- Introduction: The Trip Of A Lifetime To Austin
- I Finally Earned Lifetime Hyatt Globalist Status!
- Spirit Airlines: 9 Tips For Having A Good Experience
- Review: Spirit Airlines A321 Big Front Seat (FLL-AUS)
- Review: Thompson Hotel Austin
- Southwest Airlines’ Unique Boarding Process Explained
- Review: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 (AUS-FLL)
It finally happened — after 15(ish) years of being pretty loyal to World of Hyatt, I’ve finally earned Globalist status for life.
In this post:
What does it take to earn lifetime Hyatt Globalist status?
World of Hyatt Globalist is my favorite top-tier hotel status level, and the World of Hyatt program also offers lifetime Globalist status. Specifically, you can earn this by racking up one million base points in the World of Hyatt program. You earn 5x base points per dollar spent, so that equates to $200K in qualifying spending with Hyatt over the years — yow!
Obviously that’s a lot of money, but keep in mind that back in the day I lived in hotels full time for an extended period of time, so I was paying for hotels in lieu of paying rent.
What stay earned me lifetime Globalist status?
I recently posted the introduction to my Austin trip report. As you may have guessed based on the title (“The Trip Of A Lifetime To Austin), I qualified for lifetime Globalist status at the Thompson Austin.
A few months back I posted about my general thought process of planning a special stay for this occasion. While I had hoped to do something grander, I ended up just being practical. Between moving, being a new dad, family health issues, etc., I didn’t want to delay this stay any further.
So I figured the Thompson Austin was at least a decent place to reach this special milestone, since most of my upcoming Hyatt stays will be at limited service properties. I’d rather earn this at a Thompson with friends than at a Hyatt Place alone!
Does anything special happen when you earn lifetime status?
So, how was my stay that qualified for lifetime Globalist? Well, the same as every other stay, really. I had used a confirmed suite upgrade to block a suite, and that’s exactly the room I got.
I received a modest welcome amenity, but presumably that was on account of having booked through the Hyatt Privé program, where that’s a published benefit.
There was no on-property recognition of the milestone otherwise, which is of course fine. Sorry to disappoint the peanut gallery that assumes that bloggers get special treatment. 😉
The day after I checked out, the stay posted to my World of Hyatt account as usual. When I opened the World of Hyatt app, there was a pop-up congratulating me on earning lifetime Globalist status.
I also received an email with the subject line “Your Benefits: Upgraded for Life,” and this outlined all the perks I’ll receive as a lifetime Globalist member.
The Hyatt website and app now show any mention of status as being about “Lifetime Globalist,” rather than “Globalist.”
I’ll report back over time as to whether I notice any difference in on-property treatment as a lifetime Globalist member compared to before. Based on what I’ve read, the difference in recognition is minimal, if anything.
How will this change my Hyatt stay patterns?
I feel incredibly lucky to have earned lifetime Globalist status in my early 30s, since (God willing) I’ll hopefully have quite a bit of time to enjoy it. Now that I’ve earned lifetime Globalist status, how will my hotel loyalty strategy change? Well, probably not at all.
The beauty of lifetime status with World of Hyatt is that it offers incremental value, even if you’d otherwise earn Globalist status. It’s the only hotel loyalty program where that’s the case (though I’m sure a certain prolific commenter will be by shortly to make some counterfactual arguments).
Lifetime Globalist members get all standard Globalist perks, plus several of the Milestone Rewards perks annually, including four confirmed suite upgrades, a Category 1-7 free night award, etc.
Even if you’re a lifetime Globalist, there’s still a big incentive to remain engaged in the program, since you can essentially double dip. In other words, if you are a lifetime Globalist member and rack up 60 elite nights in a year, you’ll receive eight suite upgrade awards, two Category 1-7 free night awards, etc.
I suspect I’ll still qualify for Globalist with 60 nights before, especially with the help of credit cards. And then I’ll just have more free night awards, I’ll be able to confirm a vast majority of my stays in suites in advance, etc.
More than anything, it’s just nice to know that I have this status in the bag, and don’t have to worry about earning it anymore. Loyalty programs sometimes change the requirements for earning lifetime status, so it sucks when you’ve been working toward something for years, only to have the goalposts changed on you (this is why I think it’s not worth pursuing lifetime status as a goal, other than at the margins).
I think it’s also important to mention that the exact details and benefits of Globalist status may very well change over time. It’s possible that confirmed suite upgrades or free night awards might not be part of the program a decade down the road — who knows. I just trust that lifetime Globalist members will maintain whatever the highest status is in the program going forward.
Bottom line
After more Hyatt stays over the years than I can count, I’ve finally earned lifetime status with World of Hyatt. For the time being, this won’t at all change my stay patterns with Hyatt — I’ll probably continue to qualify for Globalist annually, but I’ll just get some great incremental annual rewards, including four additional suite upgrades and a Category 1-7 free night award.
It’s also nice to know that I have Hyatt’s top tier status in the bag for life, whether changes are made to the lifetime program as such, or I just have a year where I’m not able to stay at Hyatts as much.
Many were wondering what the actual lifetime qualifying stay would be like, so I can report back that it was entirely anti-climactic, and was like every other stay.
To fellow lifetime Globalist members, anything I should be aware of? Do you notice a difference in treatment compared to “regular” Globalist status?
I received Lifetime Globalist after 5 years as Courtesy Card Member. My guess is when Covid shut down travel I was downgraded. Under Courtesy Card I went out of my way to stay at Hyatts. Courtesy gave you access to amazing suits. I do enjoy the Hyatt Globalist perks but honestly now stay about 30% at other brands since I dont feel obligated to keep up the stays with Hyatt. Amex Platinum gives you upgrades...
I received Lifetime Globalist after 5 years as Courtesy Card Member. My guess is when Covid shut down travel I was downgraded. Under Courtesy Card I went out of my way to stay at Hyatts. Courtesy gave you access to amazing suits. I do enjoy the Hyatt Globalist perks but honestly now stay about 30% at other brands since I dont feel obligated to keep up the stays with Hyatt. Amex Platinum gives you upgrades same as Globalist tier so if the hotel is better in that location I drop the Hyatt.
It took me 15 years to achieve Lifetime Globalist.. as per my calculations i should be there by early 2024... i am also Lifetime Titanium Marriott... with Marriott i did not see any difference when i became Lifetime though. But i think the thrill of getting there is part of the fun.
However, Hyatt is by far my favorite prigramme.. they really treat you like a king most of the time... Paul
Does anyone know if point stays count towards lifetime globalist status?
I have been unable to confirm it .
Congratulations on your lifetime globalist status. I am Lifetime Marriott Titanium and have stayed at Marriott less since obtaining it. Kind of by accident but, I have been getting better corporate rates from Hilton and IHG. Hyatt has never been in my food group because they don't have enough hotels in rural Merica.
@Lucky congrats on your lifetime status. I hope that Hyatt maintains the exclusivity. I stayed 1000 nights in Hiltons, including some awful ones to get to lifetime Diamond, only to have Hilton start giving out Diamond to people getting the f***ing credit card! Hotels see no difference between a CC diamond, an earned diamond and a lifetime diamond -- in spite of the published benefits. The other day I was upgraded to a "superior" room...
@Lucky congrats on your lifetime status. I hope that Hyatt maintains the exclusivity. I stayed 1000 nights in Hiltons, including some awful ones to get to lifetime Diamond, only to have Hilton start giving out Diamond to people getting the f***ing credit card! Hotels see no difference between a CC diamond, an earned diamond and a lifetime diamond -- in spite of the published benefits. The other day I was upgraded to a "superior" room at the WA in DC and I think that's the best upgrade I've had as a lifetime Diamond!
Meanwhile to your other point, I was, like you, working towards Marriott's top lifetime status when they merged the program with Starwood and gave us only one shot at lifetime Titanium. I was too far away so now, I've got lifetime Platinum, a status that is also being handed out on an annual basis for getting a credit card. If I want titanium I have to stay on the annual hamster wheel. I do find value in my ten confirmed upgrades but had 109 nights this year and came up short on Ambassador by $1500 and find that while I can use my confirmed upgrades, those are the only ones I receive.
I've long wanted to move to Hyatt, but I just stay in too many second (and third and fourth) tier cities (Idaho Falls, Pasco, WA anyone?) that are outside the Hyatt footprint.
So, no way to get off the hamster wheel as long as I have a job where I have to stay in small cities at the government rate... but not really feeling the love.
Congrats man!
It’s definitely the one I’m aiming for.
Congratulations!
Lifetime Globalist should get free Executive Platinum on AA lolz
Welcome to the club and congratulations: Lifetime is as close as you can get to Courtesy Card treatment.
I don’t understand the belittling of the peanut gallery - I liked the humbler version of you better.
As someone who should be familiar with The Game you should know that recognition only starts when you have the status and not while you getting over the line.
As Lifetime member you will receive even more and...
Welcome to the club and congratulations: Lifetime is as close as you can get to Courtesy Card treatment.
I don’t understand the belittling of the peanut gallery - I liked the humbler version of you better.
As someone who should be familiar with The Game you should know that recognition only starts when you have the status and not while you getting over the line.
As Lifetime member you will receive even more and better upgrades and each property will be very well aware that you are a CIP (Commercially Important Client) who has spent 200,000 USD on Hyatt. You will notice the difference when giving feedback and interacting with management as they don’t have to figure out how loyal you are but know for sure.
Some over-entitled people might see less of a difference but you will see it will take you a lot less effort to tell everyone how important you are.
Whilst we're all free to hold our own opinions. I will say I'm a little confused about those on the 'blah why bother chasing X status'. I mean the whole meaning for this place existing is, in a large part at least, to cover, discuss, debate, inform and guide people regarding earning miles/ points. The reason for doing so being that it earns one some form of status/ recognition from companies that gets you as...
Whilst we're all free to hold our own opinions. I will say I'm a little confused about those on the 'blah why bother chasing X status'. I mean the whole meaning for this place existing is, in a large part at least, to cover, discuss, debate, inform and guide people regarding earning miles/ points. The reason for doing so being that it earns one some form of status/ recognition from companies that gets you as a consumer a Little something back in return.
As I said. Those holding aforementioned view are welcome to do so. It just seems 'strange' ( for want of a better word).
Well done @ben it's a notable achievement and one you should be proud of if the mood takes you or just relax knowing it's in the bank going forward
Congrats.
And if Hyatt corp is reading this, let's allow those with 1000 nights to earn Lifetime status too.
Congrats! Huge accomplishment with a great program. Well done!
Congratulations, Lucky! Welcome to the ranks.
I didn’t get anything special during my lifetime-qualifying stay at Andaz Maui. You know, the property that plays games with WOH award availability!
The difference between LTGB and GB is huge to say the least. The VIP level on the opera system is also different.
The treatment at least here in Asia is way way way better as LTGB. You will at least be greeted by FO manager or guest relations manager. U will never need suite upgrade certificate anymore.
Welcome amenities goes from cheap wine to fine champagne and small fruit plates to huge platters.
Upgrades...
The difference between LTGB and GB is huge to say the least. The VIP level on the opera system is also different.
The treatment at least here in Asia is way way way better as LTGB. You will at least be greeted by FO manager or guest relations manager. U will never need suite upgrade certificate anymore.
Welcome amenities goes from cheap wine to fine champagne and small fruit plates to huge platters.
Upgrades will 90% go beyond standard suites. Executive suites and diplomat suites are the norm.
Can you get a suite at Park Hyatt Shanghai though
Yes
Ben, congratulations. I truly hope it translates into benefits that are actually delivered. As you know, this is not always the case. Best of luck.
It's the one Lifetime status that actually does give. You will enjoy it and it does come with nuanced extra recognition and upgrades compared with standard Globalist. You are taken far more seriously in many of the properties, especially in Europe and Asia. As an example just last week I was at PH Milan and when checking out mentioned I was heading to the new Hyatt Unbound in Biarritz. When I arrived there the GM...
It's the one Lifetime status that actually does give. You will enjoy it and it does come with nuanced extra recognition and upgrades compared with standard Globalist. You are taken far more seriously in many of the properties, especially in Europe and Asia. As an example just last week I was at PH Milan and when checking out mentioned I was heading to the new Hyatt Unbound in Biarritz. When I arrived there the GM greeted me and mentioned that they had received a call from Milan that I was coming there today and, given they are a new Hyatt property Milan wanted to make sure they extended to me the best possible for my stay. They brought me up to the Royal Suite and I was treated like a King for three days. To see that level of attention (Milan calling them and Hotel du Palais actually following through without my even knowing before) is truly a testament to how good Hyatt trains its properties to take care of their most loyal customers.
The same thing happened to me coming from PH Zurich to PH Milan. Zurich called in advance of my arrival. I am not a life time globalist though
Congratulations!
@Daniel from Finland
Non stop Dan
That particular Dan is Swedish/ American not Finnish.
Having visited both countries several times and enjoyed myself pretty much throughout every trip I'm not stupid enough to enter into a debate on which country is better. I concede that I'm stupid, but there are limits to it
Simping over corporate loyalty is such late stage capitalism honestly
Be a free agent instead of on a hamster wheel
It seems strange to be celebrating how loyal you've been to a corporation. I feel like Hyatt should be congratulated instead.
CONGRATS!!
B R A V O ;-)
Congratulations!
Now you can stay at Hyatt Places and say no thanks to luxurious spa treatments!
What is the best way to check cumulative base points for Hyatt?
Check your monthly Hyatt statement that they email you. It’s at the top. I don’t believe it’s anywhere on the site or app. You can also call.
Congrats! Hyatt is the only loyalty program I still go out of my way to maintain a status with. I am still quite far away from this milestone though :)
Congratulations on your achievement.
And thank you very much for staying true to your principle.
For some certain bloggers, they would make sure 'the peanut gallery' would get a show of their life. Fireworks, parade, Champagne, Presidential suite, a signed note from every CxO, rare photo op, presentation ceremony etc.
I'm getting there! According to my calculations, I figure I'll make it two months after my 89th birthday, and then I'll
Lol.
Well played, sir.
Congrats Ben, especially for someone who doesn't have employer to foot the bill.
As Marriott continues to devalue their elite, and a lot of my Hyatt stays are points I see no reason to go out of way to persuade any hotel group lifetime elite level. I'll just let it flow unless taking a job requiring biz trips.
It's little bit of sad Hyatt doesn't give incentive for credit card users for lifetime...
Congrats Ben, especially for someone who doesn't have employer to foot the bill.
As Marriott continues to devalue their elite, and a lot of my Hyatt stays are points I see no reason to go out of way to persuade any hotel group lifetime elite level. I'll just let it flow unless taking a job requiring biz trips.
It's little bit of sad Hyatt doesn't give incentive for credit card users for lifetime status, eg. base point on Chase cards (even with a cap or lower accumulat rate)
@Ethan Isn't OMAAT the employer who foots the bill?
Ben is OMAAT.
@ Lee my guess is that OMAAT or some other name DBA OMAAT is an LLC (hence the employer who foots the bill)
Congrats! I'm at 920K...I could probably pump in the needed amount to get to lifetime in another year but I'm thinking to take it slower...perhaps spend $4K annually over 3 years
Congratulations Ben !
This is a MAJOR achievement.