Following are the criteria that can be used for comparing any program.
Number of properties
Hilton wins this category hands down. No matter where you go, there is bound to be a Hilton property there.
Earning capability
Base
For Starwood elite, a typical business stay - 3 night stay at $150 would net 1350 points. That is equal to
1687 miles if you take the 20:25 conversion.Counting points, you have 1350 but you still need 650 for a free room.
For Hilton elite, 4500 Base + 2250 (50% Elite Bonus) + 500 (Airline Partner Bonus ) + 250 (Car Rental). = 7500 /5 = 1500 + 500 miles =
2000 miles.
Looking at it, it debunks the common perception that SPG is more rewarding 1:1 vs HHonors 5:1 regarding miles. Regarding points, HHonors beats SPG hands down. More often than not, stays are short than long. The shorter the stay, the more the above number skews towards HHonors because of the 500 mile bonus per stay. And I am not counting the 4K threshold bonus.
Promotions
One of the most common promotions for both are Double Dipping and Free Nights and weekends. Douple dip ( sometimes with a twist ) doubles your points and mileage earning capacity. 500 miles now becomes 1000 miles which is a big bonus. Though it takes 10 stays to earn two free weekends, you could stay at low end and redeem at high end properties. This makes it a much better promotion at the first look. The only catch is that redeeming the stays is time bound. That, for me, is a big disadvantage.
Keeping in mind the consistent 50K promotions at Hilton, both can be rated equally on promotions. One way for SPG to come ahead in this category is to remove the deadline on redeeming the free weekends and let the members choose when they want to.
Upgrades and special amenities
Both Hilton and Starwood pamper their elite members with enough upgrades. Across the board, Hilton has a much better coverage with club floors and free breakfasts ( even at Hamptons ), even though it is a big issue on the forum right now.
SPG and HHonors can be rated equally on upgrades, though SPG has an edge. On amenities, in my opinion, Hilton comes out ahead.
Redeeming capability
Starwood wins it hands down. It does not matter if Hilton is able to give a room 9 times out of 10. "Anytime / Anywhere" is the way to go.
Customer Service
At elite level, I would rate both of them equal though SPG again has the edge.
Partner network
It is Hilton all the way. Miles dump, points dump, car rental, disney tickets, cruises, Flowers, etc. You name it has it. Starwood excels in one category. Its AMEX Plat card. No one has anything close to it.
Number of Properties : Hilton
Earning Capability : Hilton
Promotions : Hilton & Starwood
Upgrades & Amenities : Hilton & Starwood
Redeeming awards : Starwood
Customer Service : Starwood
Partner Network : Hilton
This is a personal opinion.
My favoured program is HHonors. Look at it any way. If you want miles, Hilton gives you more. If you want stays, again Hilton gives you more. Moreover, convert miles into points and you almost always stay for free at Hilton. These points can also be redeemed for car rentals which is a big plus. When free nights and weekends come, I rake up stays at 4 Points. And my main mileage card for all expenses ( except when staying at Hilton ) is Starwood AMEX Platinum.
Somehow I feel, it gives me the best of both worlds.
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In the above comparison, I have not included Marriott. Is it because my worst ever hotel stay was my first ever stay at a Marriott ( Niagara Falls ).
. Earlier in the game, if we get burned with a program, its out. Period. And I have seen this tendency with a lot of FT'ers here.
[This message has been edited by Bourne (edited 07-19-2001).]