Originally Posted by
MikeBOS
I think you are comparing apples to oranges when comparing A-Club Platinum to IC RA. Getting RA is much, much more difficult than A-Club Platinum -- you need many more nights and much more spend. So it makes sense that the benefits would be better.
All I can say is that if you don't like Platinum recognition with A-Club, stay away from SPG because it's worse.
I agree to your point about Sofitel Plat versus IC RA. But Starwood Plat here in Europe gives 100% recognition. I know it can be hit and miss in the US, but not here.
I've stayed at hundreds of Starwood hotels so I think I know them well enough. I haven't stayed at that many Sofitel's and MGalleries, but the ones that I have stayed at have all given me good Plat recognition. Even if I had to remind them about it at the front desk.
