<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Boraxo:
One thing that is left out of the equation (and the webflyer program comparison site that was linked) is the treatment of elites on priceline stays.
I am close to elite in both Marriott and Hyatt programs. From what I can tell so far, Hyatt provides far superior treatment to me on priceline stays (e.g. better rooms, club access) and sometimes even miles. Would be curious to hear how one is treated by the other programs.</font>
My experiences with prepaid travel agent stays (in my case, either Priceline or Expedia). I am Gold in all three programs.
Marriott: I have always gotten a decent room and no complaints, but never an upgrade on these rates. No lounge access.
HH: occasionally, I will get a minor upgrade by showing my Gold card at the front desk. For example, I might go from "garden view" to "ocean view", but never room to suite. Most Hiltons won't put me on the concierge level with a cheapo rate, but most of them will give me the keycard to enter the lounge, which is all I really ask for.
SPG: I don't have a good cross-section of hotels, so this won't help much. I only use prepaid rates for one Starwood: the 4Points in St. Paul. (~$35 on Priceline) They always treat me very well. Breakfast certs, drink coupons, a slight upgrade (high floor, as far away from the indoor pool as possible), and always get my bed/smoke preferences right the first time. I worry that this hotel will go out of business because nobody is ever there!! It's a great place for us when we are in St. Paul...