This topic hits home. I also believe that the new policy is a slap in the face to loyal Hilton customers. I have been a Diamond member for several years and have found the program to be falling off quite a bit - So here is my comparison, for what it is worth between Starwood Platinum (SP) and Hilton Diamond (HD) -

UPGRADES - SP has always gotten me an upgrade - usually to a suite - With HD, suite upgrades are specifically excluded and very rarely given

CHECKOUT - Most SP properties grant the 4:00 p.m. late checkout option (I have never been denied) - Most HD will charge a day rate after 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. and the Hilton policy is to charge $75 for a checkout prior to the date scheduled

CHECKIN AMENITY - The SP "gift basket" may have a few corny snacks - but I sure do appreciate the bottled water when I arrive - especially when it is late - HD provides no amenities or "gift baskets"

INTERNATIONAL TREATMENT - I am treated very well at SP international properties and receive the same treatment that I receive at domestic properties - AT HD - Hilton International properties (except for Conrads) are owned by a separate company and are VERY RELUCTANT to supply Diamond benefits - most claim that their "Execuitve" floors are much different than domestic "Towers" (THEY ARE NOT !!!!) and are not available for an upgrade because of what I call " The HHonors Catch-all exemption" - which is the terminology HHonors uses that excludes "Suites, Villas, and other ""SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS"" from upgrades - most Hilton International properties that I have dealt with (more than 10 worldwide) rely on this exemption to deny an upgrade - by the way MANY HHONORS customer service reps have told me that they hear numerous complaints regrading the Hilton International Properties' failure to supply Diamond benefits and upgrades

AWARD STAYS - SP - no capacity controls or blackouts - never had a problem - HD I am currently 0 for 9 in my attempts to book award travel - including off peak times with maximum flexibility - this includes non resort or popular destinations - want to stay with an award at the Waldorf - GOOD LUCK

STAY CREDIT - SP - had one instance of failure to receive stay credit and it was handled in about 30 seconds over the phone - HD - folios have to be faxed or mailed and it often requires multiple requests to get done - Many Hilton International properties "forget" to credit stays

Well, I guess I have said enough - I just have to find a way to use my 700,000 HHONORS points and give Starwood my 80 PLUS room nights (usually at corporate rate or higher) per year - Whadda y'all think ? - kazman