Originally Posted by
arlflyer
Most of the complaints about Diamond not being distinguished from Gold come from folks who spend most of their stays at low or mid-tier properties in the U.S., UK, or Europe.
What exactly are you supposed to get at the Hampton Inn in Dubuque, anyway? Caviar and Krug in the executive lounge? The Chairman's Suite with Swarovski crystals and original artwork? Or just the Diamond parking?
This also tends to be my stay pattern; I'm not dropping four digit hotel bills at the Waldorf Astoria when I travel. So not surprisingly I am quite fine with 1k extra points as a Gold at the Hampton Inn or HGI. I'm not really averse to limited-service midrange properties.
Originally Posted by
arlflyer
My mantra with Diamond has always been "Earn it in the U.S.; enjoy it internationally."
Gold isn't horrible overseas, either.