Originally Posted by aku

I've re-qualified for SPG Platinum and Priority Club Platinum for next year, so I was thinking about spending the last 20 or so stays this year at Hilton properties, which will bring me pretty close to HHonors Platinum. (I reached Gold on a challenge last summer.)

My question is: Is it worth the trouble? From reading the HHonors threads and the Hilton web site, it sounds like the only differences between the Gold and Platinum levels are:

• Another 25% bonus on points
• Separate reservations desk
• Guaranteed availability with 48-hour notice
• Exemption from reward blackout dates

Unless I already stay at Hilton properties a lot, these don't seem to be worth much to me. So, my feeling is that for a casual Hilton guest, Platinum isn't worth much more than Gold. Am I right? (I know, "casual Platinum level" sounds like an oxymoron, but when you spend 200 nights a year in hotels, it can happen. )