Originally Posted by
blase
Also, I'm mattress running for the status. :hide: So basically I'm spending about $70 a night at 12 nights to get breakfast and *maybe* an upgraded room. Some people would say I was crazy (most of my friends think I am), but i have my reasons. For one, I want to make this upcoming trip as nice for my mom as possible... who knows when/if we will be able to travel like this again. I know the free breakfast at PH Vendome and Regency Club access in London will make the trip more special for us, as well as whatever room upgrades we get. In addition, DH and I are planning on doing Hawaii next year and hopefully Australia in early 2013, for which the diamond status will come in handy.
So I don't mind spending the +/- $1000 I need to requalify, although with no promos or G bonuses now, it really sucks with no bonus points (I plan on getting the WN bonus with the next five stays; at least that's something!).
I tried earlier in the year to get a Diamond challenge, but they emailed me back and said I was ineligible as they matched my status back in 2009.
You're not crazy... I stayed at the PH Place Vendome in May and the breakfast was amaaazing and at 48euros/p would cost you more than half of what you'll spend doing your Diamond challenge anyway. Plus, you'll be Diamond until 2/2013 and likely use your benefits again and again. Call GP and explain that your dilemma, that it's a special trip for your aging mother, etc. etc. etc. I was put in a Park King Suite even before I became Diamond probably because I said I was staying there for my birthday. It was. Really. My Birthday.