Originally Posted by
bigjim
My experience has been that SPG Platinum is probably better for U.S. travel and Hhonors Diamond is better for everywhere else. I think that Hhonors gives you more bang for the buck regardless, but the suites in the States are pretty nice.
I'm a Starwood Platinum and Hilton Diamond and in Asia the Hilton network is pretty bare compared to Starwood. There are way more choices in most of Asia and Pacific. I see a major advantage to Starwood here.
When I get to a hotel, the upgrades and benefits are more regular and better from Starwood. Hilton are much more stingy on upgrades. And I rarely have a problem booking award rooms (always in Asia and USA) when I want. As other posters also report, I have seen a deterioration in last 18 mths at Hilton.