FederalFlyer

I am not a Marriott elite, so bear that in mind. However, based on everything I've read regarding their elite program, I would not pursue status with them. From my understanding, the requirements to maintain elite status are extremely high, and the benefits are extremely low.

Personally, if I were going to pursue status with any hotel program other than SPG, I would consider Hyatt. That may or may not work for you, but their promos, aspirational properties that can be redeemed without breaking the points-bank, and free full breakfast for all top elites really appeal to me.

kit125

Exactly! Anyone have an update? I'm RA with IHG and Plat with MR and am considering moving some business to SPG due to corporate travel agent availability. I'm not required to do so, but considering. I wouldn't want to give up the benefits I already receive for nothing.

m0hamed

*wood's business is to ensure that people don't use the Platinum challenge to requalify.

People forget that status needs to be earned. Status matches are not a right.

5 days a week for 10 weeks will re-earn your status, just like everyone else.

MSPeconomist

If you know your travel locations, start by checking what Starwoods or Hyatts would be convenient. If you'll have (or can arrange) a lot of one night stands--I means stays--you can earn SPG PlatMinus or Hyatt Diamond in not much more than a month. Look at their current promos to collect some extra points.

If you will be almost always in the same property, try to make a deal with them to directly agree to give you some extra perks. Also, ask your new company's travel department whether they have comped status or fast track deals with their corporate contract/preferred travel providers.

kit125

I am a Plat with MR and I'm not overly impressed with their program, but my company is pretty married to their brand. As the prior poster pointed out, it takes a lot to maintain status (75 nights) and you really don't get a lot of great perks. The only thing I really value about the program is the opportunity to earn and use points at Ritz Carlton properties.

Have you considered IHG (Priority Club)? It's easy to maintain status (use a points or nights scheme) and as you progress in status, some of the perks are pretty great (suite upgrades, free movies, free mini-bar). I've been elite in this program for over 10 years and keep it up, even through corporate travel changes. Some might poo-poo Holiday Inns, but the Intercontinental properties are pretty great. Not sure where your travels are taking you...

It's really a matter of what's important to you.

bkflowermound

Thanks for the responses.

I am torn. I like Starwood better than Marriott. I like the Starwood Lurkers, for example, and think that they give great service. If I decide to stay at Starwood's, I'll get to Gold in just over two weeks and Platinum in just over 6 weeks on stays, not nights. I am trying to maximize points that can be used after my assignment at places I want to go.

I will maximize stays. I will forgo maid service, etc., to get there. I am not driven by suite upgrades, breakfast, Internet, club access, etc., as I will be on an expense account and my company has already got free Internet from all the majors.

I am going to one location - Houston - where Marriott has hotels that are closer to my worksite. Marriott also has the platinum challenge. I am not concerned about requalification as it is unlikely that I will requalify on any program.

FederalFlyer

Without status, to maximize points, make sure you're signed up for whatever seasonal promo is being offered and maximize the promo. Also, if you have the American Express Platinum Card, you can call to be granted instant Gold status and thus earn 3X points per dollar, and I believe another 250 points as a welcome amenity. If you have the SPG American Express, you'll get 2X points per dollar (assuming you book with that card). If you have both the Amex Platinum and the Amex SPG, you're looking at 5X. Chose to "go green" and you'll pick up another 500 points per night (up to every 2 nights in a row, I believe). If you are a Delta Platinum or Diamond medallion, I think you will even qualify for upgraded rooms with SPG. Although, considering that even SPG Platinums are often not given upgrades, I wouldn't expect too much from this new crossover perk.

But, beware, SPG Points are great for many many things, but not ALL things. In particular, they are NOT good for aspirational award bookings. If you hope to redeem for something like the St Regis Bali, St Regis Bora Bora, W Maldives and so on, you will find yourself very disappointed. If that is your goal, Hyatt will be a much better program as their aspirational awards are much more reasonably priced.

fieldeng

I need an alternative to Marriott. In looking around, Hyatt's have less properties for me than SPG. Hilton just devalued their brand and personally I've not been happy with the treatment as a Diamond.

Outside of those, the other hotel options aren't that satisfying.

Given how much time I spend in Toronto, I'm looking to the Starwood program as that 2nd alternative. I have to keep Marriott as my primary because of several corporate reasons but when I fly to other client locations I have my choice.

Furthermore, the locations of the Starwood hotels are better than the Marriott alternatives.

I sent the platinum concierge an email. We'll see how long they take to respond. I have a bunch of trips to book and would like to get this started to get going.

adamantine

If I complete a plat challenge within the next 3 months, will the plat status be valid for the normal period, i.e. till Feb 2015, or will it only be till Feb 2014?

ded0r

I will complete my plat challenge next week. I have a four night stay which will bring me from 16 to 20 nights after completion.

How long does it take for the status to update in my profile? I assume it will not happen during, but much rather some time after my stay, meaning no benefits in night 3 and 4. I would really benefit from free internet and breakfast during this stay.

Does anyone know if it's possible to get status recognition immediately after night 18?

Thanks a lot!

Starwood Lurker II

I would suggest reaching out to [email protected] for the answer.

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

yucci18

I was in a similar situation... And the answer is no. They can't do anything until your 18nights are posted by the hotel. If you are still within the same stay, unfortunately you won't be able to benefit from it...

stiwi

Switching from HH Diamonds, SPG surprises me:
- BRG matched within couple of hours with 10% discount offered
- Plat Liaison team got back to me within two hours offering Plat challenge

What can I say. On one hand I am impressed, on the other reading how Plat benefits (SNAs) are being revoked makes me doubtful.

Kenji

as HH Diamond I got suite upgrades only on properties I stayed often. for me the difference to HH Gold was not much. as SPG Platinum my upgrade success to suites is 99%, so I don't care that much for the SNA. However, my SNA success is 100% this year.

Keyser

people normally post their bad experiences regarding snas....hardly anyone posts when snas work the way they are supposed to....there is no doubt there are some problems with snas but they are not as common as you think....