Originally Posted by bumburuck

This is a very interesting thread. I managed to hit Bonvoy Titanium every year in the last 4 years. I don't fly United (United silver does not matter to me). I had only 2 stays at Ritz in my over 600 nights (upgrades were nice but no breakfast is annoying). I travel mainly in Europe or Asia. I like three things (i) very good free breakfast buffet (ii) complimentary upgrades and (iii) late checkouts at 4PM were quite helpful as well on several stays. Most of stays are own pocket payment: I typically do privately 25-40 nights (redeemed or paid per anno) + some double nights promotions + CC nights + very few business nights (max 5). As I pay for my travel, I prefer to spend below EUR 200 / USD230 per night incl. breakfast. Marriott started moving upwards of this price range recently (notably 2024 I see massive price / points inflationary pressure in Europe).

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the two options:
a) should I pursue yearly Titanium renewals and obtaining 40k voucher (let's say value of >$250 + some extra points = >$300) or
b) just be happy with my LT Bonvoy Platinum level and try to diversify to another program e.g. IHG (Ambassador Platinum is possible) or Hilton (have CC Gold now, maybe can get Platinum with the CC). I have very many IHG points from my prior heavy business travel (I was a RA back then), but what annoys me that (i) the breakfast is included only at HIX on award stays (ii) that award stays are not always available and (iii) award nights do not count for qualification, so I can not help with status by redeeming my points. And I can not get IHG Chase Credit card at the moment (non US based). No lifetime status at IHG is bothering me a bit as well, but not critical.
c) Is there any other option, I should think about?