Hyatt Place has long been a favorite for travelers seeking dependable service, well-located properties, and added perks like complimentary breakfast. However, changes may be on the horizon. The Hyatt brand is piloting a program at select U.S. locations where breakfast is no longer automatically included in all rates. This test has sparked significant debate among loyal guests, as breakfast has been a defining feature of the Hyatt Place experience.

The New Hyatt Place Breakfast Policy

Approximately 40 Hyatt Place properties across the United States are participating in a pilot program that changes how breakfast is offered. Instead of providing complimentary breakfast to all guests, these hotels now offer two booking options:

• Room-Only Rate: A slightly lower rate that excludes breakfast.
• Bed And Breakfast Rate: An option to include breakfast, with a typical up-charge of $10–$15 for one or two guests, and higher charges for larger groups.

Credit. Hyatt. Hyatt Place Is Testing An Additional Charge For Breakfast.

For guests who book the room-only rate but decide to have breakfast during their stay, breakfast can be purchased on-site, often for around the same $10–$15 per person. This pay-as-you-go model represents a significant shift for a brand known for offering free breakfast to everyone as a standard amenity.

Note: Globalist members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program need not worry, however — you will continue to enjoy complimentary breakfast at all Hyatt Place properties worldwide, regardless of the rate they choose.

At this time, the new Hyatt Place breakfast charge does not appear to affect guests staying on award bookings, as complimentary breakfast remains a perk for World of Hyatt members redeeming points.

Credit. Hyatt. The New Hyatt Place Breakfast Charge Does Not Apply To Award Bookings.

What Is Included In A Hyatt Place Breakfast

For those debating whether to pay for breakfast, here is a typical Hyatt Place spread: scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, oatmeal, fruit, coffee, and juice. It is simple and self-serve, designed for efficiency and convenience. Families, in particular, have long valued the ability to grab breakfast in the lobby without worrying about leaving the hotel or tipping.

Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points

A Look At The Bigger Hotel Breakfast Picture

This is not the first time Hyatt Place has experimented with its breakfast policy. In 2018, a similar test limited free breakfast to guests who booked directly through Hyatt or joined the World of Hyatt program. That trial led to a narrower application of the benefit, but it stopped short of removing complimentary breakfast entirely.

Internationally, many Hyatt Place properties already charge for breakfast as a standard practice. In many cases, overseas locations offer more robust buffet spreads compared to the simpler options at U.S. hotels. This pilot could signal an effort to align domestic practices with international standards while giving U.S. properties more flexibility to control costs and boost revenue.

Why Is Hyatt Testing This Change

The decision to pilot a pay-for-breakfast model likely stems from a combination of financial and market factors:

1. Cost Management: Providing free breakfast to all guests, especially at properties catering to families or large groups, is a significant expense for hotels. Shifting to an optional model could help reduce costs.
2. Revenue Growth: Charging for breakfast adds a potential revenue stream for properties, particularly from guests who value the convenience of eating on-site.
3. Evolving Market Trends: Competitors like Aloft and Moxy (Marriott) have already moved away from offering complimentary breakfast (even to elite status members), signaling a broader trend in the industry.

How To Navigate The Changes

If you are staying at a Hyatt Place property, especially one participating in this trial, here are a few tips to ensure your stay meets your expectations:

• Check Your Booking Options: When making a reservation, look for the “Bed and Breakfast” rate if breakfast is important to you. Make sure to review the cost difference between this rate and the room-only option.
• Consider the Convenience: Compare the cost of the on-site breakfast to nearby dining alternatives. While the breakfast at the hotel may not be gourmet, it can save time and simplify your morning.
• Leverage Loyalty Benefits: If you are a World of Hyatt Globalist, take advantage of your complimentary breakfast benefit. It is available to you regardless of which rate you book.
• Explore International Norms: If you are traveling abroad, keep in mind that it is already common for Hyatt Place locations to charge for breakfast. Plan accordingly, and do not expect the same free meal you might have had domestically.

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

What Is Next For Hyatt Place

Credit. Hyatt. Typical Hyatt Place Room Layout.

Hyatt has not released an official list of the 40 properties participating in this trial, but here are a few known trial properties:

• Hyatt Place At The Hollywood Casino / Pittsburgh – South
• Hyatt Place Boulder / Pearl Street
• Hyatt Place Chicago / Downtown – The Loop
• Hyatt Place Denver / Cherry Creek
• Hyatt Place Flagstaff
• Hyatt Place Fresno
• Hyatt Place Glendale / Los Angeles
• Hyatt Place National Harbor
• Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
• Hyatt Place Park City
• Hyatt Place Pasadena
• Hyatt Place Pena Station / Denver Airport
• Hyatt Place Phoenix / Downtown
• Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port
• Hyatt Place Sacramento / Roseville
• Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
• Hyatt Place State College
• Hyatt Place Warwick Providence Airport
• Hyatt Place Washington D.C. / Georgetown / West End
• Hyatt Place Washington D.C. / White House
• Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront

This pilot program is still in its early stages, and Hyatt has not announced plans to expand it beyond the current test locations. However, if it proves successful, it could become a standard feature of the Hyatt Place business model in the United States.

Related: World Of Hyatt Credit Card: A Complete Guide To Benefits

Final Thoughts

The move by Hyatt Place to test paid breakfast options signals a potential shift for the brand, which has long been associated with offering value-packed stays that include complimentary breakfast. While the trial may appeal to cost-conscious travelers who prefer a lower base rate, it risks alienating guests who see breakfast as an integral part of the Hyatt Place experience. For now, pay close attention to the rate options when booking your stay and weigh the costs and benefits of including breakfast. Whether this change becomes permanent remains to be seen, but savvy travelers can still make the most of their Hyatt Place stays by staying informed and maximizing loyalty perks.

Would you still choose Hyatt Place without free breakfast?