I’m trying to decide which hotel program to pursue for 2010. My GF and I make about 10 stays a year, mostly 1 or 2 days.

I’d like to earn enough points ASAP to spend a week or so in Europe.

Some status would also be nice, to get upgrades and build points faster. I realize we’ll never get significant status or points on stays alone, so I’m looking at credit cards. I’ve narrowed it down to the Hilton Surpass Amex and the PC Visa. Either would give me status (Hilton Gold, PC Plat) reasonably fast.

Can anyone advise me about whether HHonors Gold or PC Plat is better for accumulating points and upgrades? (HH Diamond is out of reach.)

I know lots of people swear by the SPG Amex, but I’ve ruled it out because of (1) little/no Starwood presence in several areas we visit and (2) the 50% haircut on transfers to UA.