I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about frequent flyer programs, but I’ve never really paid attention to the hotels’ frequency programs. I’ve always just opted for the miles. A couple questions:

1. Are the elite levels really worth anything? The benefits of airline elite levels seem more tangible to me: bonus miles, first class upgrades, things you know that you’re receiving. But at a hotel, how do really know that you’re getting a “superior” room unless you stay frequently at that same property?

2. When you redeem points for a free night, do you have the option of spending more points for a better room, or do you run the risk of getting stuck in some hole in the basement? I like the security of being able to redeem miles for a first class plane ticket. Do any hotel programs allow you to use miles for a stay in a presidential suite, for example?

Thanks for any comments.