I have determined that SPG is not the program for me.

I did the challenge and met the requirements by booking several non needed stays and became a Platinum in November 2011.

Yesterday I received a Gold card. Called the line, the rep said "It is based on your stays for last year." Repeating that over and over. So if you do the challenge you might only get ONE MONTH of Platinum before they send you the Gold card again.

Due to this I have only had one stay as a Platinum, since we don't business travel much during December. Our heavy travel is middle of the year. Since they are so short sighted, I will stick with Hyatt and Hilton who have NEVER EVER done me that way. They choose their business practices and I choose my hotels. They don't want me and I can easily do without them.

Be warned!