Get free Hyatt Platinum Status ( = free stuff!)

We’ve touted the value of elite status here at Gadling numerous times, whether it’s as part of an airline, hotel or car rental program. It’s one of the few ways to make travel worth your while and a bit less expensive in the process — hold a bit of loyalty direct a few dollars in the right direction and the corporate monster reciprocates, right?

Needless to say, there’s usually there’s some sort of legwork involved — some volume of minimum miles flown, minimum nights slept or money invested. And that’s not fun.

But this time, Hyatt is offering it up for free. The Chicago-based luxury hotel brand recently announced that new members of their Gold Passport program can trial Platinum status for free for 180 days. Included with the status? Free wireless, best room guarantees and a nifty plastic membership card to name a few.

You can keep your status with five separate stays prior to the 180 day expiry, or upgrade to Diamond (where the perks are boundless!) with 15 stays.

Platinum Passport membership is good at any of the Hyatt brands, including Andaz and Summerfield Suites.