Originally Posted by
hailstorm
Gold status at Ritz gets you free in-room internet, which is not insignificant.
The internet fee at RC's is usually about $10-$13/day, which is money but isn't a huge deal. I think that a lot of us who stay at RC's access the internet at least in part for business purposes even when we travel for pleasure, so that we get reimbursed/get to expense that charge anyway.
25% bonus points and late checkout are also nice.
The bonus points can be nice but the late checkout isn't really a big deal. It's not guaranteed and, if available, RC's offer complimentary late checkouts to people staying there without any status whatsoever.
Also remember that the comment that we are discussing here is one that said that a Marriott GC status would be a nice distinguishing feature of AMEX Platinum. If you have AMEX Platinum and are booking an FHR rate, you are guaranteed a 4pm checkout.
So not "totally" meaningless, just not something you need to go out of your way to achieve.
I agree with this.
My point is that at least to me, the primary benefit of hotel status is big upgrades, which isn't really possible at RC's since suites and Club level rooms are officially excluded.