I am Hyatt Diamond and upon reading the posts here on FT, I wished to try Starwood. One month ago, I joined SPG and applied to be matched to SPG Platinum. I complied with requirements set out in post #1 above and faxed over both sides of my Hyatt Diamond card, up-to-date online Hyatt statement and a cover letter setting out relevant information including my contact details and email address. After a few days, when I heard nothing, not even an acknowledgement, I telephoned and was told by a nice agent that my application had reached the right department, that all particulars had been received and I should hear positively from SPG soon. After about 2 weeks, I emailed and asked, giving my SPG number and particulars of my request. I explained that I was waiting for a response to my request as I was intending to book stays at Starwood. l received a response that the process could take up to 30 days. Now, over 30 days has passed and I have heard nothing. There has been no request for additional information nor any communication, whether positive or negative. Indeed, if I had not taken the initiative to telephone as well as email in chasing up the matter (which resulted in the response that the application could take 30 days, which time has passed), I would not have heard anything. As things stand, despite chasing, my application has simply gone into a black void. This experience is obviously not very pleasant and rather surprising coming from the SPG which I keep reading on this board, including posts about their wonderful customer service, attention towards Platinum members and efficiency in handling status match requests. Even if my application were somehow not approved, I would have expected SPG to respond, with reasons. It seems that in my case, SPG does not value an approach from a frequent traveler with potential for loyalty and has decided to dispense with an answer.

This year, I have accumulated 50 stays with Hyatt although I also stay at other hotels.

I wonder if anyone on this board can comment on this rather discouraging experience?

Thank you.