Originally Posted by aedgington

So, I've been with IHG for a few months, and made Platinum and have somewhere around 270K worth of points. Since then, I've learned what you all probably already knew -- it's easy to rack up points, but the properties are mediocre and the top tier benefits are non-existent. So, I'm looking to switch, and seeking thoughts/recommendations.

My spending habits:
My company reimburses all of my stays, which are typically two to three one-nighters per week. I've never been questioned about where I stay, but I've also stayed around the $120/night threshold -- which will continue to be my target. I don't particularly care about where I stay; I walk in, sleep, and walk out. I don't particularly care about breakfast -- I usually just have a yogurt and a banana, sometimes a hard boiled egg (I'm not a breakfast person ).

What I want:
I let my points rack up, then take a vacation at a top tier property. One of the problems with IHG is that there just aren't that many InterContinentals. The other problem is the whole PRC/Ambassador thing. Ideally, I'd like a loyalty program that gave me perks when I vacation -- room upgrade on my point redemption stay at the top tier property, and lounge access. Breakfast or a fitness center would be nice, but not nearly as important as the room upgrade.

I figure I have enough stays to qualify for any of the top tiers -- it's just figuring out which one is most likely to give me what I want (being treated well on vacation).

Thoughts/recommendations?