Hyatt Walked Me to Another Hotel and Lost My Kidd's Pool Time. I Got $150.

Hyatt called me three hours before check-in to tell me my room was overbooked and I was being relocated to another hotel. The replacement hotel was 15 minutes away and did not have a pool, which was important because my kids were excited about swimming.

Hyatt said they would cover the cost of the room at the other hotel, which was cheaper. I said I wanted compensation because the room I booked at Hyatt was more expensive and had amenities the replacement did not.

Hyatt offered 5,000 World of Hyatt points. I asked for cash compensation instead. They said no. I filed a complaint with Hyatt corporate through their guest satisfaction form. I explained that being walked to another hotel is a significant inconvenience, especially with children.

Hyatt's corporate office approved a $150 cash payment. It took six weeks to arrive. The points offer was probably fair value too, but I wanted cash because I was not planning to stay at Hyatt again after this experience.

When a hotel walks you, do not accept their first offer. They have more room to negotiate than they let on. And always make them put the relocation agreement in writing before you leave the lobby.