Hate opening up another thread, but wasn't quite sure which one to add to. So wanted to get all of your thoughts. Here's my situation.
Missed the RA requal probably by 5-10 stays. Real bummer, but I get it as I didn't even hit 55 (53 IHG nights, 32 IC nights). IHG is kind enough to give me AMB for a year, but even more doubtful I'll hit the required to get RA back in the next year.
The real jist of it is that my hotel stay pattern is decreasing (which is a good thing in life). I want to retain at least 1 other real top level (as much as I hate Hilton, I think keeping Hilton Diamond is worth it for the guaranteed breakfast and coverage of HH properties). But I don't think I can hit the 30 for Hilton AND meet the ~60 or so anymore.
That being said, what I decided to do is maintain another top tier, so Hyatt it is. I'm pretty sure by end of the year I can hit Hyatt and Hilton.
What drove me away? Nothing really, I LOVE IC's. IMO the upgrades for RA are way better than Hilton/Hyatt (even when I get suites there) but the RA program was starting to go downhill with loss of club access at so many properties and the continued struggle not getting any valuable benefits on award stays (I hated fighting for free internet).
But I AM missing the amazing PC promos right now and the $50 weekend promo, so decided to do my 1 IC stay to see how it felt (and at least get those 1 time welcome back bonuses). I was surprisingly UG'd to suite in Chicago IC (Ohare) and love the treatment. But, in reality I didn't use a lot of the RA benefits (8am check in was awesome, but I never saw a movie nor really drank from the minibar).
Is what I'm doing practical? Hit Diamond for Hyatt and Hilton, then rack up promos for IC? Getting free nights isn't as big of a deal for me anymore, as between Hilton and PC I have a ton of points (no I'm not giving any away
). I will keep the PC card cause I love it, and after doing my 28 with Hyatt and 30 with Hilton probably spend the rest of my time at IHG's to rack up points.
Would love some feedback.