If you could choose one elite status: Ritz-Carlton, HHonors, SPG
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Tokyo
Programs: NH Diamond
Posts: 44
If you could choose one elite status: Ritz-Carlton, HHonors, SPG
I'm planning a trip that will get me over the bar for *one* of the following:
- Ritz-Carlton (i.e., Marriott) Silver
- HHonors Silver
- SPG Gold
If you could choose one of the above to get status, which would you choose?
I'm kind of leaning towards Ritz-Carlton (Marriott) just because the property where I'm going is a bit nicer, but it's an open choice. I do about 15 nights a year in hotels, nothing too serious...
Thanks in advance for any advice!
- Ritz-Carlton (i.e., Marriott) Silver
- HHonors Silver
- SPG Gold
If you could choose one of the above to get status, which would you choose?
I'm kind of leaning towards Ritz-Carlton (Marriott) just because the property where I'm going is a bit nicer, but it's an open choice. I do about 15 nights a year in hotels, nothing too serious...
Thanks in advance for any advice!
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
SPG for the guaranteed 4 pm checkout even for Gold.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,434
If you're only considering the trip solely for the purpose of getting status, then I don't think that Ritz-Carlton Silver status will do much for you. The only things you'll really get are 20% more points during stays and late checkout (assuming the Gold and Platinum members on site do not trump you)
SPG Gold would probably be a better deal.
SPG Gold would probably be a better deal.
#4
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,689
If you're only considering the trip solely for the purpose of getting status, then I don't think that Ritz-Carlton Silver status will do much for you. The only things you'll really get are 20% more points during stays and late checkout (assuming the Gold and Platinum members on site do not trump you)
SPG Gold would probably be a better deal.
SPG Gold would probably be a better deal.
You can get late checkout mostly anywhere you request it (maybe not 4pm, but usually 1 to 2pm---and I have never been offered 4pm late checkout at SPG either).
Marriott Gold is harder to reach and maintain, but maybe the OP should consider Hhonors fast track to Gold. (although I know it was not one of the choices listed-- but for a 15 night travel pattern per year, it might be a path worth looking at---- it comes with better benefits than all those choices listed above, imho.)
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Hyatt Discoverist, SEIBU PRINCE CLUB Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 20,434
#6
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
SPG Gold can get a room upgrade (generally to a better room within the same room category). They also now get an arrival amenity of which complimentary in-room internet access is one of the choices, plus and possibly the biggest benefit is a 50% bonus on base points (same bonus as Plats get.)
#7
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,689
SPG Gold can get a room upgrade (generally to a better room within the same room category). They also now get an arrival amenity of which complimentary in-room internet access is one of the choices, plus and possibly the biggest benefit is a 50% bonus on base points (same bonus as Plats get.)
I have never one time received an upgrade as a gold member.
Also, choosing internet access as your choice amenity hardly seems that fantastic when compared to Hhonors and Marriott who both give internet access to gold members.
The 50% bonus (vs. 25% bonus, with the other two chains), is nice. Yet, you must weigh it against the few numbers of points earned (and fewer number of points needed to redeem the reward cert). & pricing wise, I find SPG properties to be more expensive in many areas than the competitors Hilton and Marriott.
Overall, I just don't find that SPG values the gold members. I think they rank about with the silver members from the other two chains. Again, this is just my opinion.
I don't stay alot at SPG (as one can read from my other post around this site).
#8
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: HHonor Dia, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 550
I have never one time received an upgrade as a gold member.
Also, choosing internet access as your choice amenity hardly seems that fantastic when compared to Hhonors and Marriott who both give internet access to gold members.
The 50% bonus (vs. 25% bonus, with the other two chains), is nice. Yet, you must weigh it against the few numbers of points earned (and fewer number of points needed to redeem the reward cert). & pricing wise, I find SPG properties to be more expensive in many areas than the competitors Hilton and Marriott.
Overall, I just don't find that SPG values the gold members. I think they rank about with the silver members from the other two chains. Again, this is just my opinion.
I don't stay alot at SPG (as one can read from my other post around this site).
Also, choosing internet access as your choice amenity hardly seems that fantastic when compared to Hhonors and Marriott who both give internet access to gold members.
The 50% bonus (vs. 25% bonus, with the other two chains), is nice. Yet, you must weigh it against the few numbers of points earned (and fewer number of points needed to redeem the reward cert). & pricing wise, I find SPG properties to be more expensive in many areas than the competitors Hilton and Marriott.
Overall, I just don't find that SPG values the gold members. I think they rank about with the silver members from the other two chains. Again, this is just my opinion.
I don't stay alot at SPG (as one can read from my other post around this site).
Not between other golds.
SPG Gold gives (possibility) of room upgrade and guaranteed late check-out , vs none with marriott/hilton silver.
So SPG Gold obviously.
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
The SPG Gold late checkout benefit is guaranteed except at resort and convention properties, where it's based on availability. I like not having to call the front desk in the morning and beg for a late check out, then having to rush to pack and sometimes to re-think plans for the day if the late check out is denied. Yes, I know I can leave luggage with bellmen for the day, but when there's a large group, I've seen such luggage left in a mound in the lobby rather than being secured so I prefer to avoid leaving luggage checked with the hotel whenever possible.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
SPG Gold for sure. I've been considering moving to SPG, as their benefits align better with my desires than MR, although they trail MR wrt properties in a few markets that are important to me.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
I personally find no truly great value in SPG gold at all.
You can get late checkout mostly anywhere you request it (maybe not 4pm, but usually 1 to 2pm---and I have never been offered 4pm late checkout at SPG either).
I have never one time received an upgrade as a gold member.
Also, choosing internet access as your choice amenity hardly seems that fantastic when compared to Hhonors and Marriott who both give internet access to gold members.
The 50% bonus (vs. 25% bonus, with the other two chains), is nice. Yet, you must weigh it against the few numbers of points earned (and fewer number of points needed to redeem the reward cert). & pricing wise, I find SPG properties to be more expensive in many areas than the competitors Hilton and Marriott.
Overall, I just don't find that SPG values the gold members. I think they rank about with the silver members from the other two chains. Again, this is just my opinion.
I don't stay alot at SPG (as one can read from my other post around this site).
You can get late checkout mostly anywhere you request it (maybe not 4pm, but usually 1 to 2pm---and I have never been offered 4pm late checkout at SPG either).
I have never one time received an upgrade as a gold member.
Also, choosing internet access as your choice amenity hardly seems that fantastic when compared to Hhonors and Marriott who both give internet access to gold members.
The 50% bonus (vs. 25% bonus, with the other two chains), is nice. Yet, you must weigh it against the few numbers of points earned (and fewer number of points needed to redeem the reward cert). & pricing wise, I find SPG properties to be more expensive in many areas than the competitors Hilton and Marriott.
Overall, I just don't find that SPG values the gold members. I think they rank about with the silver members from the other two chains. Again, this is just my opinion.
I don't stay alot at SPG (as one can read from my other post around this site).
SPG Gold gives GUARANTEED 4 PM checkout in just about every property. It isn't optional for the hotel to offer it, if you ask for it, you will get it.
About never receiving an upgrade as an SPG Gold. I have only once in 100+ stays not received any upgrade. Receiving a 1-room upgrade as a Gold is a GUARANTEED benefit based on availability, and even in packed hotels they have often found availability.
You state you don't stay a lot at SPG. Considering the statements you are making, it seems you haven't stayed at SPG at all, at least as an SPG Gold.
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
It seems you have very little experience with SPG and are just throwing around things which don't make any sense, at all, to anybody in the SPG program.
SPG Gold gives GUARANTEED 4 PM checkout in just about every property. It isn't optional for the hotel to offer it, if you ask for it, you will get it.
About never receiving an upgrade as an SPG Gold. I have only once in 100+ stays not received any upgrade. Receiving a 1-room upgrade as a Gold is a GUARANTEED benefit based on availability, and even in packed hotels they have often found availability.
You state you don't stay a lot at SPG. Considering the statements you are making, it seems you haven't stayed at SPG at all, at least as an SPG Gold.
SPG Gold gives GUARANTEED 4 PM checkout in just about every property. It isn't optional for the hotel to offer it, if you ask for it, you will get it.
About never receiving an upgrade as an SPG Gold. I have only once in 100+ stays not received any upgrade. Receiving a 1-room upgrade as a Gold is a GUARANTEED benefit based on availability, and even in packed hotels they have often found availability.
You state you don't stay a lot at SPG. Considering the statements you are making, it seems you haven't stayed at SPG at all, at least as an SPG Gold.