Originally Posted by
mikelat
I'm looking at more hotel nights next year due to an increase in travel. I have 8 stays booked in Jan/Feb and am looking to do a fast-track or challenge to either Marriott Plat or Hilton Diamond.
Looks like both get 50% bonus on points, comp internet.
Does Marriott Plat get lounge access even if not on Exec floor like HH Diamond does?
Main perk for status for me is room upgrades & exec lounges, with some looking towards redemption values. My travel is primarily to Europe although I'll have a bit of personal travel to Buenos Aires and possibly to Thailand or Bali coming up in the next year or two.
Not looking to do any credit card bonus deals, needing to keep my inquiries at 0 for a while for an upcoming refi application.
And, should I be looking at Starwood too? I'm currently Gold via Amex card but haven't had much value from it so far (I realize everyone and their dog is gold at SPG though
)
Thanks in advance for any advice/suggestions!
Both Marriott plats and golds get exec lounge benefits regardless of room floor.
Marriott upgrades are generally modest. Policy is for better view/ larger room upgrades but no suites. On occasion I'll get a suite. Got one last night at the Algonquin.
Marriott plats also get an arrival amenity. You can pick points or from a list of food and beverage items. I generally go for the Split of Chardonnay and cheese plate. It's become a ritual of mine.