flyer121
Jan 18, 03, 10:36 pm
I have recently joined the Hilton AMEX Platnum card and it came with Silver VIP status, I have also joined the Marriott Visa card that came with VIP status. I am new to each program and my point accounts have a zero balance. I travel a lot for business in the U.S as well as Europe and Asia. I want to be loyal to the best program that goes along with my new credit cards. I just don't kniw which one to be loyal to. Thank you for your help.
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DL GM
UA EP
tcook052
Jan 18, 03, 11:03 pm
Well, I'll take a wild shot on this one and say since you're on the Marriott forum most of the votes will go for MR silver. BTW, that's were I cast my vote.
Got nothing against HH, but I loves my Marriott's.
Counsellor
Jan 19, 03, 8:05 am
If you tend to travel to the same places, I'd check availability of each chain in those areas and go with the one that is available more often.
For instance, if you frequently travel to Lisbon (Portugal), Warsaw (Poland), or Stuttgart (Germany), Hilton VIP status won't do you much good, since there aren't any Hiltons in those cities. On the other hand, if you travel a lot to Geneva (Switzerland), Helsinki (Finland), or Sophia (Bulgaria) you would want to try Hilton since there are no Marriotts in those cities.
However, if you do travel a lot, and go to cities where Marriott is present but not Hilton, and vice versa, you might want to strive for middle-VIP (Gold) with each. Gold provides most of the benefits of the highest level in each, and is not really that hard to attain if you are a frequest traveler. It's nice to have a foot in both camps "just in case".
"Semper Gumby" (Always Flexible)
[This message has been edited by Counsellor (edited 01-19-2003).]
yyzflyer
Jan 19, 03, 8:28 am
I answered you in the Hilton forum as well, but to restate - Marriott Silver is of little value except minor bonus points, whereas Hilton Silver allows you to redeem their VIP awards. Since this is the Marriott forum however, I'll state my preference for Marriott properties. It's just their program (at the lower levels) that's weaker.