Access membership
Ive had access membership for a short while now and it has paid off compared to the free membership I had.
I know the $250 may seem a lot considering you dont really know what you are getting for your money (the Ts and Cs seem suitably vague) especially with the £-$ exchange rate now.
However, if you are a frequent user of their hotels then this has to be a bargain way of getting upgraded rooms.
I have been upgraded each time I have stayed as an acess member and would have had to pay far more then $250 extra for even one of the upgrades so for me it has been worthwhile. I even tend to book lower category rooms as I know at certain hotels that the upgrades are liiley to be forthcoming.