It would be hard for me to quantify all I have gotten from having the Starwood AMEX and gaining Platinum Elite status. Being able to use the card for my business generates lots of points. I have had Business and First Class travel throughout Europe. We've stayed at some extraordinary hotels and my status has almost always resulted in a suite upgrade, albeit with occasional help and pressure from the Platinum Concierge.

Then Hyatt came along and changed the terms so that their top tier, Diamond Elite, now get four CONFIRMED suite upgrades per year - no worrying, no begging no threatening and no "calling Mama (the Plat concierge!). Giving those Diamonds free breakfasts and free internet completes the package and has made Hyatt the program to beat right now - and I mean right now since this whole area is fluid.

Well here's a posting on today's Hyatt board - seems like Hyatt is starting the process to bring out a credit card to allow people to gain lots of points. There is fear, rightfully I think, that this will have to lead to point devaluation but that may happen a few years after the card comes out and they have to deal with the increase in points out there (who knows?). But like I said, these things are fluid and there might be a big window to allow those of us who know how things work to have some wonderful experiences for a few years.

Yes, I love Starwood and I hope their response will be to add to the already nice Platinum perks - even one or two guaranteed suite upgrades would be nice. And I hope they come around and match the breakfast and internet perks too.

Interesting times!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt...edit-card.html