As another data point, I'm going to have about 15 nights in five different hyatts by December, none of which would have happened without the cc and points program for this hotels.com loyalist.

I had almost zero brand differentiation prior.

I can see how this kind of Question Becomes weary here - I had similar questions about an Australia trip in a thread that wasn't answered (which is ok) - but the best strategies with the card signup and diamond challenge are not exactly intuitive as a lot of it seems hotel dependent. I appreciate the forum and the regulars help! Thx!