From the SPG forum:

Here are how you can get lifetime status in other programs (this is excluding the use of charge cards like AmEx Centurion):

Name of Brand (Levels of Elite Status)


Marriott (Silver, Gold, Platinum)

Lifetime Silver Requires:
-1.5 million earned MR points
-600 nights
-12 years as an MR member
-Earned MR silver at least once

Lifetime Gold Requires:
-2 million earned MR points
-800 nights
-12 years as an MR member
-Earned MR gold at least once

Lifetime Platinum Requires:
-3 million earned MR points
-1,000 nights
-12 years as an MR member
-Earned MR platinum at least once


Hyatt (Platinum, Diamond)

Lifetime Diamond Requires:
-1 million points
-Earned GP diamond at least 10 times (10 years)


Hilton (Silver, Gold, Diamond)

Lifetime Diamond Requires:
-Purchase a $35,000 timeshare in NYC for Hilton


Starwood (Gold, Platinum)

Lifetime Gold Status Requires:
-Purchase a Starwood timeshare property (as reported above)