Originally Posted by travelingdrsuz

I have both, status with both, and IHG is better. While some Hiltons are still nice, they have fallen far, especially since Covid. I know each is unique, managed differently, etc. But I do travel internationally and domestically nonstop (I literally live in hotels) and see a lot. In fact, just last night it took me 1.5 hours to cancel a Hilton reservation via Twitter DM. It was a negotiated rate for 45 days. I made it with the GM when I left the hotel. However, she never conformed it in writing (I have the reservation, but not the negotiated rate). I finally gave up on her. I'd booked a back up--at an IHG. But because it was set in the system by the GM, it was not anything I could adjust online. The process was so irritating, it made me want to cancel all my upcoming Hilton reservations.
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I absolutely would not make Hilton my number one unless I were traveling to specific places where I was sure the hotels were excellent. IHG is not some majestic superior chain but if you want to be treated better, don't go to Hilton as a primary. As with anything, YMMV.