Introduction

Welcome to the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach…without Globalist status?

I’m really not sure if I like this hotel or dislike it. It’s such an interesting hotel, and one that I think a lot of travelers will dwell on if they’re traveling to Honolulu.

The Hyatt Centric brand is positioned within the broader Hyatt portfolio as a collection of lifestyle hotels situated in the heart of the action. Geared towards the modern and adventurous traveler, Centric properties aimed to be a launchpad for exploration, offering stylish design, practical amenities, and a connection to the local scene. The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, which opened in 2016 in a converted office building, embodies this philosophy with its prime location just a short stroll from the iconic Waikiki Beach, the International Market Place, and a plethora of dining and shopping options.

Points or Cash

The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach is a World of Hyatt Category 5 property, meaning a standard room redemption will cost between 17,000 and 23,000 points per night, depending on peak and off-peak dates. When considering a stay, the "points vs. cash" dilemma is a crucial calculation. For us, we booked 4 nights using 80,000 points and a SUA (Suite Upgrade Certificate), allowing us to grab a Mountain View Suite for our stay.

Cash rates at this hotel can fluctuate significantly based on seasonality and demand, often ranging from $300 to over $500 per night for a standard room. To determine the value of a points redemption, one can calculate the cents per point (CPP) value: (Cash Rate - Resort Fee) / Points Required. As a Hyatt Globalist, the resort fee is waived on award stays, further sweetening the deal. If the CPP value is above 2 cents, using points is generally considered a good value.

Given the often high cash rates in Waikiki, booking with points can be an excellent proposition, especially for Globalist members who will also enjoy waived resort fees. However, as a Globalist, there are other things that may be missing in your benefits…

Globalist Status not worth it Here?

The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach does not have an operating full-service restaurant for breakfast. For a period, the hotel offered Globalist members a nominal amount of points as compensation for the lack of this key benefit. However, according to recent reports, this compensation has been discontinued. In addition, the lack of utilizing any additional compensation makes this hotel a bit of a mystery, especially for Hyatt Globalist travelers.

This means that Globalist members staying at this property will not receive complimentary breakfast, a substantial devaluation of their elite status benefits. This is a crucial factor to consider for top-tier Hyatt loyalists who value this perk as part of their travel experience. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach does provide strong service towards Globalist, and can be a game-changer for those traveling with familes.

It really comes down to the location and proximity of things to do vs. the benefits that one would get with the Globalist status. The 4pm checkout, upgrades and others still come into play here.

Mountain View King Suite | Room 1502

This is quite the lovely suite. The suite features a generously sized separate bedroom that is anchored by the plush Hyatt Grand Bed, promising a rejuvenating night’s sleep after a day of adventure. Designed with a soothing color palette, the decor emphasizes modernity while infusing local flair through thoughtfully selected artwork inspired by Hawaiian culture. Large floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the verdant Ko'olau Mountains, bringing a tranquil natural backdrop into the room and providing a peaceful alternative to the busier oceanfront scenes. The suite is equipped with ample storage options, including closets and dressers, and the accompanying living area includes a comfortable sofa bed, making it a practical choice for small families or groups traveling together.

The bathroom is nice, albeit a bit dark? The walk-in shower, fitted with a rainfall shower head has adequate shower pressure, though I wished it was a big stronger. The vanity area is designed for functionality, allowing guests to prepare for their day with ease. Quality toiletries enhance the overall bathing experience, featuring bath essentials that embody luxury and care. It’s just odd that the bathroom is a bit dark with the layout.

The Mountain View King Suite is equipped with the typical amenities - high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, and a coffee maker add convenience, while sheer and blackout curtains ensure comfort throughout the day and night. Other features include a mini-refrigerator for storing refreshments, and an in-room safe for securing personal belongings. The front desk also has plentiful toiletries for those that may need items like toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwash and other things during their stay.

As a suite upgrade, this is great room. The stunning mountain views during sunrise and sunset are beautiful, it has a spacious layout, and thoughtful amenities create a great experience for all travelers.

The Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach offers a range of amenities designed to cater to its active clientele.

Pool: The hotel features a unique rooftop "splash lounge" on the 8th floor. It is important to note that this is more of a wading pool than a traditional swimming pool, with a maximum depth of around 14 inches in some areas. While it's ideal for cooling off, lounging in the in-water chaises, or for families with small children, it is not suitable for swimming laps. In fact, it’s probably best to just head to Waikiki Beach…

Fitness Center: The 24/7 fitness center is adequately equipped for a hotel of its size. It features a good selection of modern cardio machines, including treadmills and ellipticals, as well as a variety of free weights and weight machines. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and views, enhancing the workout experience.

Other Amenities: The hotel provides guests with beach chairs and towels to take to the nearby beach, which is a thoughtful touch. There is also a 24-hour business center and valet parking (for a fee).

Conclusion

In summary, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach is a modern and stylish hotel with a fantastic, central location that puts the best of Waikiki at your doorstep. The rooms, particularly the suites, are well-designed and comfortable, offering a pleasant respite after a day of exploration. The rooftop splash lounge is a chic and trendy space for relaxation, and the fitness center is more than adequate for most travelers. The ability to use World of Hyatt points for a potentially high-value redemption is also a significant plus.

However, the lack of a complimentary breakfast for Hyatt Globalist members is a glaring and disappointing omission. This long-standing issue significantly diminishes the value proposition for Hyatt's most loyal customers. For a hotel that is part of a program renowned for its excellent elite benefits, this is a major misstep.

For the casual traveler or non-elite member: If you are looking for a modern, centrally located hotel in Waikiki and are not concerned with elite breakfast benefits, the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach is a strong contender. Its stylish rooms and convenient location make it an excellent base for exploring the area.
For the Hyatt Globalist member: If the complimentary breakfast benefit is a key component of your travel strategy and a valued perk of your elite status, you should think twice before booking a stay here. The lack of this benefit, without any meaningful compensation, is a significant drawback that may leave you feeling undervalued. In this case, exploring other Hyatt properties in the area that do honor the breakfast benefit, such as the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, would be a more prudent choice.