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This was my first Hyatt visit in many years and my first as a Diamond. This may sound strange but since I have basically lived at SPG hotels for years, and was able to status match over to Hyatt, this was my first stay and enjoyed comparing their top status to SPG’s top status.
So while this is a review of the Dallas airport location, it is also as much a first impression and comparison to #SPGlife if you will, that is, Hyatt status compared to SPG status.
First you cannot beat the convenience of this location. My wife and I were in town for just two days and enjoyed some quality time at the DFW AMEX Centurion lounge and the Grand Hyatt is at the same tram stop / gate area as the lounge.
As you can see from the above, after exiting security, find the escalators up or take the elevator up to check-in. As a side tip, having the elevators at departures level is very convenient if you pop out like we did and went to Hard Eight BBQ and then could get right to our rooms from “street level” if you will.
We were welcomed as Diamond guests and offered a choice of welcome amenity as a Hyatt Diamond. I really like this perk and it is impressive compared to SPG that gives you the choice of only a drink vs a bottle of wine AND other choices. There is also the points option and honestly with SPG I normally just pick this and would have this time too if traveling solo. I am all about points after all.
We were told a letter would be in our room expanding on the breakfast choices as a Diamond. Nice since so much of this is new to me. There was no club lounge that would have been the default choice so we would have breakfast, either via room service or in the restaurant, complimentary. SPG offers the same but I have found as an SPG Platinum “most” that do have a club lounge will give you a free breakfast coupon in the restaurant if you ask for it. Some club rooms are very nice at hotels and others, well, are just OK.
We were extended a complimentary Diamond upgrade to a Jr. Suite. They have some truly impressive suites at this hotel but we were staying on a Chase Hyatt card free night cert and it did not qualify for one of my 4 yearly suite upgrades. I could have pressed it and maybe got it done but this was as much a blog experiment as a stay for me so I just went with what was offered. Jr. Suite upgrades is quite common for me as an SPG Platinum btw.
To say I was impressed with this Jr. Suite was putting it mildly and not really because of the room but because of the view but more on that later. First the room itself. I liked the little nook when entering for water and a stool to use to take your shoes on and off. Just nice.
Just to the left after you enter there was a nice sized bathroom with separate shower and tub. The only complaint was that the door to the shower needed adjusting and would not really stay closed without a wash cloth wedged in the door. From hair dryer, to iron and ironing board, all were there as one would expect in a suite room.
Then the main living space for this Jr. suite. It was a nice open plan. While modern, I would not call the furnishings exceeding comfortable.
We went and got a bunch of pillows from the bed to watch some TV and enjoy our Diamond amenity. Just as a side note the TVs in both rooms were fine and wifi speed was good and free as a Diamond.
Then we had the bedroom. I so like a suite that has sound isolation from the door. My only complaint here was it was close to the elevators so we did hear the dings even with separate room. I did like that robes were provided like I have come to expect at most Sheraton and Westin properties.
But for me the grand star of this room was the view as a total AVgeek. Oh my. As you can see night and day the views were stunning of the airport runways. Most impressive including the DFW fire crews putting on a practice drill during our stay!
One last interesting thing in this room was that the room “peep hole” was a digital display. Never seen this before so just thought I would point it out.
For breakfast we decided to dine in the hotel restaurant. I very much liked the modern look and feel and the choices were good.
I decided to embrace the Tex-Mex choice since it was something I would not normally enjoy at home. Again, very good but not spectacular. My wife had another selection and it was equally good.
The dining area is quite large and has an open feel with the kitchen “in” the main space.
The bar area, including a impressive “wine wall” is also shared with the dining area.
Overall this was a most enjoyable stay and an interesting “first” impression of top elite status with Hyatt. I was pleased how well the Grand Hyatt took care of us and enjoyed all the hotel had to offer. Staff was all but perfect and the Hyatt Concierge folks on twitter were great. I do look forward to my next visit to this location.
In an SPG vs Hyatt comparison, I think the switch from SPG to Hyatt this year (due to the coming Marriott takeover) will be rather seamless. The only issue I see when I am searching for where I will stay for the trips I have booked in 2016 is location of the Hyatt properties vs SPG. I am starting to feel “hub captive” with my choices. – René
