Originally Posted by
MAN Flyer
I've been a Hilton Diamond for the last few years, was quite a fan of the programme and was enjoying the benefits.
However, the treatment has gone drastically down hill in the last 12-18 months IME. I got sick of arguing for previously undenied benefits. There are only so many times I can be bothered firing the laptop up in your room and finding out there are exec rooms available and calling them back...
Hiltons big problem is they treat Golds and Diamonds similar, if not the same at some properties. Added to the way they have had a blitz and given out free Gold to all and sundry for the last few years and a reduction in benefits enjoyed by Diamonds is the inevitable result.
So I got a status match to SPG Plat at the end of last year (I got an email confirmation within 30 minutes of faxing them my statement) and can't believe I didn't do it sooner. I have 12 stays so far this year (all except FRA would have previously been at Hiltons) and have got a suite at every one except the Sheraton at FRA. But as I arrive at 10pm and leave at 0630 I won't get too excited about that.
I don't doubt for a minute that the novelty will wear off and I'll probably be moaning about it denial of Plat benefits myself like others I read on here. But so far I have been treated great, so for now I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.
I totally agree with MAn Flyer here and followed a similar process myself (in fact I think I recommended a SPG Status match to MAN Flyer).
I have certainly noticed a diference at Hilton over the last year to 18 months. The upgrades I have received have been grudging and the new policy of no lounge access if there are no available Executive Rooms just puts me off staying with Hilton.
My suite hit rate has been very good (with the execption of the Westin Milan and Sheraton Lisbon, who have consistently never had an available suit when I have stayed).
SPG Platinum has 3 main benefits over Hilton DIamond IMHO:-
- Better upgrade benefits (possibility of suite and guaranteed access to Exec Lounge where available)
- Better properties (many Hilton properties are tired, and many of their staff appear the same)
- Better Benefits (nights and flights awards, mile transfer, SPG50 etc.)
I have only been an SPG Plat for just over a year but I would definitely keep SPG Plat in preference to HH Diamond if I had to choose. The only real problem for me with SPG is the lack of UK property within the portfolio.