Last Minute Cancellations for Hyatt Explorists and Globalists – How it Works

One of the perks of both Explorist and Globalist status in the World of Hyatt program is a benefit related to cancelling a reservation later than the stated policy. It’s a wonderful feature and I’m not aware of anything similar elsewhere.

I have had Marriott Titanium reps reach out on my behalf successfully for similar last minute emergencies – but I’ve also had then just get told no by the hotel.

With World of Hyatt, this is an actual, written benefit.

Here’s what it says:

“Reservations confirmed or changed by World of Hyatt Explorist or Globalist members can be cancelled until 11:59 pm the day before arrival, when the hotel’s cancellation period stated above is not more than 48 hours. This 24-hour cancellation period benefit is not valid for stays at Hyatt Residence Club or Miraval resorts. It also does not apply: (i) to prepaid or non-refundable rates; (ii) when the cancellation period stated above is more than 48 hours; or (iii) for reservations booked at corporate negotiated or group contract rates. This benefit is based on a member’s tier status at the time of cancellation. The cancellation windows are based on the hotel’s local time.“

So, let’s say you are in New York, headed to California in the morning. The reservation you have states a 48 hour cancellation policy (remember, this doesn’t work if the cancellation is any longer – even 72 hours would make it exempt). If you are Explorist or Globalist, you can cancel until 2:59am Eastern time since the hotel is on Pacific time where that would be 11:59pm.

This provides extra peace of mind for all the things that can and do go wrong when traveling. 

And if you are unlucky enough to have to cancel later than that or at a hotel with a longer cancellation policy, it’s always worth calling and asking for a favor. Especially if you are Globalist, Hyatt is by far the chain you are most likely to get an exception made (although outside of policy, it’s the Globalist line calling the hotel and asking for the favor). But much like Hyatt properties tend to offer elite benefits with a smile, they are (in my experience) most likely to work with the Globalist rep for an exception.

Have you used this benefit? Did you even know about it? Let me know in the comments!

Get Hyatt Bonus Points: Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, plus an additional 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in you first 6 months on purchases that would normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. | How to apply for this offer.

Thoughts?

Let me know below in the comments, on Twitter, or in the private MilesTalk Facebook group.

And if this post helped you, please consider sharing it!

You can find credit cards that best match your spending habits and bonus categories at Your Best Credit Cards. 

New to all of this? My “introduction to miles and points” book, MilesTalk: Live Your Wildest Travel Dreams Using Miles and Points is available on Amazon and at major booksellers.