OK, now my opinions...

With all of about five days' notice?

It appears that every level of status (Blue, Silver, and Gold -- now to be called Member, Prestige, and Elite) has been devalued, while it's been made easier to attain each level (Prestige is €5000 in spend (as was Silver) and Elite is now €15000 in spend (Gold was previously €25000).

You can now buy Prestige (which no longer provides any upgrade) for €50 per year. The benefit is €10 in phone calls (or 1 hr of WLAN) per stay, double room at single room price, early/late check-in/out at city hotels only based on availablility upon arrival, and a separate check in counter.

Prestige lost its upgrades to next higher category based on availablility upon arrival. Official upgrades begin at highest level (Elite) only. And Elite has lost its upgrades to suites and its bottle of champagne.

Not a word of booking guarantees for any level anymore.

On the plus side for new members only, no more ridiculous €18 joining fee. Lower cost for award stays on future points (though it seems that those with points in their accounts get seriously burned for some properties). And you can earn points for conferences (that is great for the chosen few who plan them).

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So you get higher faster and it provides less.