Comparing Top-Tier Hyatt and Starwood Elite Status

With the launch of the new World of Hyatt Program, Hyatt is really upping their game when it comes to their new top-tier status, which will now be called Globalist Status. Previously, this was referred to as Hyatt Diamond status in the former Hyatt Gold Passport Program. With new benefits added, we’re going to see how Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum status compares.

Qualifying for Top-Tier Status

Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum status is earned after completing 25 eligible stays or 50 eligible nights in a calendar year. Eligible paid stays and nights, as well as award redemption stays and nights, count toward elite status. For comparison, Hyatt Globalist status is earned after completing 60 qualifying nights or earning 100,000 Base Points or holding 20 qualifying meetings/events per calendar year. Once earned, you’ll only need 55 nights to re-qualify for the status.

In addition, both programs do offer top-tier lifetime status. With SPG, you can earn lifetime Platinum status after staying a total of 500 eligible nights total with the company, as well as holding Platinum status for 10 years. With Hyatt, Lifetime Globalist is earned after achieving 1,000,000 base points over the course of your program membership.

Hotel Benefits of Top-Tier Status Members

Being a Hyatt Globalist member entitles you to a bunch of benefits. Globalist members earn a 30% points bonus on all points, complimentary premium in-room internet, resort fees waived on both point stays as well as eligible paid rates, complimentary parking on award stays, 4pm late checkout privileges, upgrades to the best available room, including standard suites and club lounge access or breakfast for two adults and two children, if the property doesn’t have a lounge.

As a Starwood Platinum member, you’ll also be entitled to many benefits as well. These include earning three Starpoints for every dollar spent, welcome amenity upon arrival including either bonus Starpoints, continental breakfast, or a local amenity, upgrades to the best available room including standard suites, in-room premium internet, complimentary health-club, club-level and executive-level access, and 4pm late checkouts.

Both programs offer premium benefits for holding top-tier status, and in addition if you exceed the threshold to earn you may find yourself earning even more rewards. For instance SPG Platinum members are eligible for the Your24 benefit after 75 nights a year, letting you check-in whenever you’d like, and after 100 nights, you enjoy SPG Ambassador service. With Hyatt, you can earn bonus points or additional confirmed suite upgrades once you’ve stayed 70 nights a year.

Any Airline Perks As Well?

As a Starwood Platinum member, you’ll earn benefits when flying Delta. SPG Platinum members get priority check-in, priority boarding, unlimited complimentary upgrades, and the first checked bag for free when flying with Delta. These perks are similar to what Delta offers their Silver Medallion members, which normally requires 25,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles or 30 segments a year to earn.

As a Hyatt Globalist member, you’ll receive two complimentary passes to the United Club each year, which will come in your Hyatt Globalist welcome packet.