Rio Las Vegas is making a change to the Destination Hotels brand, which may not seem like a big deal for travelers. However, this transition will now count stays towards earning a free night for every 5 different brands a member stays with the chain. But Rio has a history of not following brand standards, as they have previously tried to save money by manipulating elite breakfast benefits.
In a recent Cyber Sale, Rio Las Vegas is offering 50% off suite-sized rooms, with rates as low as $93 per night, including a $50 resort fee. If booked directly through the hotel’s website, the rate drops to $42.50 per night, excluding the resort fee. However, guests are warned that booking directly will make them ineligible for World of Hyatt benefits, even Globalists who are exempt from the resort fee.
This move by Rio Las Vegas is not consistent with current published Hyatt rules, as any rate booked at Hyatt.com without a discount code is considered an “eligible rate” that earns points and stay credit towards elite status. The hotel’s decision to make direct bookings ineligible for benefits goes against Hyatt’s terms and conditions.
Apart from the potential violation of Hyatt’s rules, the underlying message from Rio Las Vegas seems to be that they expect their most loyal guests to pay more. This raises the question of why not sell elite qualifying nights directly rather than forcing guests to pay extra for benefits. Despite these issues, it is advised not to stay at Rio Las Vegas for an extended period, as guest feedback suggests that the overall experience may not be enjoyable, despite the reasonable room rates.
In conclusion, while Rio Las Vegas’ move to the Destination Hotels brand may have some benefits for travelers looking to earn free nights, the hotel’s decision to make direct bookings ineligible for benefits raises concerns about loyalty and guest satisfaction. It is essential for hotels to adhere to brand standards and provide transparent information to guests to maintain trust and loyalty in the long run.
