Instead of the usual Saturday night on a redeye, I’m spending my Saturday night at a hotel not too far from home. It’s quite nice, actually, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. I even spent most of the day playing “spot the off duty flight attendants,” since the crews from one of my favorite airlines happen to stay here. 😉
Earlier this afternoon I went to the Costco not far from the hotel to buy $1,000 worth of Hyatt gift checks for $800. It was quite an entertaining experience. First I had to sign up for a Costco membership, which was $50 (but it’s worth noting that they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can get a refund at any time). They made me fill out a form, at which point the agent entered all the information into the computer. Half way through entering the information she started laughing hysterically and said “your birthday is on 4/20. I celebrate your birthday every year.” Hah, classy!
Then, as I checked out with a grand total of $799.90, the check-out agent felt bad for me. “Ouch, that’s gotta hurt.” Actually, for the first time ever I didn’t feel bad spending $800, because it was that phenomenal of a deal.
I’ll break down the math when “Big Welcome Back” season is over, but I’m actually earning one free night for every $100 I spend. That’s even better than what I was expecting. Not bad when I can redeem these nights at top end Hyatt hotels all over the world. So you can bet it’ll be a fun summer of travel.
My Costco purchase
Not a bad view…
Hi Lucky. I have a question for you? Can you book 2 rooms for 1 night or you have to book 1 room for 2 nights to get the free night? ALso, do you know if your able to use your free night for the hyatt vacation rentals? How quickly will you see your free night appear after you stay for the 2 nights? Sorry I am new to all of this. Thanks for all your guidance.
especially if you factor in that he is probably also earning 4500 points per stay (G2 bonus of 2000, Diamond amenity of 1000, base points of 500 and 30% diamond bonus: over 4500 points). After 4 nights that's another free night, effectively reducing each nightly rate by 25%. So even if the post Costco rate is $75 (or around $100 booked rate), after spending $300 (for 4 nights) he gets 3 free nights. That's how...
especially if you factor in that he is probably also earning 4500 points per stay (G2 bonus of 2000, Diamond amenity of 1000, base points of 500 and 30% diamond bonus: over 4500 points). After 4 nights that's another free night, effectively reducing each nightly rate by 25%. So even if the post Costco rate is $75 (or around $100 booked rate), after spending $300 (for 4 nights) he gets 3 free nights. That's how you get a free night for every $100 spent; not such a big secret.
@Bianca -- Lucky actually said he's getting one free night for every $100 he spends. Not that hard when you can bring the cost of each night down to around $50.
What took you so long, Ben? I've been using Costco Hyatt certs since early December :)
Lucky, I am confused as to how you are earning a free night for every night...you are being so secretive!
~$50 per stay is pretty common in a lot of places. Just do the math. The HP or SS can be $60-$70 per night. Then apply a cert from Costco which basically takes $10 off your stay, and voila, you have about $50.
@Sam.
I think it was the Coscto membership that costs $50.
$50 per stay? can you give us a simple break down now?
Too bad Hyatt doesn't have Sky Kits. :-)
I can't believe you spent so much money on these certs. You're still a student, right?
And welcome to Costco, Ben. You can add it to your list of United, Hyatt, etc, as the best in class loyalty program. When I was your age, I was skeptical and refused to join, but once you're no longer flying solo, the economics changes and it's probably worth it.
But only $1k in certs? Lightweight.
This Hyatt deal is so good, it actually drove me away from the Hyatt Waikiki!!! Yep, I'm at the Sheraton tonight so that I can check back into the Hyatt tomorrow -- and then back here on Monday, and then.... well, you get the picture.
Is it sad that a company can make a promotion so good that it causes me to leave and give up my ocean view, Regency Club, and awesome buffet...
This Hyatt deal is so good, it actually drove me away from the Hyatt Waikiki!!! Yep, I'm at the Sheraton tonight so that I can check back into the Hyatt tomorrow -- and then back here on Monday, and then.... well, you get the picture.
Is it sad that a company can make a promotion so good that it causes me to leave and give up my ocean view, Regency Club, and awesome buffet breakfast? Seriously, Hyatt should really consider some formula that factors in stay length. It'd be a win for them and win for us.
I'm right there with you, Lucky, after a trip to Costco! Hello from IAD :)
I'm did the same today! Stopped at Costco, bought Hyatt certs and checked into a Hyatt Place near the airport. I'll have to add $2 to the certs for the night.
I shop a lot at Costco and buy gas for the cars there as well, so I have an Executive Membership and I get 2% back on the purchase as well.
Are you actually staying at the hotels when you stay there? Too bad you can't find some way to "sell" your reservation to others to get the credit while not spending as much out of pocket.