I think you really have to take a look at what you're looking to do with your membership/status. If you're travelling to the same city week after week, maybe you should pay more attention to forming a relationship with a local hotel, perhaps something with ties worldwide... I'm Hilton Gold, but really only got great treatment after I frequented a hotel a few times. Last month, I received a letter from Sofitel's program offering me a free night's stay (weekend, later this year)after 4 paid nights. Well, I've now earned my free night, but having come to the same hotel 5 times now, I was upgraded to a 'junior' suite last week, and the only reason I know it was junior is because of the suite I was put in this week. Point is: I have no Sofitel status, but they take care of me because I'm here often (and for the record, I only pay the lowest lowest rates). Find a hotel you like, make friends, and go from there--that's my advice.

--bc