Originally Posted by
littlemookie
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Personally, I think the fact that they are lowering the requirements to Diamond tells us that they will be devaluing Diamond next year or in 2027 and moving benefits to the new higher tier. There is no way hotels can handle that much more lounge access traffic, and that's the only real valuable perk to Diamond at the moment. Upgrades are weak (within the US), 4pm checkout is not guaranteed, and extra points in a program that devalues worse than Argentina is not exciting.
You bring up a good point. I'm curious if anyone remembers if IHG Platimum benefits took a hit when Spire was added.
Getting back to Diamond, I've always been a credit card Diamond, since getting my first Aspire in 2018. I now have 3 total.
It was cool the first time I used my resort credit and got a free appitizer/drink coupon to redeem at their bar/restaurant because of my Diamond status. I also got anything I wanted for breakfast in their restaurant because I was Diamond. Of course, that property stopped being so generous right before shutting down for Covid, but I understand that benefits change over time.
I might feel differently if I was actually putting in the stays/nights to earn Diamond, but I can still get positive value from each Aspire and normally use my FREE NIGHT at either the WA CHICGO or WA BEVERLY HILLS.
Of course, I'll be disappointed, if I no longer get full breakfast or lounge access overseas, but I'll deal with it.
Someone mentioned these Diamond changes may cause them to book less with Hilton direct and more through FHR. FHR is also through Amex and I've always earned Hilton points/stay credit when booking with FHR.
Sometimes the rates between Hilton and FHR are close, and other times FHR is cheaper.
I'll never stay/spend enough to earn Diamond Reserve, but if I can book the same property through FHR, I already have a good breakfast and 4:00 PM checkout.