Originally Posted by
InHoc
This is a good idea.
One of the things that is increasingly driving me away from Hilton, is the dilution of the Diamond program. There used to be a difference between Diamond (28 stays) and Gold (16 stays, I think). Since both are entitled to free breakfast and upgrades, the quality of the lounge offerings have declined (while the numbers of guests has increased) and frequency of upgrades are almost non-existent. My favorite example is the Hilton Waikoloa Village - there is an active dialogue on the Hilton thread about how poor the Diamond lounge has become since it was reflagged from Hyatt to Hilton. The other Hyatt lounges in Hawaii continue to be far less crowded with higher quality food and free alcohol.
Don't get me wrong, I think frequent guest programs have become important to driving return business. To me, though, Hilton has created a situation where they either need to take something away from Golds, or give something back to Diamonds. My fear is that they will give something to Diamonds, but increase the stay requirement, and I hope Hyatt doesn't fall into that situation.
I also know that I will regret these words when my travel slows down and I change to Platinum!
Thanks for your post. I don't fully agree that this is a positive move. Positive repeated brand experience and benefits are what drew me to Hyatt Gold Passport originally and I think many others........
I am and have become a huge supporter of HH here especially since the decline of Gold Passport over these past few years.
Its made more then a few programs look better then ever in fact.Hyatt with the loss of both Park Hyatts and the changes to the program essentially flew me into the doors of Royal Ambassador at InterContinental.
But more then any single factor it was the appalling changes to customer service at Hyatt Consumer Affairs.quite frankly I could have probably lived with almost everything else.But why should I when I have more then a few exceptional relationships elsewhere
Unless the new ownership of Hilton has some surprises we all don't know about I doubt we will see much of a change for Gold’s or Diamonds.
With many millions of members they clearly have a destination program that works for the majority of most members and produces for the Hilton folks.
I fully agree that HH Diamond membership tier could use a tweak for in house benefit since the My Way program has given and taken away all at the same time.
Gold and Diamonds are on way too equal of a footing.
Which once again makes it an exceptional deal for HH Gold’s as it is fairly easy to obtain for most.
One of the things that is increasingly driving me away to Hilton and others is simply being a Diamond Hyatt & Gold Passport member.Here are just some of the examples and a program that hasn't received its due praise.
As a Diamond member with Hilton they have recognized my lions share of revenue spent this past year and made me Diamond into 2009 -2010 without asking or making me requalify again.
Hilton has 100% brand/guest assurance Hyatt no longer does.
In fact they can't be bothered to follow-up guest concerns.
Sadly they were once at the top of their game. And not so long ago I might add. Only corporate knows for sure why the decline in performance and trust
Where else can I usually guarantee my free nights on points in a sold out booked up hotel on points or revenue and then be booked for no extra redemption points?
Practically only Hilton that I am aware of. And while I am not trying to say HH is a perfect program where can I earn on a 70 dollar Garden Inn stay 1000 Virgin Atlantic miles and 15 points per dollar and an Amex online booking bonus....... and any ongoing promotion at the time?
Hilton has its shortcomings but it’s a pretty generous program with some great value frequently.....And it’s great to earn stay credit on free night award point redemptions.
The discounts on point awards for 4 or more nights on cat 5 and 6 properties for HH Amex card holders is nothing to yawn about either..........
Dilution is at every program IMO .Where you stay effects results in every program.
Some hotels and management are simply sub par
When a club lounge is fully overbooked I have in the past (though rarely) asked for breakfast coupons so I could sit down and enjoy my meal without standing in a lounge and be trampled by kids or carrying dishes into my guest room or suite.Rarely have I been turned down.It has happened and I don't soon forget when I go purchase again.....
Hotels simply get very busy especially these days .Ever been in busy Regency Club?I sure have want a few names?
