I think holding status at some chains offer significant benefit. E.g the Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold and Club Carlsson Concierge level gives you free breakfast which at European hotels easily saves you 20€ per person a day even if you do not get a fancy suite upgrade. Same for frequent flyer status... Getting priority treatment on the airlines I travel every week makes my travels so much more convinient (priority security, priority boarding, better seats for selection, lounges, better service during Irrops).