Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History?

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Hyatt Place Removes Free Breakfast at Select Properties Starting January 2024

Come January 2024, Hyatt Place will be doing away with complimentary breakfast at a selection of its US hotels. This marks a notable shift for the brand, as they experiment with charging $14 for breakfast at around 40 locations. Hyatt claims this is part of an update meant to bring a more modern look and feel to their hotels. This move follows a pattern in the hotel world where free breakfast is becoming less frequent. It seems guests now have to decide if breakfast is a factor when they're deciding on their trip and where to stay. While Hyatt's top-tier loyalty members will continue to get free breakfast if they book directly with Hyatt, guests who aren't elite members and book through other platforms might not get the free breakfast anymore. Whether free breakfast will be a thing in the future of Hyatt Place is still uncertain, as they're in the middle of figuring out how these changes will affect their business.

Hyatt Place is currently experimenting with a paid breakfast option at a subset of its US locations, signaling a potential shift away from the traditional free breakfast model. This trial, launched in the fall of 2020, sees about 40 properties offering breakfast for a fee of roughly $14, while others allow guests to choose between booking a rate that includes breakfast or paying a la carte. It's interesting to note that the price point of $14 seems to mirror the average cost of breakfast at other hotels.

The move is part of a larger rebranding strategy aimed at updating Hyatt Place's offerings and visual identity. It's intriguing that Hyatt is focusing on catering to a specific guest segment, perhaps their most valued clientele, which might have consequences for budget-minded travelers.

Globalist members, who book directly with Hyatt, are spared the charge. This raises questions regarding how this affects guests who book through third-party sites. While the experiment is limited to a small number of hotels, its impact could ripple through the entire Hyatt Place brand, especially considering the chain has over 400 hotels worldwide.

The broader ramifications are multifaceted. Removing a long-standing amenity like a free breakfast could have implications for guest perceptions of value and loyalty, especially since research indicates that guests do value this perk. It will be interesting to see how guests react to a paid breakfast option and whether the trial produces enough revenue to justify the shift. Further, the success or failure of the experiment might influence whether similar changes are adopted across the entire Hyatt Place network and potentially other hotel chains.

What else is in this post?

1. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Hyatt Place Removes Free Breakfast at Select Properties Starting January 2024
2. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - World of Hyatt Elite Members Keep Free Breakfast Benefit While Others Pay
3. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - New Breakfast Menu Options Include Made to Order Items at Test Locations
4. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Room Rates Drop $10-15 at Properties Testing Paid Breakfast Model
5. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn Continue Free Breakfast While Hyatt Tests Paid Model
6. Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Guest Feedback Shows 65% Oppose New Breakfast Charges at Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - World of Hyatt Elite Members Keep Free Breakfast Benefit While Others Pay

While Hyatt Place is experimenting with charging $14 for breakfast at 40 of its US properties, elite members within the World of Hyatt program are still enjoying their free breakfast perks. Those with Globalist status, for instance, can still enjoy a full complimentary breakfast, inclusive of service charges and gratuities, for up to two adults and two children. This highlights how Hyatt is prioritizing its top-tier loyalty members.

The move to potentially eliminate free breakfast for the general public is a reflection of a larger trend in the hotel industry where such once-standard benefits are disappearing. For Hyatt Place, this move isn't entirely new, as they temporarily ended free breakfast for everyone during a period of operational changes a few years ago. The current trial, spanning several years, suggests that Hyatt is carefully considering the ramifications of potentially permanently shifting away from free breakfast across the board.

While Hyatt Globalist members seem to be unaffected by the shift to paid breakfast, regular guests might find that they need to factor in the cost of breakfast when choosing where to stay. This also raises a point of contention surrounding the value proposition of hotel stays when free breakfast was once a standard feature. The implications of these changes could go beyond just Hyatt Place. Other hotel chains might take notice of how this experiment performs, possibly influencing their own decisions regarding complimentary amenities and potentially changing how guests perceive value in the hotel industry.

Hyatt's decision to maintain free breakfast for their elite members, particularly Globalists, seems to be rooted in the understanding of guest preferences. Studies show complimentary breakfast is a significant factor in hotel choice, even surpassing amenities like internet access or swimming pools. This aligns with Hyatt's goal of keeping high-value customers satisfied.

The $14 price tag for breakfast at the 40 test properties appears to mirror the average breakfast cost across the US, hinting at a potential industry-wide shift. This price point, according to government data, is in line with typical breakfast costs. It's intriguing how Hyatt's pricing reflects broader economic factors.

Hotel loyalty programs, like Hyatt's World of Hyatt, are known to increase customer retention. Data shows that many travelers favor hotels with reward programs, suggesting Hyatt's strategy to keep elite members happy could be a strong retention tactic.

Research has found that a complimentary breakfast can notably improve guest satisfaction. For example, in New York, the presence of a free breakfast could boost these scores by up to 25%. Perhaps Hyatt's strategy is to cater more to their elite members with coveted perks while trimming down services for broader audiences.

The shift to paid breakfast is not unique to Hyatt. Many hotels are exploring ways to monetize formerly free offerings due to rising operational costs. It's a reflection of a larger industry trend towards increased fees for previously included services.

Guest surveys reveal a substantial portion of travelers value free breakfast as a key element of their hotel experience. This suggests Hyatt could risk losing budget-conscious guests who prioritize such amenities. It's an intriguing risk-reward scenario that needs careful observation.

Hyatt's choice to charge for breakfast may impact its standing relative to other hotel chains. Brands like Marriott and Hilton maintain complimentary breakfast programs as a draw for travelers of all kinds. This could spark a wave of guest movement to competing brands if Hyatt doesn't act thoughtfully.

Experts believe charging for breakfast might negatively influence hotel rates. Travelers may seek out better value elsewhere if they perceive the breakfast cost as a burden. This could eventually affect occupancy rates and overall revenue.

Hyatt's global presence with over 400 hotels worldwide underscores a potential challenge with brand consistency. A disjointed guest experience due to varied breakfast offerings could confuse or frustrate travelers who expect a standardized experience.

Hospitality rests heavily on how guests perceive value. Studies suggest when guests feel they are losing benefits previously included, their overall satisfaction can drop. This may outweigh any positive financial gains from the breakfast trial. Hyatt's decision highlights the evolving landscape of hotel service and customer expectations, prompting deeper investigation into guest behavior and how it will shape the future of hotel amenities.

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - New Breakfast Menu Options Include Made to Order Items at Test Locations

At certain Hyatt Place locations across the US, the breakfast scene is getting a makeover with the introduction of made-to-order options. This shift reflects a desire to provide a more customized dining experience, recognizing that guest preferences are evolving in a landscape where hotels are constantly vying for travelers' attention. However, this revamped breakfast approach comes at a time when Hyatt is also testing a $14 breakfast charge at many properties. This is a significant deviation from the traditional free breakfast model that has been a standard for quite some time.

While top-tier members of Hyatt's loyalty program continue to get their free breakfast, it's a different story for the average traveler. They're facing the potential for a significant reduction in the overall value proposition if they choose to stay at one of the properties involved in the breakfast testing. The upcoming months will reveal whether these new, made-to-order menu additions are attractive enough to offset the price tag for a typical guest, or if it will push more travelers to seek out hotel brands that still embrace the more traditional approach of including a complimentary breakfast. It's an interesting experiment with potential implications for the future of the hotel industry.

In a few select Hyatt Place locations, a new approach to breakfast is being tested, involving made-to-order options. This is part of a broader experiment where the complimentary breakfast, once a staple, is now a paid feature at about 40 US properties.

It's interesting to see how this change in service is being implemented, specifically with the addition of options like build-your-own breakfast. This appears to be in response to changing guest preferences as research shows a growing demand for more control over breakfast choices, with many favoring healthier or customizable meals. There is speculation that the made-to-order options are a direct response to consumer desires.

However, it's a gamble. Offering a paid breakfast raises questions regarding its impact on guest satisfaction and loyalty, especially since data suggests free breakfast plays a major role in guest preference. There's a risk of potentially alienating guests accustomed to free breakfasts, and especially, budget-conscious travelers.

From a business standpoint, the introduction of the paid breakfast option is likely based on a careful evaluation of the financial implications. Some estimate that hotels can see an increase of 20% in average nightly revenue by targeting specific customer segments like their elite loyalty members. Whether this trial will be successful and rolled out more broadly is unclear, as it requires more analysis to determine if revenue generated from the paid option outweighs any decrease in guest satisfaction or potential loss of market share to competitive hotel brands.


This shift is not solely within Hyatt, though. Across the hotel landscape, various brands are reevaluating the once-universal complimentary breakfast. The rise in operational expenses likely plays a major role, as cost-benefit analysis plays a more critical role than ever before in pricing structures. This raises questions about how such shifts might further alter the landscape of hotel offerings and pricing.


Ultimately, the outcome of this experiment will be key to understanding whether free breakfast, in its current form, might be becoming a less-common feature at certain hotel brands. This is something to consider when choosing a hotel and can influence travel decisions, as guests are likely to factor in the cost of breakfast when choosing where to stay.

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Room Rates Drop $10-15 at Properties Testing Paid Breakfast Model

Hyatt Place is experimenting with charging for breakfast at about 40 US locations, and it's having a noticeable effect on room rates. At many of these hotels, room prices have dropped by $10 to $15, reflecting the change in the breakfast model. Instead of the usual free breakfast, guests now face a fee, typically between $10 and $14, for breakfast. This is quite a change for Hyatt Place, which historically offered free breakfast as a standard amenity.

This move hints at a larger shift in the hospitality industry, where free breakfast might be becoming less common. It remains to be seen how guests will react to this shift. Will they be willing to pay for breakfast, or will it influence their hotel choices? If guests perceive the loss of free breakfast as a reduction in value, it could lead some budget-minded travelers to choose hotels with complimentary breakfast options. The success of this paid breakfast trial will be something to watch, as it could reshape the future of hotel amenities, and possibly, travel planning habits.

Hyatt Place's decision to test a paid breakfast model, currently priced at around $14, seems to be grounded in a belief that travelers increasingly prioritize a more customized dining experience over the traditional buffet-style breakfasts often provided. Research suggests that this aligns with a broader trend towards tailored meals that cater to individual dietary preferences.

However, studies also reveal a strong correlation between free breakfast and guest satisfaction. A notable increase in hotel ratings, up to 25%, has been linked to complimentary breakfast programs. This raises concerns about the potential negative impact on customer loyalty and Hyatt Place's overall brand perception if they discontinue their traditional free breakfast model.

The trend towards charging for breakfast isn't unique to Hyatt. Many hospitality businesses are facing rising operational costs and seeking additional revenue streams. Hyatt's decision appears to be a reaction to broader economic shifts that are affecting the hospitality industry. This strategy appears to mirror wider spending patterns, where businesses adjust their pricing to reflect changes in the market.

Interestingly, some hotel renovations that shifted to a la carte breakfast offerings have reportedly seen a notable increase in revenue per room, up to 20%. This suggests that potentially a portion of travelers are willing to pay for a more curated breakfast experience.

Based on market data, it seems like budget-conscious travelers, who often base their choices on amenities like free meals, might be most impacted by the change. This shift could potentially influence booking rates for Hyatt Place.

The decision to potentially charge for breakfast could place Hyatt at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors like Marriott and Hilton that still offer complimentary breakfast. Survey data indicates that complimentary breakfast is a significant factor for many travelers when choosing a hotel, potentially creating a competitive advantage for brands maintaining this amenity.

Several studies point towards a strong connection between the perceived value of a hotel stay and the inclusion of amenities in the room rate. This suggests that Hyatt's strategy could change guest perceptions about pricing and value.

The introduction of made-to-order breakfast choices in some Hyatt Place locations seems to be a response to evolving consumer tastes. Research indicates that people are increasingly seeking healthier and more customizable dining options, which Hyatt is trying to tap into with these changes.


World of Hyatt's elite members, particularly Globalist members, are exempted from the new breakfast charges. This strategy likely reflects an attempt to maintain high-value customer loyalty. Studies have shown that loyalty program benefits can boost bookings amongst high-spending guests, allowing Hyatt to sustain revenue from this segment.

Historically, when hotel chains have introduced paid breakfast, they’ve often seen shifts in their customer base. Some data indicates that while it might attract more affluent guests who value a premium breakfast experience, budget-conscious travelers may be less inclined to stay at those hotels.

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn Continue Free Breakfast While Hyatt Tests Paid Model

While Hyatt Place is experimenting with charging for breakfast at a select number of US locations, brands like Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn continue to offer complimentary breakfast as a standard part of their guest experience. This creates a clear distinction in how hotel chains approach the breakfast component of a stay. Hyatt's trial, part of a larger industry trend to turn once-free amenities into revenue generators, suggests that the free breakfast model may be facing pressure. Whether or not guests are happy with a more tailored, but paid, breakfast experience, or if they simply value the standard of a free breakfast remains to be seen. It's a calculated gamble that could change how travelers make their accommodation choices, with budget-minded guests potentially opting for hotels that maintain free breakfast offerings. In the increasingly competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, these decisions will have a lasting impact on how hotels tailor their offerings and how travelers perceive value.

1. **Loyalty Programs as Breakfast Incentives:** Hyatt's choice to keep complimentary breakfast for their top-tier Globalist members is a telling tactic. Data shows that loyalty program members spend more than non-members. This suggests that benefits like free breakfast are used strategically to encourage that behavior in high-value travelers.

2. **Room Rates React to Paid Breakfast**: The experiment with a paid breakfast model has led to a reduction in room rates by $10 to $15 at the participating Hyatt Place properties. This adjustment highlights the delicate balance hotels need to strike between operational costs and how they set prices for customers.

3. **Shifting Breakfast Tastes**: Hyatt Place's exploration of made-to-order breakfast aligns with market trends. More and more travelers prefer customizable meals these days. This desire reflects broader lifestyle choices that emphasize healthy and tailored eating experiences, a move away from the traditional hotel breakfast buffet.

4. **The Price Tag of Value Perception**: Several studies point to the significant impact of a free breakfast on guest satisfaction. Ratings can rise by up to 25% with a complimentary morning meal. This shows how strongly linked value perception is to included amenities. It raises questions about whether Hyatt's move to charging for breakfast might negatively affect their brand image.

5. **Potential Brand Identity Impacts**: The potential shift to paid breakfast could change how people view the Hyatt Place brand. Budget-minded guests, who prioritize hotels with included meals, may start looking elsewhere. Guest surveys frequently show that the loss of expected perks can lead to decreased loyalty, something Hyatt will have to consider carefully.

6. **A Larger Hospitality Trend**: Hyatt's choice to try out a paid breakfast model mirrors a larger industry trend. Many hotel chains are taking a fresh look at breakfast offerings, wondering if they can start charging for them given rising operational expenses. It puts a spotlight on the way we perceive hospitality and the value of hotel stays.

7. **Economic Pressures**: Hyatt's introduction of breakfast fees lines up with economic data showing that businesses adapt their pricing to account for increased costs. It appears this strategy might be a way to keep profit margins more stable when operational expenses fluctuate.

8. **Occupancy Rates and Potential Shifts**: Past examples of other hotel chains that switched to paid breakfast show that it could lead to lower guest occupancy rates. Budget travelers might decide to stay at a competitor with free breakfast. It's an interesting risk-reward situation for Hyatt to monitor.

9. **Breakfast Prices in Line with Industry**: The trial $14 breakfast charge is similar to the average cost of breakfast at casual dining restaurants across the United States. It gives us a window into Hyatt’s pricing strategies and how they try to stay competitive with other establishments.

10. **Dual Experiences for Guests**: By offering free breakfast to elite members while charging others, Hyatt creates two different guest experiences. This could lead to a range of satisfaction levels depending on a guest's loyalty status. How this dual approach affects the overall guest relationship management strategy will be interesting to watch.

Hyatt Place Tests $14 Breakfast Charge at 40 US Properties Is Free Morning Meal Becoming History? - Guest Feedback Shows 65% Oppose New Breakfast Charges at Hyatt Place

A significant portion of Hyatt Place guests, a full 65%, are expressing dissatisfaction with the hotel chain's experiment of charging $14 for breakfast at 40 properties across the United States. This test run marks a potential turning point for the industry, where free morning meals may no longer be the norm. Research suggests that a substantial number of travelers consider free breakfast a top factor in hotel selection, which could cause budget-minded travelers to shift their preference to competitors who maintain this complimentary offering. This move by Hyatt Place will undoubtedly be closely observed by the wider hospitality sector as it could significantly influence future trends in guest expectations and brand loyalty.

A recent survey of Hyatt Place guests reveals that a significant 65% oppose the introduction of a $14 breakfast charge at participating properties. This finding comes amidst a pilot program where 40 Hyatt Place hotels across the US are testing the paid breakfast model.

It appears that Hyatt is attempting to adjust to evolving guest expectations and, potentially, improve profitability. They've implemented a new, more customized breakfast menu at some of these locations, with options for made-to-order items. However, this shift seems to be impacting guests differently based on loyalty status. Guests who had existing reservations before a specific date continue to receive complimentary breakfast, but this experiment is testing how much people are willing to pay for breakfast when it's not included. It's interesting to note that the $14 charge seems to mirror the typical price of a restaurant breakfast.

The potential move away from complimentary breakfast at Hyatt Place reflects a broader trend in the hotel industry. Research suggests a substantial portion of Americans prioritize free breakfast when selecting accommodations. In some instances, complimentary breakfast can be a major factor in choosing a hotel over others, even topping amenities like pools or internet.

Hyatt is facing a delicate balancing act. While the pilot program indicates a shift to more tailored and potentially premium breakfast options, the company risks alienating a sizable portion of its guest base who appreciate the traditional convenience of a free breakfast. They are walking a thin line and need to see whether this new model brings in enough revenue. This trial highlights a tension point between how guests perceive value in their accommodation experience, and the shifting economic realities impacting the hospitality industry.

Furthermore, the industry's response to Hyatt's experiment is likely to impact the broader landscape. Other hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott continue to provide free breakfast, presenting an intriguing competitive dynamic. If guests decide they value a free breakfast over the new offerings, Hyatt may need to rethink the future of free breakfast altogether.


The outcome of this trial is likely to shape how hotel amenities and pricing models evolve in the future. It's a compelling case study to monitor, particularly for guests and the hotel industry as a whole, who are constantly looking for ways to strike a balance between meeting changing guest preferences and operational viability.