Originally Posted by computerpro3

I realize I am not a full time professional traveler, but I did 70 nights over 38 stays with Hilton this year. I had diamond status carry over from last year as well so I just hit the 1yr mark with Hilton as a Diamond member.

Now, in fairness I am a business traveler most of the time and as such do not usually do luxury or resort properties. Most of my stays are in full-service Hiltons, Embassy Suites, etc. Importantly, I also rarely use executive lounges as I am always out for dinner meetings and drinks. So perhaps if I stayed at more luxury focused properties or had more down time in hotels I would notice a difference.....

But that being said, I have not noticed a difference between having no status and being diamond other than two free water bottles.

1. About 70% of properties do not offer a free snack; just the water bottles
2. The reservation guarantee is a joke because of the lead-time that you need (48hrs)
3. I have never gotten a single upgrade over these 38 stays
4. Most properties do not even acknowledge you are a diamond
5. Many properties do not have diamond parking
6. Late checkout is about a 20% success rate even as a diamond - ridiculous

I am not sure if I have just been unlucky or not, but I honestly don't value diamond status at all. This is probably all old-hat complaints to most of you, but as someone who is a relatively new diamond I expected more. I am considering switching to SPG to see what the other side feels like.