Tino and Steffo - Hilton has changed the policy of rates and points credit. All rates now qualify for both points and miles, apart from so very low 'special rates'. All the cheap bounce back etc rates DO qualify for double dipping.

Tino - If you read the Starwoods forum, there are plenty of bad things said about starwoods, as well as good.

You pay your money, and take your choice. I prefer Hilton. I don't have a problem with the customer services, perhaps because I use the UK, which is less busy. Adam and his staff can solve anything, and are a great asset, but I count myself lucky, as they are not 'offical' customer service.

The addition of the new hotels, and the changes to the program has allowed me to qualify this year for Diamond, and to rack up a lot of extra points. My status in other programs has reduced as a result.