Hyatt Gold Passport members who aren’t registered guests can now earn points for dining at participating Hyatt hotel restaurants and paying for spa services. The ability to earn points for hotel amenities even when you aren’t staying at the hotel launched at select hotels in December 2011 and will continue to be rolled out globally through August 2012. The list of participating hotels can be viewed online at http://www.hyatt.com/diningandspa – To receive points, you will need to present a valid photo ID and your Gold Passport account number. You can receive five base points plus any tier bonuses per dollar spent on eligible charges, including spa and salon services and retail items, food and beverages but not for alcohol at some locations. You will not earn points on tips, service charges, taxes and gratuities.

Members can also redeem points for food and beverages and spa services. Members can redeem points to cover the full charge amount (up to $1,000) or partial amount and pay for the remaining balance with cash, check, credit or debit card. You can request to pay with points at the time of payment. Dining and spa awards start at 2,000 points for a $10 credit. Visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?5819 for more information.

Bottom line: Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn points for hotel dining when not staying at a hotel and now Gold Passport members will receive this benefit at Hyatt Hotels. The added flexibility of being able to redeem points for food and a massage or other spa services is a new option, but you’ll probably get more value from your points when redeeming for hotel stays. Still, it’s nice to have the option and you can now essentially get an all-inclusive stay at Hyatt with points.