at least in my experience (as gold as well as diamond). I have never been made to feel that somehow I was "getting by." Actually, no comment or reaction ever noted on an award stay (other than the obvious one of producing the certificate).

If the earlier cited amounts (from 2005) cover their housekeeping costs (and it looks like they might) and given the formula that pretty much gives them their "last room" rate, this doesn't look all that bad from the hotels perspective.