Breakfast Isn’t Just a Perk—It’s a Promise. Why the Rio Las Vegas Change Matters to Elite Travelers

Starting January 2025, Hyatt Globalist members staying at the Rio Las Vegas will notice something different. The once-generous, full breakfast benefit? It’s being scaled back.

Now before we sound the alarm: this is one property, not the entire Hyatt program. But it’s a shift worth watching—especially if you’re someone who has built your travel loyalty around perks like breakfast.

Because at the end of the day, breakfast isn't just food. For elite travelers, it's a signal.

Why Hotels Like the Rio Offered Free Breakfast in the First Place

Let’s rewind.

When Hyatt partnered with the Rio in Las Vegas, it was an exciting addition—Globalists were welcomed with open arms and open menus. Breakfast was full-service, flavorful, and free. But like many Vegas properties, Rio is in transition. Renovations, brand realignment, and cost scrutiny are all happening behind the scenes.

And that’s likely where this change comes in.

As Mighty Travels Premium noted in their recent report on the Rio:

“There’s a chance that some costs which were previously absorbed by the hotel are now being passed onto guests.”

In a city where buffets are king and expectations are high, this shift feels especially noticeable.

Why Elite Breakfast Matters (and Always Has)

Here’s what I teach in my Hotel Secrets Masterclass: breakfast is about more than a free plate. It’s about trust.

When a hotel brand says, “We’ve got you covered in the morning,” it’s a message:

“We see you. We value your loyalty.”

That’s especially powerful for:

• Business travelers racing to early meetings

• Parents managing kids on the go

• Solo travelers who appreciate that quiet, settled moment before the day begins

Take it away—and you take away one of the few consistent comforts road warriors rely on.

Rio Isn’t the First, and It Won’t Be the Last

Hotels everywhere are examining what perks cost vs. what they bring in return. This doesn’t mean the loyalty program is crumbling—but it does mean we have to get smarter about which properties deliver, and which don’t.

Some hotels will lean into elite experiences. Others—like the Rio, for now—might test where the line is before loyalty starts to wobble.

What You Should Take Away

This isn’t an anti-Hyatt message. I still believe Hyatt offers one of the strongest elite value propositions in the game. But changes like this remind us that not all properties are created equal, even within the same brand.

If breakfast matters to you, here’s what to do:

1. Check the property’s Globalist policy before you book

2. Ask: is breakfast full-service, buffet, or a credit?

3. Keep receipts (sometimes you can be reimbursed post-stay with a little follow-up)

4. Know your options—Hilton, Marriott, and IHG all have properties that still treat breakfast as a moment of hospitality, not an opportunity to upcharge

Final Thought

At Ben’s Big Deal, I always say: It’s not about the toast—it’s about the trust.

The Rio’s new direction may make sense for their bottom line, but for Globalists who have come to rely on that morning moment of comfort, it stings.

Let’s hope this isn’t a trend. But if it is, we’ll be ready—with points, strategies, and properties that still believe breakfast is sacred.

Want to know which properties do offer elite breakfast benefits—and how to get upgrades at check-in without spending more?

Sign up for my Hotel Secrets Masterclass and let’s turn your loyalty into luxury.

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