Nice to have this all on one thread. Thanks for your work. I'm a bit reluctant to post. I dont usually do things the same way as most FT'ers. With the risk of being bashed for being a bragger (which I'm not) I'll share my experience. I've been Diamond with Hilton for ten years, on my own dime. I am very happy with them. Sometime's however other choices are necessary. I have been status matched with the following. Marriott Gold over the phone instantly. GCCI over the phone Platinum w/ only fifteen more nights for Diamond. (I know BW, but they have 1700 hotels in Europe, some very nice) Starwood--- I've been Gold with them for years based on my Airline. I never stay there? I qualify for their match easily, but as a Plat I'd most likely still not stay there. They just dont seem to be where or when I want them. Last nite I managed to get my son Compted to Hilton Gold over the phone. He has no stays with Hilton at all. We are booking a honeymoon gift in Europe this fall. Explained this to Hilton. They understood Upgrades as Gold is a good perk and compted him based on my Diamond status. Very nice of them. Well thats that. It seems that most Hotels want your business and will offer you what you want: if they see it as bringing steady $ into their coffers