken off as well, unless you’re expressly told it isn’t.

Are there limits to what Globalists can order for breakfast?

For non-buffet breakfasts, technically the breakfast benefit is for one entree per person. In my experience that’s not all that closely enforced, though it does vary by property. For example, if I’m with Ford, we might order two entrees and then share a fruit plate and/or yogurt, and that’s almost always taken off as well. Some hotels have policies that are expressly more generous than what Hyatt requires.

Can you stack Hyatt breakfast benefits?

If you book a rate that includes breakfast, or book through Hyatt Privé, can you essentially get double the breakfast benefit? The answer is no — breakfast benefits don’t stack (not that most would probably want to have two breakfasts).

Do Hyatt Explorist members get free breakfast?

World of Hyatt Explorist is Hyatt’s mid-tier status. This doesn’t offer complimentary breakfast as a perk. However, as part of the Milestone Rewards program, you can select club access awards, which offer club access for your stay. This would only get you breakfast in the lounge, though, and not in the restaurant.

Hyatt’s Globalist breakfast benefit is great

Bottom line

World of Hyatt has an excellent breakfast benefit for Globalist members, which I’d argue is significantly better than what most of the competition offers. When Globalist members don’t receive club lounge access, they receive a free full restaurant breakfast, which includes a hot dish, coffee, juice, taxes, and gratuity.

To fellow Hyatt Globalist members, what has your experience been with Hyatt’s breakfast benefit?

Conversations (14)
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  1. Likes-to-fly Diamond

    I am often puzzled by the people who travel first/business class and stay at luxury hotels, how they are completely mesmerised by a free breakfast option.
    If hotel breakfast deserves it, I gladly pay it, otherwise, I prefer eating elsewhere, regardless of the "free option".

  2. iamhere Guest

    I do not agree with your comments about Marrott. Actually, I think it is similar to Hyatt, the only exclusion is the Edition, Ritz Carlton, and some long term stay brands. I have never had the experience at any Marriott property as limiting as you comment. I think one major difference with Marrott is not all the brands were originally Marriott. For example at former SPG properties most often the welcome gift can be used...

    I do not agree with your comments about Marrott. Actually, I think it is similar to Hyatt, the only exclusion is the Edition, Ritz Carlton, and some long term stay brands. I have never had the experience at any Marriott property as limiting as you comment. I think one major difference with Marrott is not all the brands were originally Marriott. For example at former SPG properties most often the welcome gift can be used for breakfast. Consider that most breakfasts are worth the value of 500 or 1000 points.

    1. UA-NYC Diamond

      Wailea Beach Resort (a Marriott) says Hold My Beer

  3. Andrew Diamond

    This is my biggest beef with the program: "The breakfast benefit doesn’t apply at Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences, Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, Hyatt Centric Waikiki, the Laurel Inn, and Ventana Campground."

    Residences have an excuse of not typically being an accommodation in a hotel sense. Kind of like how you wouldn't expect to get one at an AirBNB. Ventana campground and Laurel Inn get a pass for not having, and never had any restaurant on...

    This is my biggest beef with the program: "The breakfast benefit doesn’t apply at Hyatt Regency Madrid Residences, Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences, Hyatt Centric Waikiki, the Laurel Inn, and Ventana Campground."

    Residences have an excuse of not typically being an accommodation in a hotel sense. Kind of like how you wouldn't expect to get one at an AirBNB. Ventana campground and Laurel Inn get a pass for not having, and never had any restaurant on site.

    Centric Waikiki is my main concern. It's owned by private equity, they shuttered their restaurant, and Hyatt turns a blind eye but permits themselves to call them a "4 star hotel" (wtf?) If a crappy property owner can just override the program promises, you find that the terms of contract between Hyatt and the owners actually are paper thin. This is within their rights to do... as long as they tell Hyatt they don't feel like it and add themselves to an exclusion list they don't even have to give you any points.

    All that said, it's indeed the best. It's just a little sketchy when you look at Hyatt's roadmap of less control ("asset lite" in investor speak) and more operator chaos.

  4. Hyatt is The Best,almost! Guest

    Might as well call it a " No Breakfast" at Hyatt Blackfriars. it sucks. Avoid it!

  5. Simon Guest

    Am I alone in thinking that airline status is far (far!) superior to hotel status? I guess I don't care about fancy suites and can afford to pay for my breakfast... whereas a first class domestic upgrade makes the journey much more comfortable and rapid access to a phone rep in case of irregular operations is priceless.

    Currently doing a status match challenge for AA Platinum Pro, which I guess I could try to use...

    Am I alone in thinking that airline status is far (far!) superior to hotel status? I guess I don't care about fancy suites and can afford to pay for my breakfast... whereas a first class domestic upgrade makes the journey much more comfortable and rapid access to a phone rep in case of irregular operations is priceless.

    Currently doing a status match challenge for AA Platinum Pro, which I guess I could try to use to match to Hyatt Explorist (or Globalist after 20 nights), but I just don't see the point...

    1. iamhere Guest

      Have you stayed in a luxury hotel in the US or Europe recently? The breakfast can be more than $50-60 per day....

  6. FNT Delta Diamond Guest

    I don't think Hyatt’s globalist benefit is the best in the business. At least on paper, IHG’s benefit is better since it is always a restaurant breakfast. Many Hyatt properties play games. And not just franchised properties. The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City — managed by Hyatt — has a “club lounge” but the lounge is only open for breakfast. That’s clever because they avoid globalists crowding the restaurant or costing them money with fancy...

    I don't think Hyatt’s globalist benefit is the best in the business. At least on paper, IHG’s benefit is better since it is always a restaurant breakfast. Many Hyatt properties play games. And not just franchised properties. The Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City — managed by Hyatt — has a “club lounge” but the lounge is only open for breakfast. That’s clever because they avoid globalists crowding the restaurant or costing them money with fancy breakfasts from the menu. The lounge breakfast is worse than what a Holiday Inn Express or Hyatt Place provides. Speaking of Hyatt Place, the standard Hyatt Place breakfast buffet is also weaker and more limited than the standard Holiday Inn Express breakfast buffet. Worse, many Hyatt Places are now charging guests who don’t have globalists status for the breakfast that was previously offered for free.

    1. Daniel M Guest

      I agree that the IHG breakfast benefit is more generous than Hyatt's, as it's always a full, hot breakfast (buffet or entree plus unlimited juice/coffee/tea) regardless of whether the property has a lounge. I have yet to encounter an IHG hotel that doesn't honor the breakfast benefit.

    2. FNT Delta Diamond Guest

      It's hard not to honor it because it's so well defined, unlike IHG's upgrade benefit or even late check-out benefit. Hyatt's benefit is defined but there are ways to game it, as we see with the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City or the Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Both are still better than Marriott and certainly better than Hilton. But objectively, IHG has the best breakfast benefit in the loyalty program space.

  7. Powerball Winner Guest

    The breakfast perks of Hyatt are the main reason I set out to obtain status many years ago. Being a top status and not receiving free breakfast is annoying at other brands.

  8. Mantis Diamond

    Are Mr and Mrs Smith hotels excluded? I didn't think so, but Volve Hotel in Bangkok has a message on app that globalist benefits such as free breakfast are not included. Other MMS properties have given me free breakfast in the past, so I'm confused about their stance. I confirmed in person and they stand by that they don't need to honor this benefit.

    1. theebigjuan Guest

      Yes that would be helpful as I will have a few days with them in Portugal next week…

    2. Duckeduck Guest

      MMSmith properties are excluded explicitly in the program terms.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

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Mantis Diamond

Are Mr and Mrs Smith hotels excluded? I didn't think so, but Volve Hotel in Bangkok has a message on app that globalist benefits such as free breakfast are not included. Other MMS properties have given me free breakfast in the past, so I'm confused about their stance. I confirmed in person and they stand by that they don't need to honor this benefit.

1
Duckeduck Guest

MMSmith properties are excluded explicitly in the program terms.

0
Likes-to-fly Diamond

I am often puzzled by the people who travel first/business class and stay at luxury hotels, how they are completely mesmerised by a free breakfast option. If hotel breakfast deserves it, I gladly pay it, otherwise, I prefer eating elsewhere, regardless of the "free option".

0
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