Originally Posted by Jerrodsdad

Just out of curiousity, I called Hilton Honors and talking to Cordell at their call center in Addison, TX. He explained they have a program called "Matching Tier Status" where by if you fax evidence of your being a top tier member of a competing loyalty program, HH will automatically make you a Diamond member in their HH rewards program. The fax # is (972) 788-1818. Should you decide you are tired of Marriott and wish to change to another loyalty program, give HH a call and ask them about their Matching Tier Status program. I told them about the cutbacks at Marriott and I was ready for a change, so Cordell was kind enough to provide me with the information.

I chose this Marriott because of the Concierge lounge. I am not sure why Marriott has opted to stick it to their core group of travelers, but apparently, they feel they can cut back, even though they must know they will have some losses in their membership. I am guessing they have a certain loss level that they are aiming to reach, which with the cutbacks they are making, will not be too far in the future. I really see know reason to continue paying these higher prices, when I can get the same amenities elsewhere at a much lower price.