I'm also a Diamond with both. I agree with a lot of what you posted, but offer these comments:
Originally Posted by
soonerfanatic
I am Diamond in both programs, Hilton the past 5 years and Hyatt for the past 2 years. There are good and bad to both in my opinion when comparing:
Hyatt +'s
>Outstanding properties, outstanding food and great service
>Best promos ie. FFN
>G bonuses make it easy to earn points
>Customer service is good, not great.
>Regency club!
Missing from this list (you left a
lot off):
>Lounge access for Diamonds (you did list it for Hilton).
>FULL breakfast benefits at all properties without a lounge (and no pathetic "continental" substitutes!)
>FREE internet access
>Ability to CONFIRM suite upgrades in advance 4 stays per year.
>Consistent benefits and status recognition at most properties.
Hyatt -'s
>You have to chase your points, seldom do any post correctly. I now have a standing 7am Monday morning call to the Diamond line to fix my point postings
>The no blackout / no capacity control rule is misleading. Only "standard" rooms can be booked for awards. Try booking a Grand Hyatt award where there are only 10% "standard" rooms on the property
I haven't had any issues with award booking. I have three award nights booked (Ocean View King) at the Hyatt Highlands Inn Carmel, CA in August, 2010 during "classic car weekend" where the rates are nearly $800/night (the local Motel 6 goes for nearly $300/night that weekend!)
>Upgrades are seldom in my experience, even when trying to use the 4 Diamond suite upgrades
I have no issues with upgrades; always receive what is required... with the occasional upgrade to suites. I have had no problems with the confirmed upgrades either.
>Dilution of Diamond members, multiple ways to qualify for Diamond, no consistency on what it takes to qualify
"Dilution"?! Hogwash. Diamond benefits are consistently and evenly applied.
Hilton +'s
>Club lounge access for Diamond
>Easy to earn point / night promos
>Diamond Force award. 100% success in my experience even in extraordinary demand periods. I just stayed at the Hilton Whistler during the Olympics on an award. All arranged by the Diamond desk.
This is by far the best Diamond benefit of all. Almost worth keeping Diamond just for this. ^
Not so big a deal after the devaluation.
>99% of the time upgrades come through
Really? At ES? Hampton Inn's? How about those Homewood Suites upgrades?
Hilton upgrades are neither any better or more frequent then Hyatt's. I have rarely EVER received a suite upgrade at Hilton, Conrad, or DoubleTree.
Hilton -'s
>Point devaluation
This was a HUGE hit against HHonors, IMHO.
>Properties seem to be more stingy on providing anything more than what is a documented Diamond benefit.
>Hit or miss customer service, some great, some abysmal, just call again.
>Overall property quality does not compare to Hyatt.
>Hawaii properties Diamond continental breakfast is not a benefit but more like a slap in the face
Uh, it's not just Hawaii... those laughable "Starbucks vouchers" are becoming more and more commonplace. Instead of improving on the breakfast benefit (as Hyatt did last year), Hilton seems to be sliding the other way and letting it get worse.
I should also mention that I'm Platinum with SPG. With the enhancements rolled out last year for Diamonds, Hyatt has emerged as the top program for top Elites without question, IMHO. The only thing of note Hilton has done in the past year is decimate the value of their award points. At least SPG is taking note and trying to catch up (they just announce a match to HGP with free HSIA for elites). Hilton is distant third, and they better step up soon.