It’s no secret that World of Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status comes packed with perks. Some popular benefits include standard suite upgrades (upon availability), a full breakfast for registered room guests (up to two adults and two children), waived resort fees and 4 p.m. late checkouts.
But here’s one of my favorite Globalist benefits you might not be aware of: free parking on award stays.
Today, we’ll review what you need to know about this perk so that you can bring your car along for your next stay.
Free parking on award stays
This means the free parking benefit is only valid when redeeming points for the room or staying on a Category 1-4 or Category 1-7 certificate at participating properties. You’re responsible for parking charges if you book a cash room rate.
The terms and conditions go on to state, “Free parking benefit is valid at Hyatt hotels or resorts that offer parking, provided that parking charges at such hotel or resort can be billed to the guest room/folio.”
This is an important point. If the hotel doesn’t put the parking charge on your folio (i.e., you must pay directly with the parking lot or valet), Hyatt won’t cover your parking. I recommend calling your hotel before arriving to confirm Globalists receive free parking on award stays.
The terms and conditions also specify that if the hotel offers both valet and self-parking, the benefit is valid for either.
Finally, the free parking benefit doesn’t apply to vacation ownership properties.
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Related: Bad news: World of Hyatt announces category changes, 214 hotels to soon require more points
How to maximize this benefit
Free parking can be a significant savings, particularly in pricey cities. Overnight parking at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco costs $85.50, while at the Park Hyatt New York, you’ll be spending $80 to valet or self-park your ride. Overnight valet at the Hyatt Regency Chicago costs $79.
I recently redeemed 17,000 points (the off-peak Category 5 rate) to stay at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. to dodge a room bill that would have totaled $422.17. I was already pleased with my redemption of World of Hyatt points at 2.5 cents apiece, about 40% above TPG’s valuations.
But at Dulles International Airport (IAD), I rented a car. Parking rates at this property are $59 per night, so the free parking benefit stretched my points further — clocking out at 2.8 cents per point.
Guests who park at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. are also entitled to complimentary electric vehicle charging.
Since I found a plug-in hybrid on the National Car Rental executive aisle at Dulles, the hotel gladly charged up my rental car between outings — a greener way to drive, convenience and savings at the pump.
Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?
Topping off your World of Hyatt points balance
World of Hyatt free night certificates and points are more valuable if you plan to park your car on a Hyatt stay. It could be another reason to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt. Here’s a look at some of the current Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card offers:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening; $95 annual fee.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening; $550 annual fee.
- Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: 100,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening; $95 annual fee.
You might also consider purchasing Hyatt points with a bonus or discount. Through March 25, you can buy Hyatt points for 1.7 cents apiece here.
Related: The most award-friendly hotel program: Everything you need to know about World of Hyatt
How to qualify for Globalist status
You must hold Globalist status to enjoy the free parking perk on award stays. Here’s a look at how to qualify for Globalist status this year:
- Stay 60 qualifying nights.
- Earn 100,000 base points.
- Host 20 qualifying meetings or events.
If you hold the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you earn five elite nights toward Hyatt status. World of Hyatt cardholders also earn two elite nights for every $5,000 spent on qualifying purchases.
The card also comes with one free night certificate valid at any Category 1-4 property (for spending $15,000 in a single calendar year) and a free night certificate you earn just for keeping your account open. And yes, Globalists are entitled to free parking at a qualifying property when staying on these certificates.
Related: Comparing the best hotel elite status tiers and how to earn them
Bottom line
Parking charges are on the rise, and as a Globalist, you and your car might be able to sleep for free. Confirm that your hotel offers complimentary parking to Globalists on award stays. So far, I’m yet to find a hotel that doesn’t participate in this benefit.
The next time you redeem Hyatt points, factor parking charges into your redemption. In my case, this perk made a sweet deal that much sweeter.
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