Originally Posted by
sbiddle
I wonder how many more threads we need to discuss the fact that if chains give top tier status to everybody for free then people can't all expect to get the best rooms as free upgrades?
Many Hilton properties still very much look after genuine top tier customers who stay at their properties often.
And this is also the reason why elite treatment in Europe/Asia is so much better than in the US. Since Hilton doesn't hand out Diamond or even Gold to everyone in Europe, most elite guests at European properties are genuine frequent customers who has earned the status by stays (the same applies to Asia). Thus, hotels can relatively safely assume that a person with a Honors Status is a high-value guests and it makes commercial sense to take extra care of them.
I wonder what is the Hilton's long-term plan (if they have any, I suppose the shareholders don't care) with credit cards. Sure, it's a good business, but people will eventually notice that the status is useless on US/CAN market and then they'll stop paying for it.