Originally Posted by
Didi
BUUUUUUT: I cannot really see the advantages of *Wood. Am I blind or is Hilton Diamond just so much better?
What is important for me in a hotel program:
- Cheap prices (e.g. spouse stays free with Hilton)
I don't often see SPG pricing higher with two in a room rather than one. By the way, Platinums get lounge access at Westin, Sheraton, and Le Meridien properties and that includes both the Platinum member and a guest staying with them.
- Upgrades (i.e. I get always executive rooms or free breakfast with Hilton)
Starwood Platinum comes with upgrades as well, including standard suites which is the real selling point of the program.
- "All inclusive" (i.e. there is free food and free drinks in the Hilton lounges)
SPG Plats get lounge access in Westin, Sheraton, and Le Meridien properties with lounges. [/quote]
- Some welcome kid (i.e. there is usually a free wine/Champaign and food with Hilton)
You get a welcome amenity as a Plat, which usually involves a choice (such as F&B credit or 500 SPG points, most take the points).
- Best available room as a Platinum: BUT
- How ought to work this out if there are many Platinum members in a hotel?
- What for is a room upgrade if there is no complimentary food provided?
Complimentary food in lounges for Plat at those properties with lounges, as mentioned above. Upgrade to best available room including standard suite - the potential for suites is key.
- Free room upgrade as a Gold: BUT
- I red reports from people who did often not get "great" upgrades
Forget Gold, Starwood Gold isn't as good as Hilton gold.
- *Wood seems to have very seldom executive lounges
- Hmmmmm....
- *Wood lounges seem not always to provide guests with complimentary food
Really?