Originally Posted by
dwcatty
I, too, was surprised to read Brian's story. However, I respectfully disagree with mnredfox concerning the usefulness of Diamond status. Perhaps I am misreading the inflection in the typing, but I find Diamond force a fabulous benefit. And will even more following my stay at the oceanfront Myrtle Beach Hampton Inn over the upcoming Easter weekend, in a room booked two weeks ago despite the property showing as sold out. Let's just hope I'm not put in a smoking room...
I've found force to come in once as handy, but usually it's not. I had an event at SF Union Square and I was the only one on my team who could get into the hotel due to diamond force. It was however at the rate of ~$300 per night which is the most I've ever spent on that hotel. In fact, I've never spent more than $179 there I think.
On other occasions, I similarly found force to be way overpriced compared to the "usual" rate that I'd end up staying elsewhere. Recently I went to Spartanppburg, SC and the Hampton my peers were staying at was booked, I was a late addition. The force price was some $200+ per night. I got the full blown Hilton a mile away for $79 a night so went that route. In that city, the Hampton is brand new and nice while their Hilton ranks as probably one of the worst Hilton propers in the system (similar to SLC airport if i had t make a comparison, regardless both are more than tolerable for me and getting them for 69-79is fine for me and my company).
Thanks for the good feedback, when I get back to Austin, I'll email Diamond just to report.