HotelChatter

Hyatt
https://www.certificates.hyatt.com
Hyatt breaks things down into "Stay Certificates" ($99 - $249), Weekend Certificates (full breakfast for two included), and just plain gift cards, where you can choose what the card amount in $25.00 increments.

The cards can be used for lodging or dining. Oh, and as a bonus, if you are a Hyatt Gold Passport member and you purchase one of these cards by February 28 2007 Hyatt will dish 3,000 points into your account.

Hyatt had a list of participating properties, so make sure to cross check that list if you think your Dad has certain properties in mind.

There are some very cool Hyatt's out there, but the "participating hotels only" clause makes us a bit squeamish.

Marriott
https://gifts.marriott.com/giftCertificate.aspx?type=giftCard
Marriott appeared to have the most flexible gift card system. You choose the amount ($50 - $9,999), and customize the card (name & design) and you are done. Marriott bucks to go.

All cards can be used for services at all Marriott brands worldwide. We didn't see any restrictions, but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

Marriott has a ton of hotels, under plenty of different brand names. They are a bit cookie cutter, but there is something to be said for familiarity. At first blush Marriott appears to have the best gift card program this year.

Starwood
https://www.spggiftcard.com/index.cfm
Starwood appeared to have nothing. Now we could be wrong, and if we are, please tell us in comments. However, all we could find was a SPG gift card plan from a couple years back.

Too bad.

Kimpton
http://www.gifttracker.com/cgi-bin/Stores
As usually the boutique-centric Kimpton lays low on the gift card front, but we did find an option.  Go to the above URL and search by participating company, you will see "Kimpton Hotels"--there you go.

We did see a couple different Kimpton Hotels, like Hotel Allegro in Chicago, promoting the gift certificates. We assume the certificates are good at all hotels, according to availability of course.

Kimpton has fewer hotels than the above mentioned, but the hotels are funkier--and may make a boomer feel like a young man again. Just spitballin' here.

Know Something About Hotel Gift Cards? Comment Here.

Tags: HotelChatter Questions / Hotel Gift Cards

by markj