Starwood Preferred Guest - Bye-bye SPG, it's been a great 10+ years!

I joined SPG as a Gold member in 1997. I reached and maintained Platinum since about 2002.

I was downgraded to SPG Gold this year for the first time. I have to admit is was hard to take.

As an SPG Platinum member for about 10 years, I was sorry to cut my association with SPG. But when I was downgraded to Gold from Platinum last year (20 stays instead of 25), it was clear there was little to no value to keeping SPG Gold membership. SPG Platinum is a great product and if I had requalified I would have stayed with SPG. So I leveraged my Platinum status with another chain and got VIP Gold Status from Hilton. Impossible to compare. Instead of an “enhanced room” (a standard that you can drive a hotel laundry truck through), Gold VIP offers a room upgrade, including executive floor, free breakfast if not upgraded to exec. floor and free internet. There is no comparison. I have subsequently cancelled most of my SPG reservations.

I note that SPG did not offer their two-for-one qualifying nights in fall 2010 as they usually do. I certainly would have requalified had that been the case. That was my first indication that they were “culling the herd”.

Hilton`s VIP Gold is achieved after 16 stays. Since I had 20 stays with SPG, it is easily within the realm of the achievable for this year.

I know SPG has many customers and won`t mourn the loss of one. But I have been a pretty loyal customer and so I do want to say a final goodbye to SPG! It's been a great 10+ years!

I was downgraded to SPG Gold this year for the first time. I have to admit is was hard to take.


Why?

PS: Thanks, good report. Good luck then for you.

PS 2: Thanks for leaving SPG, there is more suite upgrade space for me :D

Why?

PS: Thanks, good report. Good luck then for you.

PS 2: Thanks for leaving SPG, there is more suite upgrade space for me :D

+1

PS 2: Thanks for leaving SPG, there is more suite upgrade space for me :DActually, not really true given the OP is now a Gold elite and seems to refer to the fact that that was as high as they could get with their new travel pattern. Suite upgrades are not the norm for Golds.

The OP does bring out the benefits around having multiple programs to choose from. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and over time our travel patterns (and wants/desires) may change. With those changes, it may behoove us to periodically look at our primary (and even secondary) programs to see if we may be better suited with a different program (as was the case for the OP.)

Believe me, the grass is greener there :D

BTW: How could you be a SPG member since 1997. Wasn't the programm invented in 1999 only?

Believe me, the grass is greener there :D

BTW: How could you be a SPG member since 1997. Wasn't the programm invented in 1999 only?

In '97, I was 10 years old. Any hotel, including a Days Inn, was fun and exciting to me. Oh to go back to those times...

agree that Plat is great.
I get a complimentary Hilton gold with one of my airline programs (forgot which) and it is not worth much apart from the free internet which I mist admit is one of the best features of SPG plat.

Never been given free breakfast and if the Hilton rooms I get are upgrade then avoid the basic rooms !

SPG is still the best.

BTW: How could you be a SPG member since 1997. Wasn't the programm invented in 1999 only?

It was SCI (Sheraton Club International) back then. In those days, a Gold member always got an upgrade to best room in the house (usually a suite). Another good thing, you could renew for an annual fee of $25. :eek: :D

dh

I was downgraded to SPG Gold this year for the first time. I have to admit is was hard to take.

As an SPG Platinum member for about 10 years, I was sorry to cut my association with SPG. But when I was downgraded to Gold from Platinum last year (20 stays instead of 25), it was clear there was little to no value to keeping SPG Gold membership. SPG Platinum is a great product and if I had requalified I would have stayed with SPG. So I leveraged my Platinum status with another chain and got VIP Gold Status from Hilton. Impossible to compare. Instead of an “enhanced room” (a standard that you can drive a hotel laundry truck through), Gold VIP offers a room upgrade, including executive floor, free breakfast if not upgraded to exec. floor and free internet. There is no comparison. I have subsequently cancelled most of my SPG reservations.

I note that SPG did not offer their two-for-one qualifying nights in fall 2010 as they usually do. I certainly would have requalified had that been the case. That was my first indication that they were “culling the herd”.

Hilton`s VIP Gold is achieved after 16 stays. Since I had 20 stays with SPG, it is easily within the realm of the achievable for this year.

I know SPG has many customers and won`t mourn the loss of one. But I have been a pretty loyal customer and so I do want to say a final goodbye to SPG! It's been a great 10+ years!

Not getting into which program is better, my question is why didn't you work harder to get the extra 5 stays? Your post comes across as that SPG should have just given you the status even though you clearly didn't earn it. I understand that it would have been nice if they'd considered that you were a legacy member and given you an exception but as you clearly didn't earn it, I am not sure why your post is worded that you are entitled to it.

Actually, not really true given the OP is now a Gold elite and seems to refer to the fact that that was as high as they could get with their new travel pattern. Suite upgrades are not the norm for Golds.

The OP does bring out the benefits around having multiple programs to choose from. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and over time our travel patterns (and wants/desires) may change. With those changes, it may behoove us to periodically look at our primary (and even secondary) programs to see if we may be better suited with a different program (as was the case for the OP.)


What not true? I think it is very true.

He, the OP, the gold gets the standard rooms and I, the famous Zurich Flyer, the Plat, get the suites :)

PS: We from Hilton understand that every traveler has his choice. Me, the customers understand this well, and this is why SPG is amongs my preferred hotels and Hilton is only my second or third or fourth choice :cool:

I note that SPG did not offer their two-for-one qualifying nights in fall 2010 as they usually do. I certainly would have requalified had that been the case. That was my first indication that they were “culling the herd”.



Too bad you missed this promo:

PROMO: Nights/Stays Count Double at Aloft, Element and Four Points Hotels til 31 Dec (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1132649-promo-nights-stays-count-double-aloft-element-four-points-hotels-til-31-dec.html)

Indeed :D

Why?

PS: Thanks, good report. Good luck then for you.

PS 2: Thanks for leaving SPG, there is more suite upgrade space for me :D

I don't want a big discussion. Some of us are a big .......s. Sorry to addmit this.

I don't want a big discussion. Some of us are a big .......s. Sorry to addmit this.

i forgot. Bye..

Believe me, the grass is greener there :D

BTW: How could you be a SPG member since 1997. Wasn't the programm invented in 1999 only?

Celine Dion "baybe think twice"

I don't want a big discussion.


Eeeks.

bye, but looking forward to see you back in future.

but honestly, let's go to fact #3,

I always wonder

WHY in the world

does some guy

write and whimper and simmer in the forum

about being only a gold member now?

I joined SPG as a Gold member in 1997. I reached and maintained Platinum since about 2002.

I was downgraded to SPG Gold this year for the first time. I have to admit is was hard to take.


Have you tried at least to plea your case with CS? There is an e-mail you can send to ask for an exception/status match/comp status, etc. Strange by itself though -- long time Plat members are usually offered a complimantary Plat status when they fall a bit short in a given year -- happened to me in 2010, to my friend 2011. Unless you were already given one in previous years -- you cannot it two years in a row.;)

Seriously?

bye, but looking forward to see you back in future.

See U soon. Or not.

Have you tried at least to plea your case with CS? There is an e-mail you can send to ask for an exception/status match/comp status, etc. Strange by itself though -- long time Plat members are usually offered a complimantary Plat status when they fall a bit short in a given year -- happened to me in 2010, to my friend 2011. Unless you were already given one in previous years -- you cannot it two years in a row.;)



But whyyyyy? The short cut of night and stay makes one to fall down in the level @:-)

If a certain level wants to be achieved, it must be slept in the hotel

I would not of missed it if I was at 20.

You could of easily found sub $100 nights at fourpoints/aloft and with the double stay promo it would of cost you $300.

Plus if you would of spent a little time you could probably get a pricematch and pick up 2000 SPG points/stay plus your plat amenity and base points it would not of cost much time or money to requalify.

One less Platinum to Acquire my Potential Suite Upgrade.

If the OP could not manage 25 Stays when Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 also double counted for 2010 and his own local city has rooms at around $120 a night at weekends, then really the OP does not deserve my Free Suite Upgrade.

Just enjoyed $45 a Night plus 2800 Points at the $250 a Night Westin Grand Cape Town [No longer available as its now Cat 4].

This hotel has the finest Executive Lounge I have ever encountered.

May the OP enjoy their Smaller Gold Room at Hilton.

But whyyyyy? The short cut of night and stay makes one to fall down in the level @:-)

If a certain level wants to be achieved, it must be slept in the hotel

I don't know acelite's particular situation last year or future plans. But you cannot treat 10+ years uninterrupted experience Plat member same way as 2 years member. And based on my personal experience, SPG doesn't. That is whyyyy... :D

I would not of missed it if I was at 20.

You could of easily found sub $100 nights at fourpoints/aloft and with the double stay promo it would of cost you $300.

Plus if you would of spent a little time you could probably get a pricematch and pick up 2000 SPG points/stay plus your plat amenity and base points it would not of cost much time or money to requalify.



Right, right, I pay ALL of my 25 SPG stays and 28 HHonors stays and 25 Hyatt stays out of my own pocket. Thus, I have no understanding for such whimmering people "oh, I am five nights short, why did I not get the Pla status free of charge". AAARGH

Right, right, I pay ALL of my 25 SPG stays and 28 HHonors stays and 25 Hyatt stays out of my own pocket. Thus, I have no understanding for such whimmering people "oh, I am five nights short, why did I not get the Pla status free of charge". AAARGH

Please, who are you kidding. :rolleyes:

We all know that you have been comped numerous times in order to achieve top status at various programs...

25 stays at Hyatt, as a LH HON ? Didn't you take the challenge recently ?

Either you are milking the programs only to a very very limited extent or you are plain lying in various forums... :(

Comped? Yes, when I first became a SPG Plat a couple of years ago, I was matched. But this works only one time @:-)

Hyatt; yes, this year only 12 nights because of the LH HON. Nevertheless, this is also a one time thing. I guess.

To come back to the basics: Who doesn't spend enough nights/stays hasn't earned the highest status. That's why he will fall back one level (or more) :-)

Right, right, I pay ALL of my 25 SPG stays and 28 HHonors stays and 25 Hyatt stays out of my own pocket. Thus, I have no understanding for such whimmering people "oh, I am five nights short, why did I not get the Pla status free of charge". AAARGH

This is like your Pla match -- may only work maybe once or twice in 10 years. Rare ocasions. And nothing is guaranteed -- one may try, may be rejected too.;)

What not true? I think it is very true.

He, the OP, the gold gets the standard rooms and I, the famous Zurich Flyer, the Plat, get the suites :)

PS: We from Hilton understand that every traveler has his choice. Me, the customers understand this well, and this is why SPG is amongs my preferred hotels and Hilton is only my second or third or fourth choice :cool:



Took the words right out of my mouth Z Flyer!!!!!! :D

In '97, I was 10 years old. Any hotel, including a Days Inn, was fun and exciting to me. Oh to go back to those times...

a bit OT, but my grandmother claims to be one of the first Days Innsider members ever...:p

a bit OT, but my grandmother claims to be one of the first Days Innsider members ever...:p



Loooooooooooooollllllll, my grand mother as well :D

how long till the OP comes a crawling back

OP in case U dont know it if you dont get an Upgrade to the so called Exec floor as a Gold then there is no Lounge Access! Only a Diamond can get into the Lounge, but good luck finding a hotel with a Lounge. Embassys dont have clubs nor DTs nor HGIs nor Homewood, so you are betting on a few Hiltons and most Resorts dont have them either

Bout the Only 2 things I know that HH has over SPG is a TON of lower end propertys Hamptons that are located off Interstates and are all around the US. And the Diamond force where even if there is no avaialbility for a paid stay most likely as a Diamond they can get you a res using your pts

But if I had to amke a choice and pick only 1 of the 2 programs SPG wins hands down. (FYI Im Plat with *W and Diamond with HH, and Plat with Marriott) and no way would I give up my *W status especially for Hilton

Now if a person will be staying where there arent any *W Hotels that would be something else. Besides for $20k in spending on the HH Amex CC you are Gold and if you miss HHs mark you will find out the hard way that they too wont let you slide even if you are short by 1 Stay credit

So OP I wish you luck, since ALL the programs are about the same when it comes to ending up short what is needed to requalify

Buh bye.

And as others have pointed out, there was a "Stays count as double" promo in the last quarter last year.

Actually, not really true given the OP is now a Gold elite and seems to refer to the fact that that was as high as they could get with their new travel pattern. Suite upgrades are not the norm for Golds.

The OP does bring out the benefits around having multiple programs to choose from. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and over time our travel patterns (and wants/desires) may change. With those changes, it may behoove us to periodically look at our primary (and even secondary) programs to see if we may be better suited with a different program (as was the case for the OP.)

Thank you, hhoope01. You are right that my travel pattern did change. In fact, I was travelling to countries with no SPG properties (Guyana, Barbados, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, etc.). As you noted, under the circumstances, I was trying to point out that Hilton`s Gold program seems to offer a lot more benefits than Starwood`s, hence the switch!

Believe me, the grass is greener there :D

BTW: How could you be a SPG member since 1997. Wasn't the programm invented in 1999 only?

Thanks for the correction. I started out as a Sheraton Gold member and then was converted when the *W program began.

agree that Plat is great.
I get a complimentary Hilton gold with one of my airline programs (forgot which) and it is not worth much apart from the free internet which I mist admit is one of the best features of SPG plat.

Never been given free breakfast and if the Hilton rooms I get are upgrade then avoid the basic rooms !

SPG is still the best.

I agree *W is best for Plats, but does not appear to be best for Gold.

Have you tried at least to plea your case with CS? There is an e-mail you can send to ask for an exception/status match/comp status, etc. Strange by itself though -- long time Plat members are usually offered a complimantary Plat status when they fall a bit short in a given year -- happened to me in 2010, to my friend 2011. Unless you were already given one in previous years -- you cannot it two years in a row.;)

You are bang on. I had one in 2008. Guess they didn't want to do it again!

I love your tag line (Do not feel offended by my posts - remember, I am a simple minded litigation lawyer). Maybe Zurich Flyer could get one too!

Took the words right out of my mouth Z Flyer!!!!!! :D

Did he now? Did you plan on using the same grammar structure as well?

Did he now? Did you plan on using the same grammar structure as well?

Grammar structure :confused:

I agree *W is best for Plats, but does not appear to be best for Gold.

You're comparing apples and oranges, since Hilton's Gold is a higher stay/night qualification than SPG's Gold. The entry level for Hilton is HHonors Silver, which is even weaker than SPG Gold (as well as only requiring 4 nights).

<digression>

That being said, it does appear that Hilton is handing out Silver and Gold if you can fog a mirror, more so than SPG does: United MP members can be immediately comped Silver (https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding4.aspx?lp=mileagepluselite&cid=OM,HN,mileageplus,LP2010) and get Gold within 4 stays. (I'm doing a 3 night mattress run in a couple of weeks in LA to grab HHonors Gold, since I need to spend a night in the Valley away from LAX anyway, and SPG's properties are more expensive away from LAX, plus a 4th room rental my ex and I will split for a daughter's slumber/pool party the following week).

So there may be competition for those HHonors Gold bennies... ;)
</digression>

United MP members can be immediately comped Silver
You get Silver with their (no annual fee) credit card.

Every program has its plusses and minuses. Not every program is good for everyone, so choose the one that fits your patterns best.

Every program has its plusses and minuses. Not every program is good for everyone, so choose the one that fits your patterns best.

Very true. I am not particularly dissatisfied with SPG Gold (I rather like Starpoints and the 4 pm late checkout, and the Four Points LAX is a hotel I will give lots of repeat business to- I have no issues with a 3.5 star property I can score for $80 or so a night). This was more a way to score HHonors Gold for cheap (~$350) on hotel stays I needed anyway, and it gives me more options for properties where I have status- I don't think I'll make SPG Plat or Hilton Diamond, so low/midtier at a couple of chains is nice.

You get Silver with their (no annual fee) credit card.

Every program has its plusses and minuses. Not every program is good for everyone, so choose the one that fits your patterns best.



Hm? Not really agree with that? Isn't it better to have the top tier status in all programs?


Very true, so low/midtier at a couple of chains is nice.

no, not mid-level. top level has to be

Some people aren't as fortunate to be financially well off to afford as many stays so sometimes its less whining than it is a constraint to them.

So they have to be more creative.

Maybe along the lines of "Programs: The loyalty program milker" ...

No fight intended - just found your tag line and comments a little divergent. It made me pleasantly smile. Thank you.

Right, right, I pay ALL of my 25 SPG stays and 28 HHonors stays and 25 Hyatt stays out of my own pocket. Thus, I have no understanding for such whimmering people "oh, I am five nights short, why did I not get the Pla status free of charge". AAARGH

, not mid-level. top level has to be

I pay for travels out of my pocket, too. I have a much smaller pocket than yours, it would seem. :) Thus, I don't hit top tier in anything, but I am content, and definitely can appreciate a good deal when it comes to finding deals with loyalty programs or major chains with 3-4 star hotels offering stays for less than $100 USD (which is generally what I am looking for. I am naturally a Priceline/Hotwire fiend. ;)). 4 stays and ~$350 to get Hilton Gold is not bad, and I used the Four Points double stay promo a few months ago to not only secure SPG Gold for 2011, but to get a leg up on 2012. ;)

Isn't it better to have the top tier status in all programs?
(a) Not necessarily (if you get treated well by one chain, what's the incentive to staying anywhere else?), and (b) not everyone has either infinite money, someone else paying their way, or the time to spend staying that many nights in a hotel.

I don't know acelite's particular situation last year or future plans. But you cannot treat 10+ years uninterrupted experience Plat member same way as 2 years member. And based on my personal experience, SPG doesn't. That is whyyyy... :D

While being Plat for 10+ years is nothing to sneeze at, I think SPG has to balance the parameters of the program rules vs long-term history.

If the OP's 10 years was as a $500/night kind of Plat I'm guessing he'd still have his status. If he's been a sub $100/night kind of Plat the past 10 years I see SPG making a one-time exception but no more.

I am looking forward to the day SPG offers lifetime status...

Me too :)

Especially if its on Living social :D

Especially if its on Living social :D

+1 ^^^ :D

I will be in the same boat next year, most likely. I have been SPG Platinum since it began. I've come to the point where I don't expect an upgrade to more than the "SPG level" or a slightly bigger room. I think I would get exactly the same upgrades if I was Gold.

So, I've been staying at Fairmonts this year, and will reach Platinum with them this month. I also have Hilton Diamond through Amex, and have tried them a couple of times. It has been interesting to venture from SPG and see what's out there. Also, now that Marriott include the Ritz-Carlton, I will probably try to status match at the end of this year with them.

The reason I started being loyal to only SPG was the comfort of the beds. But all of the chains now have a similar bed product. SPG needs to come up with something new and differentiating in their product, and for their top tier.

The issue of individual properties not adequately upgrading Platinums such that you have to do your own investigation to figure it out is really annoying, and just makes the whole thing less appealing.

So we'll see what happens when the year is up. I suppose there's still a chance I could make it if there's a double stay promotion (on higher end properties, not Aloft). But I'm kind of apathetic about it.

It was SCI (Sheraton Club International) back then. In those days, a Gold member always got an upgrade to best room in the house (usually a suite). Another good thing, you could renew for an annual fee of $25. :eek: :D

dh

Yes, I remember those days too :D. I joined SCI in 1997 for a trip to Fiji. Alas, I didnt keep up with it and when I went to join SPG, they couldnt even find ANY details of my previous SCI membership. I had to start from scratch.

I agree with Aviators. I do like SPG and being Plat but I have to say, I am about 50% on suite upgrades. I find the USA properties I stay at really don't come to the party with the upgrades as they should and it is tiring always having to push for the upgrades :( Sheraton on the Park in Sydney (my regular haunt) also has been very poor with upgrades in the last 18 months. So I am wondering about the value of Plat, going forward in 2012.

I am interested in what the other options are :D.

Some people aren't as fortunate to be financially well off to afford as many stays so sometimes its less whining than it is a constraint to them.

So they have to be more creative.

Maybe along the lines of "Programs: The loyalty program milker" ...

No fight intended - just found your tag line and comments a little divergent. It made me pleasantly smile. Thank you.

Hi TravelGuy1965, I'll go one step beyond divergent and say that some of the people on FlyerTalk are downright antagonistic! I appreciate your comment! Indeed, I am looking to get the most of a loyalty program, but that also earns my loyalty!

Cheers!

Too bad you missed this promo:

PROMO: Nights/Stays Count Double at Aloft, Element and Four Points Hotels til 31 Dec (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1132649-promo-nights-stays-count-double-aloft-element-four-points-hotels-til-31-dec.html)

That was a great promo, and one I leveraged well to earn Plat :D

You find these "minirants" in all hotel forums.

Hilton Gold isn't that bad. You get the free breakfast and internet if that's all one needs. The only extra benefit for Diamonds is the ability to force an award stay even when the hotel is sold out.

Let's face it the SPG PLT suite upgrade "benefit" is imaginary at quite a few domestic US properties.

Acelite I want to thank you for your post.Despite the unfortunate tone and online behavior of some select others it brings back an interesting discussion
Its obvious to me you valued much of your relationship with SPG and in the sad process of being downgraded you discovered some real truths about elite tier recognition.........The grass may or may be greener or not by trying out another loyalty program.

Hilton HHonors has always had the most rewarding mid tier of any major program and in some cases depending on the hotels you stay in beating or equaling top tier status in a number of other guest programs.

...
I get a complimentary Hilton gold with one of my airline programs...

Never been given free breakfast ...Why would that be? :confused:

If you select the correct "My Way VIP" benefit then breakfast is guaranteed.

...
Hilton Gold isn't that bad. You get the free breakfast and internet if that's all one needs. The only extra benefit for Diamonds is the ability to force an award stay even when the hotel is sold out. ...As well, Diamonds do get access to the Executive lounge, whether upgraded or not.

That was a great promo, and one I leveraged well to earn Plat :D

Ok, but if you look at the previous Q4 promos offered by SPG (two-for-one qualifying nights in (as far as I recall) all hotels in including Sheraton and Westin, this promotion was a bit flimsy. Doesn't do much for the global traveller either. Alofts are at the airport and Element has only 9 hotels and all in the US.

how long till the OP comes a crawling back

OP in case U dont know it if you dont get an Upgrade to the so called Exec floor as a Gold then there is no Lounge Access! Only a Diamond can get into the Lounge, but good luck finding a hotel with a Lounge. Embassys dont have clubs nor DTs nor HGIs nor Homewood, so you are betting on a few Hiltons and most Resorts dont have them either

Bout the Only 2 things I know that HH has over SPG is a TON of lower end propertys Hamptons that are located off Interstates and are all around the US. And the Diamond force where even if there is no avaialbility for a paid stay most likely as a Diamond they can get you a res using your pts

But if I had to amke a choice and pick only 1 of the 2 programs SPG wins hands down. (FYI Im Plat with *W and Diamond with HH, and Plat with Marriott) and no way would I give up my *W status especially for Hilton

Now if a person will be staying where there arent any *W Hotels that would be something else. Besides for $20k in spending on the HH Amex CC you are Gold and if you miss HHs mark you will find out the hard way that they too wont let you slide even if you are short by 1 Stay credit

So OP I wish you luck, since ALL the programs are about the same when it comes to ending up short what is needed to requalify

Hi CRAZ, I am pleased to report that I have had a lot more luck with HH than what you have described above. Since status matching to Gold, I have been upgraded to the Exec. floor in Toronto airport once, given a room upgrade WITH offer to use lounge another, and been upgraded to the Exec. floor at the Hilton London Airport. I have also had two stays at the Double Tree Hilton in Dar Es Salaam, where on both occasions, I have been upgraded a stunning room with ocean view (and terrace second time which is a double-upgrade).

So, HH Gold has yielded more value for me than SPG Gold ever could. And I will easily achieve the 16 stays to requalify for 2012! Cheers!

but honestly, let's go to fact #3,

I always wonder

WHY in the world

does some guy

write and whimper and simmer in the forum

about being only a gold member now?

Wow, that's like an e e cummings poem.

I have to travel some as a necessity now, out of my own pocket to spend time with my wife who is away at school. Not enough to earn any Plutonium status, but enough that little benefits are appreciated. SPG has allowed me to get Gold status though spending. The hotel is awesome si I can enjoy time with my wife when I am there, the rate is awesome, they treat me well (upgrades) and I earn more points being gold so I can do it more often. It works for me. I say find one that works for you.

Not enough to earn any Plutonium status

Is this a new status level, with exclusively reserved lead-clad suites? :D

i'm always amazed at how people think one less plat would better their upgrade chances....:confused:

only if that member is staying in the same city, at the same property, at the same time & checks in before you will it affect your chances....the chances of that happen are really slim to none....

but honestly, let's go to fact #3,

I always wonder

WHY in the world

does some guy

write and whimper and simmer in the forum

about being only a gold member now?because it is so damn hard... I know that feeling when it hit me unexpected with 43 nights and 24 stay in 2004/5 or so. I remenber that the following year my dear and beloved hotels - especially those in Asia at vacation felt so "different" from a standard room instead having a suite and without lounge access (back then there was no internet, nowhere) etc.

I feel for the guy - and we all should - at least a bit - could be you sometime - maybe next year?

PS: why doesn´t have SPG something livetime plat status like the marriot? i am hitting the 1000 night mark soon... would love this - very much :D

__________________
http://foodieontour.com/ - the real adventures of a food obsessed flyertalker

I feel for the guy - and we all should - at least a bit - could be you sometime - maybe next year?

^^

could be you sometime - maybe next year?
We all know the requirements and need to accept the consequences of not meeting those requirements. If you're that close and don't make it, you have only yourself to blame.

One less Platinum to Acquire my Potential Suite Upgrade.

If the OP could not manage 25 Stays when Oct/Nov/Dec 2009 also double counted for 2010 and his own local city has rooms at around $120 a night at weekends, then really the OP does not deserve my Free Suite Upgrade.

Just enjoyed $45 a Night plus 2800 Points at the $250 a Night Westin Grand Cape Town [No longer available as its now Cat 4].

This hotel has the finest Executive Lounge I have ever encountered.

May the OP enjoy their Smaller Gold Room at Hilton.

It does! Phenomenal view of tabletop mountain. There are no suites but you can get "upgraded" to the corner rooms which are bigger than most suited I have been in. Great property.

i'm always amazed at how people think one less plat would better their upgrade chances....:confused:

only if that member is staying in the same city, at the same property, at the same time & checks in before you will it affect your chances....the chances of that happen are really slim to none....

And has less points than you. I'v been told that starpoint balance affects your standing in the upgrade list in busy plat guest ridden hotels.

how long till the OP comes a crawling back

OP in case U dont know it if you dont get an Upgrade to the so called Exec floor as a Gold then there is no Lounge Access! Only a Diamond can get into the Lounge, but good luck finding a hotel with a Lounge. Embassys dont have clubs nor DTs nor HGIs nor Homewood, so you are betting on a few Hiltons and most Resorts dont have them either

Bout the Only 2 things I know that HH has over SPG is a TON of lower end propertys Hamptons that are located off Interstates and are all around the US. And the Diamond force where even if there is no avaialbility for a paid stay most likely as a Diamond they can get you a res using your pts

But if I had to amke a choice and pick only 1 of the 2 programs SPG wins hands down. (FYI Im Plat with *W and Diamond with HH, and Plat with Marriott) and no way would I give up my *W status especially for Hilton

Now if a person will be staying where there arent any *W Hotels that would be something else. Besides for $20k in spending on the HH Amex CC you are Gold and if you miss HHs mark you will find out the hard way that they too wont let you slide even if you are short by 1 Stay credit

So OP I wish you luck, since ALL the programs are about the same when it comes to ending up short what is needed to requalify
Hi Craz

A little off topic but always looking for input. Been a Marriott Platinum for a few years and always looking at what people think of the 2 programs at the highest level. I always been afraid of not enough full service SPG's in some cities. I know I wouldnt switch Marriott for Hilton

Thanks

Well, I've been Plat with SPG, Diamond with HHonors and RA with IC for a few years. Due to a substantial decrease in my professional travel, I have had to decide which top status I would abandon. Overall, as I am based in Europe and travel mostly there as well as some trips to Asia, I can say that keeping SPG Plat and HHonors Gold is far better for me than keeping SPG Gold and HHonors Diamond. My upgrades with HHonors are as good as in the past, what is lacking is the Diamond force and I never really had to use it. I was downgraded for three months to SPG Gold and it made a lot more difference than dropping to HHonors Gold. YMMV.

i'm always amazed at how people think one less plat would better their upgrade chances....:confused:

only if that member is staying in the same city, at the same property, at the same time & checks in before you will it affect your chances....the chances of that happen are really slim to none....

I agree with you 100%. That is just people`s way of saying "I couldn't care less about you, this is a dog-eat-dog world"! Not my philosophy.

Well, I've been Plat with SPG, Diamond with HHonors and RA with IC for a few years. Due to a substantial decrease in my professional travel, I have had to decide which top status I would abandon. Overall, as I am based in Europe and travel mostly there as well as some trips to Asia, I can say that keeping SPG Plat and HHonors Gold is far better for me than keeping SPG Gold and HHonors Diamond. My upgrades with HHonors are as good as in the past, what is lacking is the Diamond force and I never really had to use it. I was downgraded for three months to SPG Gold and it made a lot more difference than dropping to HHonors Gold. YMMV.

I agree. If I had the chance to keep SPG Plat, it would have been a no-brainer. The only issue in question for me was SPG Gold vs. Hilton Gold. So I bailed on SPG. Since status matching with Hilton just a few weeks ago, I have already been upgraded and/or given Exec. Lounge privileges 4 times and received amazing room upgrades in hotels without an Exec. Lounge. I agree with you that this cannot possibly compare with SPG's "enhanced room" benefit. I feel like I would be asking for an UPGRADE (vs. enhanced room) in vain at SPG properties, particularly if asking for club access, something that was automatic as SPG Plat.

agree that Plat is great.
Never been given free breakfast and if the Hilton rooms I get are upgrade then avoid the basic rooms !

SPG is still the best.

Agreed with you that SPG is the best, but disagree with you about free breakfast as HH GLD. I have gotten free breakfast on almost every stay as a HH GLD. Free breakfast is already a part of chains like Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn. If free breakfast is important then you should prolly change your My Way settings accordingly. I prefer free breakfast over the 1000 HH pesos that you get as a bonus as an HH GLD. I think that those bonuses should be revised in light of the heavy devaluation the programme suffered under Blackrock's watch.

Yes, I remember those days too :D. I joined SCI in 1997 for a trip to Fiji. Alas, I didnt keep up with it and when I went to join SPG, they couldnt even find ANY details of my previous SCI membership. I had to start from scratch.

I agree with Aviators. I do like SPG and being Plat but I have to say, I am about 50% on suite upgrades. I find the USA properties I stay at really don't come to the party with the upgrades as they should and it is tiring always having to push for the upgrades :( Sheraton on the Park in Sydney (my regular haunt) also has been very poor with upgrades in the last 18 months. So I am wondering about the value of Plat, going forward in 2012.

I am interested in what the other options are :D.

Agreed. SOTP sucks for upgrades. SOTP actually sucks in general. :) As for the US, it is hit or miss. If you are gonna base your upgrade experience on stays in LA, then you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of disappointment. My best upgrade experiences have been at W SF and Westin Coral Gables. On a side note, like you, I got started with SPG in '05 on a trip to Fiji. <3 that experience, and I was a nothing at the time.

how long till the OP comes a crawling back

OP in case U dont know it if you dont get an Upgrade to the so called Exec floor as a Gold then there is no Lounge Access! Only a Diamond can get into the Lounge, but good luck finding a hotel with a Lounge. Embassys dont have clubs nor DTs nor HGIs nor Homewood, so you are betting on a few Hiltons and most Resorts dont have them either

Bout the Only 2 things I know that HH has over SPG is a TON of lower end propertys Hamptons that are located off Interstates and are all around the US. And the Diamond force where even if there is no avaialbility for a paid stay most likely as a Diamond they can get you a res using your pts

But if I had to amke a choice and pick only 1 of the 2 programs SPG wins hands down. (FYI Im Plat with *W and Diamond with HH, and Plat with Marriott) and no way would I give up my *W status especially for Hilton

Now if a person will be staying where there arent any *W Hotels that would be something else. Besides for $20k in spending on the HH Amex CC you are Gold and if you miss HHs mark you will find out the hard way that they too wont let you slide even if you are short by 1 Stay credit

So OP I wish you luck, since ALL the programs are about the same when it comes to ending up short what is needed to requalify

+1, I am in complete agreement with you, craz.

(starting rant here)

In short, to the OP - it is my esteemed privilege to be the first to quote the great Artie Lange in saying: "Waaaaaaaaah! I was dropped to Gold, and nooooooobody looooooves me." :D

Just teasing you. :)

I only have one question for you: When you were busy leveraging your PLT status to another programme, why not choose Marriott? Not for nothing, but Hilton had jumped the shark several years ago. IMHO, it is a programme that is on rapid decline. Why not stay with a winner (even if that programme is not SPG)? Just curious.

As other posters have mentioned, if SPG PLT was that important to you, then you could have taken advantage of the Double Stays/Double Nights from aloft, Element and Four Points. A stay at the aloft ORD is almost always $74,-/night. The aloft YUL can be as low as CA$95,-/night. (Yes, I went back through my E-mails to get those numbers.)

My critique of the Hilton programme is that: 1. Tier bonus and My Way benefits are lame since they don't address point devaluation (Why not 25% for SLVR, 50% for GLD, 100% for DMND??); 2. The suite upgrades are non-existant at any tier; and 3. Tier status is so easily attainable. Por ejemplo: HH SLVR is easily attainable by breathing. I think I got it after 2 stays way back when (pre FT). HH GLD is just as attainable with their MVP programme (4 stays). And HH DMND? Well, let's just say that even that is easily attainable with a MR in Q2 (7 stays/15 nights). I am actually participating in this fast track because it may come in handy outside of the US. I doubt it, but it is not something I will ever actively maintain because I like SPG better.

Overall, I find that SPG values me as a customer. Whether it is researching the lowest rate for an upcoming stay, providing customer service for a less than perfect stay, or the little things like the free photo book or welcome gift. Those are just some of the ways SPG values me as a customer. I think that is because SPG doesn't act like a corporation (as evidenced by some of their promo execution fails). Instead, it acts more like an individual that you would like to hang out with around a campfire. I think that is why there are so many more SPG loyalists than there are Hilton loyalists. Sure, Hilton has triple (or quadruple) the number of properties, but they lack soul. Hilton can't buy that no matter how many execs they poach from the upper echelons of Starwood (and at least one Federal court agreed when they pulled the breaks on "Denizen," which is the Hilton rip-off of W).

Hilton`s VIP Gold is achieved after 16 stays. Since I had 20 stays with SPG, it is easily within the realm of the achievable for this year.

I know SPG has many customers and won`t mourn the loss of one. But I have been a pretty loyal customer and so I do want to say a final goodbye to SPG! It's been a great 10+ years!

I don't care what program it is, you would have gotten the same treatment and gripe with the lack of activity.

Hi Craz

A little off topic but always looking for input. Been a Marriott Platinum for a few years and always looking at what people think of the 2 programs at the highest level. I always been afraid of not enough full service SPG's in some cities. I know I wouldnt switch Marriott for Hilton

Thanks

I have both and generally speaking, I prefer Sheraton's properties, my upgrades are on par, and service at both is excellent although I must give a slight nod to Sheraton there as well.

In short, to the OP - it is my esteemed privilege to be the first to quote the great Artie Lange in saying: "Waaaaaaaaah! I was dropped to Gold, and nooooooobody looooooves me." :D

Just teasing you. :)

I only have one question for you: When you were busy leveraging your PLT status to another programme, why not choose Marriott? Not for nothing, but Hilton had jumped the shark several years ago. IMHO, it is a programme that is on rapid decline. Why not stay with a winner (even if that programme is not SPG)? Just curious.

As other posters have mentioned, if SPG PLT was that important to you, then you could have taken advantage of the Double Stays/Double Nights from aloft, Element and Four Points. A stay at the aloft ORD is almost always $74,-/night. The aloft YUL can be as low as CA$95,-/night. (Yes, I went back through my E-mails to get those numbers.)



I know you're "only teasing", but the last thing I ask for is anyone's sympathy. I just said there is little value in SPG Gold vs. Hilton Gold, so I am switching. Simple as that.

I know you're "only teasing", but the last thing I ask for is anyone's sympathy. I just said there is little value in SPG Gold vs. Hilton Gold, so I am switching. Simple as that.
My counterpoint was that the grass is not greener at Hilton. As a HH Gold member, I don't see the value of that status vs. SPG Gold or even SPG Platinum.

· The "upgrades" are garbage. They are tantamount to an upgrade under SPG Gold, and this does not change as an HH Diamond member. If you want a suite, you will have to shell out money. With SPG Gold, you can easily expect the same type of upgrade to a better room.

· Free internet already exists as a de-facto standard throughout many brands in the Hilton portfolio of hotels.

· Bottle water OR points as a tier-related "on-property benefit"??? Seriously?

· Most importantly, it takes many more HH pesos to get a free night, which is subject to their blackout rules, etc.

By my estimate, the only thing you are losing out on as an SPG Gold is free internet, but many Sheratons have free net access in their lounges. By switching to Hilton, you lose out on late check-outs, better point redemption values, free bottles of water and free newspapers (assuming you choose HH pesos). :p

To me, it is a no-brainer: just try to get back your status this year. :)

· The "upgrades" are garbage. They are tantamount to an upgrade under SPG Gold, and this does not change as an HH Diamond member. If you want a suite, you will have to shell out money. With SPG Gold, you can easily expect the same type of upgrade to a better room.


This is not my experience in Europe and Asia as a HH Gold. Upgrades are always to an Executive Room (95% for me) with lounge access when there is a lounge. And lounges are pretty decent places with breakfast in the morning (Continental + eggs), snacks, wine and spirits in late afternoon.

The upgrades I got the three months I was downgraded to SPG Gold were unnoticeable. The upgrades I enjoy as a HH Gold are almost as good as when I was a HH Diamond.

This is not my experience in Europe and Asia as a HH Gold. Upgrades are always to an Executive Room (95% for me) with lounge access when there is a lounge. And lounges are pretty decent places with breakfast in the morning (Continental + eggs), snacks, wine and spirits in late afternoon.

The upgrades I got the three months I was downgraded to SPG Gold were unnoticeable. The upgrades I enjoy as a HH Gold are almost as good as when I was a HH Diamond.
I didn't have the same experience pre-Blackstone as I described above. Room upgrades pre-Blackstone were way better as Gold than today. One example: I booked a stay at the Waldorf Towers in Jun '03. I reserved an Ambassador Suite, which I think was a basic suite at the time. Cost was $549,-. On arrival, they upgraded my then g/f and I to the Presidential Suite as a HH Gold.

I suppose this was when Gold seemed to have meant something. In today's Hilton, that same upgrade would be impossible. I stayed in Australia (Dec '10) at the Hilton Adelaide and Hilton Perth (because SPG went bye bye in Perth). The upgraded rooms were larger, but so tired (like the ones at the Hilton London Metropole). Wasn't really impressive at all. The lounge access was nice, but I don't really travel abroad for lounge access. I'll take an even nicer room over lounge access any day.

I expect to be Diamond by the middle of June, but if the upgrades are anything like HH Gold, then they can keep them.