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Old Dec 7, 2017 | 9:01 am
  #4  
neo_781
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EP, UA Gold-MM, UA 1K (former), GS (former),SPG LT Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,299
Originally Posted by CPRich
I suspect we could get 50 people with both PLT statuses just here on FT. I'm LT PLT in both - they may know who I am, but I've seen no action resulting from it. (But I guess a 10,000 is technically 50+)

The typical argument against diversifying is that you're giving up the benefits you've earned after you've earned them. But you have enough nights to be top tier in 2 programs and I suspect could get a match to avoid the "no benefits, still earning" phase.

I did the same many years again, matching my MR PLT to SPG, then earning PLT in both for a decade, diversifying but never missing out on benefits.

It's a valid approach - my recommendation would be to avoid diversifying into two programs that then merge and waste the effort .

If you stay where there are Hyatts, they've traditionally had a good program, though limited in coverage. My experience with Hilton has been that they're so bad, I don't know if even top tier would be worth it.

But there's also nothing fundamentally wrong with sticking with SPG. I still think it's the best program . While the earning ratio turns out poorly in some analyses, they never consider all of the additional opportunities top tier elites have, and I think it's at least as good as the others.
I agree with a lot of this. I gave up hotel exclusivity a few years ago and am happy that I have. I am top tier in Hyatt, SPG (LT Platinum), Marriott and Hilton. I like having this diversification because I can now choose the property that is best for me in the particular location I am in. This is especially handy in award stays which not only allow flexibility based on location but I can also choose based on price and availability. While having 150+ nights per year might rate you some extra perks if you are a regular at a specific property, I feel that that the freedom of choice is worth more to me and I still generally get good upgrades or treated well.
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