Originally Posted by
treznor
It's definitely good to have a backup. Starwood hotels just aren't as numerous as other chains are, especially in the lower end hotels and in smaller cities/towns. That having been said, I don't think I would branch out if you are just barely making SPG platinum.
Good point, I cleared the platinum mark a few weeks back (at 64 nights for the year) and so now is probably the right time to look around.