Hilton HHonors - Hiltons vs Marriotts for Next Year

At the end of last year I was shy for HH Gold by 2 nights. I asked for a comp bump to Gold for 2009 but was flat out rejected, even though I pointed out that I had already booked some upcoming Hilton stays and didn't they consider brand loyalty a positive given the economy.

A few months later I received a challenge from Marriott - Gold through 2/11 if I stayed 12 times within 3 months. That was a no-brainer.

As I approach the end of 2009, I will have made HH Gold anyway for 2010 and now also have MR Gold as well. The question is - assuming I might not have enough choice to make Gold on both again - where do I spend my nights?

With Hilton, I rarely stay at a flagship, usually ending up at a HGI, Hampton or ES. Even there, there are some perks for being gold but I rarely get to take advantage of upgrades and a concierge level - which is what I value most. Besides, with the new concierge lounge policy for golds (breakfast only if no CL rooms available - no access to the CL), not sure how many times I'd make it in anyway.

With Marriott, I usually stay at a FS so get access to the CL which, as I said, I really like and is of the most value to me. In the next tier down, I prefer HGI to Courtyard and Hampton to Fairfield.

Any thoughts from this board as I start planning stays into 2010? Will probably cross-post on the MR forum.

Unless you would go out of your regular way in staying at Marriott hotels, I think your choice is simple: Marriott.

I would definitely choose the program that gives me most benefits, in the situations I need/use them. Since HH is not giving you the upgrades/recognition you expect but Marriott does, it should be an easy pick.

It is going to take more Hilton rewards per night next year so take that into your consideration as Hilton is moving hotels from one category to another pluse raising requirement levels, a double whammy.

As for promotions, it is anyones guess what is going to happen going forward. We can only look at what they did in 2009 in the way of promotions and hope for the same in 2010.

Are you doing a lot of multiple-night stays? Marriott Gold is closer to Hilton Diamond than Hilton Gold in terms of qualification requirements.

I'm closing this thread - please follow it in the MR forum.

thanks

squeakr
co mod HH