Originally Posted by
Adelphos
I usually split my stays up and have just completed my first Hyatt stays this year (I have about 15 nights in other programs and expect to have about 15-20 more nights through the rest of the year at least). I also expect to stay about 50 nights or so next year at least, so status would have a benefit. However I'm not willing to commit to any program, I usually stay at the most convenient / best hotels, and a majority of time I am at a Marriott. However I would like to have useful status when I do stay at Hyatt. But it seems like people are saying the benefit of Explorist over Discoverist is pretty minimal (I feel the same way about Hilton Diamond over Gold)
Hotel and airline program benefits award higher elite levels, so spreading your stays amongst multiple programs dilutes any potential gains. Hilton Gold is in a sweet spot with free breakfast, which you have. Marriott Gold is relatively worthless, Platinum is where real benefits start. Hyatt has the best benefits for Globalists which may be very difficult for you to achieve with normal qualifications.
The real deciding factor is what kinds of hotels do you expect to stay in 2022. If you have nice full service hotels planned, then having status that gives real benefits is worth going after. 2021 is the best year for Hyatt with reduced requirements, but you still need to reach 20 nights for Club Access milestone award, which are useful at full service hotels with Club Lounges.
If you ever want to experience benefits of higher level elite status and determine your own value, 2021 is the year to do so. But, spreading your nights and flights amongst multiple programs will guarantee no tangible benefits. I suggest evaluating your travel pattern and decide if you should consolidate.