I've had gold for the past couple of years thanks to my Amex Platinum card. The included breakfasts have been nice on the few occasions when I have stayed at Hiltons lately. However, I'm considering getting an Aspire card in order to get Diamond status. I have already earned Marriott Platinum status or the rest of this year and next, so I am considering at least giving Hilton a try for my upcoming business trips in October .The main reason I'm considering switching from Marriott is all of the trouble I've been having with reservations and getting stays credited during the SPG/Marriott merger nonsense.

I care more about is lounge access than anything else. Occasional room upgrades would be nice, and I've managed to get a few as a Gold. Work frequently takes me to the financial district in NYC (I believe the Millennium has a lounge) and San Diego (La Jolla, Torrey Pins and Gaslamp Quarter). Hilton also has a good footprint in the leisure destinations I expect to visit in the next year with just my wife. Other than lounge access, I care about having the ability to earn points and redeem them at higher end properties.

So I'm asking all of you Diamonds out there whether it's noticeably better to have Diamond than Gold. I'm especially interested in comparisons to Marriott Platinum. Thanks!