Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
The grass is not always greener on the other side. I agree with some other, to my mind sensible posters, it is tangible benefits one should stay for , + the rewards points earning/redemption is a bonus and should not drive which brand you stay loyal to.
Unless one already has multiple brand status, changing brands hurts in the short term, especially if one has earned the top tier. So if you can book 100+ nights a year, maintaining 2x brands status is very sensible precaution.
Seems that most hotel brand loyalty schemes are reducing what they give us loyal followers back, now that nightly rates, booking,occupancy percentages are firming up after a few tough years for the hotel groups where they were chasing business.
As before each brands offering needs to be weighed against both your needs, hotel geography firstly, hotel price points next, and finally rewards one receives for staying, whether rewards are
upgrades / free internet / free breakfast / free lounge access with drinks hour