have not stayed here for over a year, but have some Paris travel and am returning and staying tonight for 3 nights. Very disappointed the executive lounge is gone with its platinum check in, free breakfast, nightly drinks and, best of all, view of eiffel tower --although you had to look for it. When i passed on this lament at check in i was told how great the free internet benefit for platinums was. Oh well..........

I just came in from Baucharest where as a gold the Hilton wowed me re upgrade, internet, lounge (breakfast , great pre diner snacks & drinks) super friendly staff (not an expectation in Paris).

In my year of gold with Hilton through an Air Canada Super Elite promo i am having more wowing experiences than at SPG, where i have been a loyal platinum for years. Still I like SPG better re awards (fair points compared to Hilton where too many properties are graded too high and SPG cash & points blows the Hilton copycat away) but on a pure hotel stay basis SPG is comming in second even at platinum to gold. A choice looms for me.

I wonder if others are thinking this too.