Hi everyone.

I travel frequently (150k/year) but have never focused on hotel programs. I basically stay at whatever property is most convenient or cheapest, with no regard to chain frequency programs. The end result is that I make bottom tier in Marriott and Hilton, but the benefits are very weak (no upgrades, etc.)

I decided that I would begin to focus on hotel programs, so I can begin to enjoy the benefits. I currently have equal nights at Hilton, Starwood, and Marriott, and have enough nights in the rest of the year to make top status in one program, and maybe mid tier status in another.

I know that locations in where I travel is the most important factor, but the cities I travel to are large enough that there is often one or many from each chain.

I was wondering what your experience has been as a Platinum member, or a Gold member.

How have you been treated as a Platinum or Gold? Do you receive upgrades frequently/all the time?

In general if you can just provide me your experiences with the Marriott Rewards program and Marriott in general.

One last question...What rooms do you get upgraded to as a Platinum or Gold? Executive Level? What is the difference between Executive Level rooms and regular rooms, other than the club access.

Thank you very much,

Adam