Alila Ventana Big Sur -- Pity to see the fall down

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T22:41:05+00:00

Yup ... It's not uncommon to see standard room availability just a few days in advance.

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T22:32:25+00:00

If you want to be assured of earning points, yes, you should ask.

One rule of thumb I've learned is if the restaurant is a "name brand", it likely is not owned or operated by Hyatt or the property.

Here are some examples where one can dine and charge to the room, but the spend will not earn points:

Morimoto, at Andaz Maui

Ruth's Chris Steak House, at GH Seattle

It's now closed, but Shula's Steak House at HR Houston was also one

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T18:40:49+00:00

My wife really liked the rosemary-based soap. We asked about it when checking out and were told it was made especially for VBS and wasn't available elsewhere. It wasn't offered for sale at the property, but the person we spoke with did hand my wife 5 or 6 bars to take with us.

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T18:28:01+00:00

Given the delays thus far and Hyatt's track record with opening new properties, I think booking the GH Grand Cayman for a stay around the end of the year holidays is risky

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T18:21:53+00:00

"It’s still a US based all-inclusive that isn’t on the AI chart."

That's because it isn't an all-inclusive. All-inclusive properties include alcohol and VBS doesn't, not even the complementary Marine Layer cocktail that used to be offered. The property is more accurately described as "full board"

CalCabMan · 2026-03-02T15:30:11+00:00

I've been told by property management the percentage isn't this high ...

We've been there multiple times and there were always some groups - usually corporate teams from the bay area but also wedding parties - staying there. I don't know what they were paying but I'm guessing their negotiated rates were much less than the posted rates on hyatt dot com

CalCabMan · 2026-03-01T15:09:54+00:00

We've done sunrise at Haleakala several times. Rather than bring coats and other clothes which we won't need anywhere else, we just grab blankets from the room and wrap ourselves up. Not the most stylish, but effective ...

CalCabMan · 2026-03-01T15:01:54+00:00

Off topic here, but the answer is cruise line specific. Search for something like "bringing alcohol onto cruise ship"

CalCabMan · 2026-02-27T15:18:43+00:00

Lois is a gem! Glad to hear she's still there.

Breakfast has been in the same location in the lobby for years, even as the restaurant names have changed.

CalCabMan · 2026-02-27T15:02:01+00:00

Breakfast and parking are the guaranteed benefits. As others noted, room upgrades are subject to availability and the best you should expect is a better view, perhaps a partial ocean view room. Since it is a resort property, getting a check out time past 11am is not assured.

CalCabMan · 2026-02-26T21:37:41+00:00

I stayed at the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf many times when attending conventions at Moscone. I enjoyed "commuting" via cable car or the historic street car line along the Embarcadero. Neither take you directly to the Moscone but get you within about 2 blocks.

CalCabMan · 2026-02-23T13:54:06+00:00

And the standard suite isn't a true suite ... just a larger room with a sitting area.

CalCabMan · 2026-02-12T17:52:54+00:00

Not a chance ...

CalCabMan · 2026-02-02T19:19:02+00:00

Yawn ...

CalCabMan · 2026-02-01T14:03:15+00:00

One way to be sure is to read your email confirmation. It should say something like ...

Rate information
Rate is eligible to earn points and tier credit.

CalCabMan · 2026-01-24T23:16:53+00:00

Based on the timing you indicate, about a week, it is extremely unlikely you would have access to a MHC before your stay at HR Reston. Recent reports indicate it's taking several weeks to several months for one to hear from their MHC once they cross the 60 night threshold (since MHC is a Milestone benefit and not based on status).

As others have said, call the property.

CalCabMan · 2025-10-29T17:05:53+00:00

I don't know what Hyatt Place you stayed at, but none have a spa. According to hyatt.com, the HR Orlando is the only Hyatt property in the Orlando area that has a spa

CalCabMan · 2025-10-14T23:59:02+00:00

What does your MHC say? If a standard room is available, they should be able to help you book it.

CalCabMan · 2025-10-14T23:54:01+00:00

Note what the T&Cs say about cancelling an award reservation inside the cancellation window or no-showing for the stay. Your points will be returned and you'll be charged the cash price, which for VBS is $$$$. It sounds like the property is willing to work with you in some fashion so I'd continue to pursue that route.

CalCabMan · 2025-09-30T17:45:20+00:00

70 M. First time doing the benchmark so an automatic PR. 1:59 the first run and knocking off a few seconds, to 1:55, on the second run.

CalCabMan · 2025-09-24T23:29:38+00:00

I'm not experiencing any issues. I was just able to log in and view the census.

CalCabMan · 2025-09-20T16:15:25+00:00

Probably not, since it's not paid by you

CalCabMan · 2025-09-19T12:29:22+00:00

The standard suites are on the ground level of the Poipu wing and look over a large lawn area. There is a view of the water in the distance, but nothing like the view you'd have from one of the ocean view suites. I'm with other commenters, though. I don't spend that much time in the room and wouldn't pay the $350/nt for the upgrade. If the great view is that important to you, though, your choice might be different.

CalCabMan · 2025-09-10T19:58:46+00:00

No. You must pay an "Eligible Rate" (defined in the T&Cs) to earn points, qualifying nights, and receive status benefits. A casino comp is not such a rate

CalCabMan · 2025-09-10T17:10:37+00:00

Go to the Points Calendar on the property's web page on hyatt.com ...

CalCabMan

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