One other point. I have several times been booked for a room on a Sunday night at the Heathrow Marriott, and only showed up on Monday morning to check in. At check in, the desk agent points out that I am still charged for the prior night, and I say ok. Later, I notice that I am credited the qualifying night.

So, if you are looking to run up to gold/platinum, maybe book an extra day with a guaranteed credit card as a throw-away room for the status.

Sort of like a "bed-run" vs. "mileage run"

albatross