What started as me tracking nights turned into a full-blown obsession. Finished 2025 with 153 nights and first time Globalist. I put together a spreadsheet mostly to answer the question I kept asking myself early on: is this actually worth it?
Short answer: for me, yes. Not the cheapest path at all, but my schedule made it possible and Hyatt treated me well overall. Lots of breakfasts, upgrades (sometimes big, sometimes just higher floors), waived fees, and milestone rewards really added up. SUAs and free nights mattered way more than I expected.
Some quick property thoughts, no star ratings, just vibes:
Rio Las Vegas: Surprisingly solid. Huge rooms, free parking, good breakfast, and VIP check-in was consistently great. Easy mattress run base.
Andaz Scottsdale: Easily one of the most beautiful properties I’ve stayed at. Pool days actually felt worth staying in for. Prickly pear lemonade alone almost sold me.
Hyatt Place Ontario Rancho Cucamonga: Absolute nightmare. Dirty, loud, smelled awful, and front desk couldn’t care less. Worst Hyatt I’ve ever seen.
Hyatt Regency Valencia: Super reliable. Great upgrades, free parking, strong breakfast. Stayed multiple times and would again.
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington: Definitely do not stay here. Terrible. Awful. Please don’t come and ruin it. The lake views, walking paths, planes, brunch, and cheap off-season point rates are just unbearable. You’ve been warned.
Hyatt Regency Dallas: Shockingly great. Front desk went above and beyond, amazing breakfast, free Reunion Tower tickets, parking comped. One of the best surprise stays.
Alila Marea: Used my first 1–7 award here and it was probably the stay of the year. Ocean views, great breakfast, valet-only so points felt like a steal. Ended the year here and it was perfect.
Globalist is worth it if you actually use the benefits. Milestone rewards matter a lot. Prive rates are huge value if the price difference is reasonable. I don’t travel peak dates much and had no trouble finding awards.
I’ve got about 80 nights booked already for this year but will probably stop around 110. If anyone wants thoughts on a specific property, happy to share. This sub helped me a ton when I was planning, so hopefully this helps someone else.
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