Hyatt House vs Hyatt Place: Comparing Two Popular Hyatt Brands

When booking a Hyatt hotel stay, travelers often find themselves choosing between two of the company’s popular select-service brands: Hyatt House and Hyatt Place. While these brands share many similarities, there are some key differences that can impact your stay. This guide will compare Hyatt House and Hyatt Place across several important factors to help you decide which is the best fit for your next trip.

Overview of the Brands

Hyatt Place was launched in 2006 and has grown to over 400 locations globally. It’s designed as an upscale select-service brand catering to both business and leisure travelers. The brand aims to provide stylish, comfortable accommodations with the essential amenities travelers need.

Hyatt House debuted in 2012 and currently has over 100 locations worldwide. It’s positioned as an extended-stay brand, though it welcomes both short and long-term guests. Hyatt House properties feature apartment-style suites with full kitchens, making them ideal for longer stays.

While distinct brands, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House share many similarities in terms of their target market, price point, and overall guest experience. In some locations, you’ll even find dual-branded properties housing both a Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in the same building or complex.

Room Types and Layouts

One of the most noticeable differences between Hyatt Place and Hyatt House is in the room types and layouts offered:

Hyatt Place:
– Standard rooms feature a signature layout with a separate “Cozy Corner” living area
– Rooms average 300-400 square feet
– Mini-fridge, coffee maker, and work desk in all rooms
– Some locations offer larger rooms or suites

Hyatt House:
– Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites available
– Suites range from 300-1,000+ square feet
– Full kitchens with full-size appliances in most rooms
– Separate living and sleeping areas in larger suites

The standard Hyatt Place room is designed to feel spacious, with an open layout and partition separating the sleeping area from the living space. This setup works well for shorter stays where you don’t need a full kitchen or separate rooms.

Hyatt House suites provide a more residential feel, with defined living, sleeping, and kitchen areas. The full kitchens and extra space make Hyatt House ideal for extended stays or travelers who prefer a home-like environment.

Amenities and Services

Both brands offer a similar set of core amenities, but there are some differences to be aware of:

Shared amenities:
– Free Wi-Fi
– 24/7 fitness center
– Swimming pool (at most locations)
– Business center
– On-site market/grab-and-go food options
– Pet-friendly policies (fees may apply)

Hyatt Place specific:
– 24/7 Gallery Menu with made-to-order meals
– Coffee to Cocktails Bar serving Starbucks coffee and alcoholic beverages
– More limited storage space in rooms

Hyatt House specific:
– Evening social with complimentary drinks and snacks (at most locations)
– Outdoor grilling areas
– Guest laundry facilities
– More in-room storage

The complimentary breakfast is a key amenity at both brands, but there are some differences:

Hyatt Place: Offers a free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items. The exact offerings can vary by location and may include items like eggs, breakfast meats, pastries, cereals, and fruit.

Hyatt House: Features a complimentary “Morning Spread” breakfast with both buffet items and made-to-order options. Many locations have an omelet station where you can get fresh eggs cooked to order.

It’s worth noting that Hyatt recently upgraded the breakfast offerings at Hyatt Place, adding more variety and fresh options like berries. Some travelers now prefer the Hyatt Place breakfast, though Hyatt House still has the edge with made-to-order items at many properties.

Design and Atmosphere

While both brands aim for a contemporary, welcoming feel, there are some subtle differences in design and atmosphere:

Hyatt Place:
– Modern, streamlined design
– Open-concept lobby with various seating areas
– Emphasis on multi-functional public spaces

Hyatt House:
– Residential-inspired design
– Homey touches like outdoor patios and fire pits
– More separation between public areas (e.g. dedicated breakfast room)

Hyatt Place properties often have a more energetic vibe, with busy lobbies that serve as social hubs. The design encourages guests to work, relax, and mingle in the public spaces.

Hyatt House aims for a calmer, more residential atmosphere. While still welcoming, the public areas tend to be less bustling. The overall design is meant to make guests feel at home, especially those staying for extended periods.

Location and Property Types

You’ll find both Hyatt Place and Hyatt House properties in similar types of locations, including:
– City centers
– Suburban areas
– Near airports
– Mixed-use developments

However, there are some general trends in property types:

Hyatt Place: More likely to be new construction, purpose-built properties. You’ll find a higher percentage of urban and downtown locations.

Hyatt House: More likely to include converted properties (e.g. former extended-stay hotels from other brands). Higher percentage of suburban locations, though this is changing as more urban Hyatt House properties open.

When comparing specific locations, it’s important to research the individual property. A newly-built Hyatt House may offer a more modern experience than an older Hyatt Place in the same area, or vice versa.

Loyalty Program Benefits

Both Hyatt Place and Hyatt House participate fully in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Members can earn and redeem points, qualify for elite status, and enjoy elite benefits at both brands.

Some key World of Hyatt benefits that apply at both brands:
– Earn 5 base points per eligible dollar spent
– Free night awards starting at 5,000 points per night
– Elite status perks like late checkout and room upgrades

There are a few minor differences in how World of Hyatt benefits apply:

– Premium internet: Complimentary for all guests at Hyatt Place, but only for elite members at Hyatt House
– Welcome amenity: Discoverist members and above receive a choice of points or food/beverage item at Hyatt House, but not at Hyatt Place

For most travelers, the loyalty program experience will be very similar between the two brands. The choice between Hyatt Place and Hyatt House is unlikely to significantly impact your ability to earn or redeem points.

Pricing and Value

Hyatt Place and Hyatt House are typically priced similarly when comparing properties in the same market. Both brands fall into Hyatt’s “upscale” category, positioning them above budget options but below luxury properties.

In the World of Hyatt award chart, both Hyatt Place and Hyatt House properties range from Category 1 (5,000 points per night) to Category 5 (20,000 points per night). The majority of properties for both brands fall into Categories 1-3.

When comparing specific properties, consider these factors that may impact value:
– Room size: Hyatt House rooms are often larger, especially suites
– Kitchen facilities: The full kitchen in Hyatt House rooms adds value for longer stays
– Breakfast quality: While both offer free breakfast, Hyatt House may have more options
– Location: Urban properties (more common with Hyatt Place) may command higher rates

For short stays, Hyatt Place often provides better value due to its efficient room design and competitive pricing. For longer stays, the extra space and kitchen facilities at Hyatt House can justify a higher rate.

Traveler Types and Use Cases

While both brands cater to a mix of business and leisure travelers, they excel for different types of trips:

Hyatt Place is ideal for:
– Short business trips (1-3 nights)
– Quick weekend getaways
– Solo travelers or couples
– Travelers who plan to eat out most meals
– Those who prioritize location over room size

Hyatt House is better suited for:
– Extended stays (5+ nights)
– Family vacations
– Group trips
– Travelers who like to cook or prepare their own meals
– Those who prioritize space and home-like amenities

Of course, these are general guidelines. A business traveler might prefer Hyatt House for the extra space to spread out, while a family on a short trip could be perfectly happy at Hyatt Place.

Pros and Cons

To summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of each brand:

Hyatt Place Pros:
– More locations to choose from
– Efficient room design for short stays
– Lively social spaces
– Often in prime urban locations

Hyatt Place Cons:
– Smaller rooms, especially for families
– Limited kitchen facilities
– Can feel busy/noisy in public areas

Hyatt House Pros:
– Spacious suites with full kitchens
– Residential atmosphere
– Better for longer stays
– More storage space

Hyatt House Cons:
– Fewer locations to choose from
– Can feel too quiet for some travelers
– Often in suburban locations

Making Your Choice

When deciding between Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, consider these key questions:

1. How long is your stay? For 1-3 nights, Hyatt Place is often sufficient. For 5+ nights, Hyatt House’s extra space and kitchen facilities become more valuable.

2. Who are you traveling with? Solo travelers and couples may prefer Hyatt Place’s efficient rooms, while families and groups often appreciate Hyatt House’s extra space.

3. Do you plan to cook? If you want to prepare meals, Hyatt House’s full kitchens are a big advantage.

4. What’s your preferred location? In some markets, you may have more choice with Hyatt Place, especially for urban locations.

5. What’s your budget? While pricing is often similar, be sure to compare rates for your specific dates and destination.

6. Do you need laundry facilities? For longer trips, Hyatt House’s on-site laundry can be a major convenience.

7. What’s your preferred atmosphere? If you like a buzzy, social vibe, Hyatt Place might be a better fit. For a quieter, more residential feel, consider Hyatt House.

Conclusion

Hyatt Place and Hyatt House are both solid options in the upscale select-service hotel category. While they share many similarities, the key differences in room types, amenities, and overall atmosphere can significantly impact your stay.

For short trips and travelers who prioritize location and social spaces, Hyatt Place is often the better choice. Its efficient room design and bustling public areas work well for quick business trips or weekend getaways.

Hyatt House shines for longer stays, families, and travelers who want more space and home-like amenities. The full kitchens and residential atmosphere make it easy to settle in, whether you’re on an extended work assignment or a leisurely vacation.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences for each trip. By understanding the strengths of each brand, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a comfortable stay at whichever Hyatt property you choose.