Originally Posted by
travelexpert
But in some cases, Golds may need to lose benefits. For example, crowded lounges can arise because there are 40 Diamonds (Cancun at Xmas--see another recent post) and maybe double that number of Golds using the facilities--in addition to non-elites who paid for the privilege.
In such instances, there may need to be a way to deprive Golds.
So there are more Golds in the Hotel which as a group are producing more revenue than the cluster of Diamonds. Presumably Gold members are also producing more revenue overall than the number of Diamonds for Hilton.
Hhonors is just a marketing ploy, I stay at Hiltons because I get a Gold card with my Amex and enjoy exec lounge access, upgrades etc. Take that away and I may as well stay anywhere.