I've been able to keep dual top tier for many years without ever "qualifying" other than the first time.

Once I had 75 nights and PLT at Marriott one year, I requested a status match at Hyatt. They did so, and I stayed there for enough nights to requalify. The next year I just moved back and forth between the two as a PLT/Diamond.

When I had a project where there was no Hyatt, I got a status match at Hilton. I stayed at Marriott and Hilton for a couple of years at top tier.

I then decided to give SPG a try. They matched be to PLT and I've been at Marriott and SPG ever since (4 yrs now). As long as I stay 75 nights at Marriott and 25 stays at SPG, already as a PLT, I qualify for the next year.

I'll be in trouble if I want to switch again as many programs will only match status once.


If you were to stick with one, I'd suggest Marriott (It's been my only long-term) due to the number of properties.