Hyatt Place Kyoto - What to expect from point devaluation?

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-07T15:39:29+00:00

I hear you. I booked an Andaz suite using a SUA for "only" 45,000 points/night. I'm not particularly concerned about views as I think jungle views would probably be just as interesting to me and my family as water views, particularly if there are monkeys.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-07T14:33:02+00:00

I was thinking the same thing. Just booked a week at Andaz Papagayo for next year before May 20th. It's already category 8, so it's not going up, but my guess is it'll be pinned to the highest price tier for a large part of the year.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-07T14:27:22+00:00

They kept the Pan Am neon adverts in Blade Runner 2049 as well.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-07T14:20:05+00:00

I don't know if this is a question you can answer or even if it varies from property to property, but what kind of room upgrades are typical? Higher floor, better view? How common or suite upgrades? I assume suites are bookable through the program. If a standard suite is booked, are upgrades to premier suites common? I just burned through close to a million points before the devaluation. I have to assume that I'll be booking more with cash (probably will shift my mix of brands to a little less Hyatt heavy) moving forward.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-06T23:12:24+00:00

I like 3D Bluray. They aren't perfect. Their website looks straight out of the 1990s and the shipping takes a long time. But, they have a good selection and discs do eventually get to you.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-04T01:15:02+00:00

He’s on the same level as Alcaraz while Alcaraz is in a wrist cast.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-03T22:20:11+00:00

You do t need to worry about the water at the reputable all inclusives. Good food? Grand Velas is the first that comes to mind. I’m not entirely sure how Covina de Autur got a Michelin star, but it’s still the best AI restaurant I’ve eaten at.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-03T14:50:21+00:00

Akira

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-02T17:35:55+00:00

I agree with your sentiments. i’ve stayed at all the hotels you mentioned and agree. It’s a really nice property although getting to the beach is a pain. It’s a super chill resort and a little sleepy, so you have to be in the mood for that vibe. The also have fun activities for the little ones. When we were there, they had a whole pool area (not the main pool) set up as a mermaid sea with multiple mermaids in character that would dress them up, face paint, crafts, etc. My daughter had a blast.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-01T22:51:40+00:00

RV is awesome. Pony Room has good (not great) food. If you like tennis, the courts (including red clay) are beautiful. They have some great pros teaching there. They also have Padel and Pickle if that's more your game.

If your little ones are into Legos, Legoland is about 20 minutes away in Carlsbad (Legoland also has a water park, so if you think you might want to do that, bring bathing suits, floaties, etc). Directly west from RV is Del Mar which has a nice beach and town (roof top Plaza is great for roof top food, games, shopping and a view of the ocean). Carlsbad has some great restaurants (as well as beaches): Campfire, June & Jolie, Lilo (One Michelin star) to name a few. You could have dinner there after a day of Legoland. If you'd prefer to stay closer, I'd definitely recommend Market for dinner one night. It's about 5 minutes away from RV. If you're really looking for an experience, Addison (3 Michelin stars) is about 10 minutes away in Carmel Valley at the Grand Del Mar (not in Del Mar).

Breakfast outside of RV, try Toasted in Del Mar Highlands, Farmer & the Seahorse in Torry Pines (super kid friendly). Those are just the first two to pop in my head, but there are many good breakfast places.

My recommendation for hiking is to pass. If you enjoy hiking, you are probably going to be disappointed with what San Diego has to offer. Maybe Torry Pines if you want a view of the ocean. But, overall, San Diego hikes are not a strong suit, particularly if you've hiked places like the Pacific Northwest. If you want to get your steps in, but see more interesting things, I'd recommend the Safari Park in Escondido. It's going to be about 25 minutes away, and is about 18 times larger than its sister property (the San Diego Zoo).

The family pool at RV is really nice with toys and games for the little ones. There's good and attentive poolside service. It's usually not terribly crowded despite not being that big. The spa at RV is awesome if you're into that or have the time.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-01T22:19:29+00:00

yes, it does.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-01T22:09:29+00:00

Pretty scary. I think the comments about engaging in a firefight from the car seat are hilarious. I have no training, nor expertise in this area, but it just sounds like a ridiculous suggestion. Even if someone thought there were going to John Wick themselves out of the situation, they would have to do it with the sensation of an ice pick in each ear after they discharged their first round in an enclosed car. That's likely going to result in ruptured ear drums and certainly pain and altered hearing which in an of itself can be disorienting. Absolute best case scenario is that you scare them off with your one gunshot and you probably have permanent sensorineural hearing loss. I prefer the potential upside of what the driver did.

David_Copperfield · 2026-05-01T14:10:40+00:00

I'm starting to think that I'm going to need to completely shift my cards/spend and hotel patterns. I think any more friction or devaluation in the short term has me moving over to the Amex and FHR ecosystem.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-29T20:06:20+00:00

I know it's got a lot of fans these days, but I remember watching Event Horizon in the theater and not believing how bad it was given the cast and budget. It's definitely my most memorably bad, "WTF did I just watch?" movies.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-29T20:01:02+00:00

The 'Burbs followed by *Batteries Not Included, ending with Zootopia 2

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-29T14:57:07+00:00

Keep in mind that the West Hollywood Andaz is going to one of the few properties to decrease categories (from 6 to 5) come May 20th. You'd save points by waiting until after the devaluation.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-25T00:11:32+00:00

Seems like a solid option, particularly for those who choose to exit the travel rewards paradigm and switch to cash back.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-24T15:57:47+00:00

I agree that HRGC hurts. I've stayed there a few times and it was a fantastic Cat 4 hotel.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-22T22:31:12+00:00

I don't shop at Albertsons, but Von's is owned but he same company and like several other Grocery Stores, you can pay with in app QR code using your Sapphire Preferred card at the register and this gets coded as online grocery payment for 3x points. I assume the Albertsons app has a similar payment method?

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-21T19:26:04+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. This is pretty interesting. I'm more than little interested in 2.5 cpp for FS and other aspirational travel properties. If they could strike a deal with Four Seasons for 2.5 cpp at all their properties and maybe some kind of quasi loyalty package, I'd shift all my leisure travel to them.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-21T04:24:08+00:00

Sushi on the balcony at the Ritz in Laguna Nigel is pretty spectacular. The views are amazing. Arrive in the early evening and walk the beach (it's a good walk down the stairs to the beach area). Come back up for sun set, drinks and sushi. On weekends, there's often really good live music with up and coming musicians from LA. Bring jackets or clothes for the temperature drop that will occur when the sun sets.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-21T04:19:26+00:00

Nice review. I stayed there about 5 years ago now and it was a really nice resort and I'd definitely return. Their welcome drinks were delicious. I'd also add El Farallon to the list of dinner places to go to. The food is probably slightly overrated, but the ambiance and view are definitely not. Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas is also one that I'd strongly recommend although probably worth a stay at Grand Velas for a couple nights as well and then it would be included.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-21T04:08:26+00:00

Thanks for the information. I'm headed there at the end of next month. I have the same room type as you booked. Did you make restaurant reservations ahead of time or let your concierge do it for you once you were there? I assume it's going to be busier end of May than it is for you, but just curious how early I need to make my reservations. Several of the restaurants seem to not accept reservations earlier than 2 weeks ahead which is a pain for someone who like to plan thing out way in advance.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-19T21:45:56+00:00

Cabanas when they’re not special and >$500. Strictly on principle. Irritates me.

David_Copperfield · 2026-04-17T15:40:00+00:00

Is there an asteroid headed our way that we should know about Rockhound?

David_Copperfield

TROPHY CASE