The concept of frequent guest programs as it exists in the Anglo-Saxon world is still largely unknown to continental-European hotel chains. For them those programs are about getting points and spending them on free nights. Status levels, upgrades, status matches etc. just don’t exist (or are very badly implemented) in most of them.

Honestly, I am even amazed that you mention a “top-tier” for NH. I am member of their program, but have never even tried to reach a next level (maybe because I looked at the details and decided it just wasn’t worth it – compared with programs like SPG and HH).

Only a few programs are slowly crawling out of the last century: Solmelia with “Más”, or Accor (but they seem to be stuck in the “we’re only beginners” phase) for instance. And of course AC hotels, because they were fortunate enough to be taken over by Marriott.

Chains like NH, Barceló, Lindner, etc. could get a lot more stays from me if only they had a half decent loyalty program. But as things stand, I only check their hotels for prices and availability if I can’t find anything with the chains that offer me the benefits...