For dinner (as I'm going to BOS tomorrow), I had to eat some leftovers and make a supplemental course. Leftover spaghetti plus leftover mettwurst with the addition of scallops which were the best I've ever prepared. ^

Boxers:

I've read the comparisons here and elsewhere, but I trust the opinions in our den of inequity;) more than the rest of FT:-:. Accordingly, is *Wood Plat all that much better than *Wood Gold?

I have no basis for judgment with SPG (yet) but can tell you anything you want to know about Hyatt.

I don't participate in Starwood (yet), but those that do regularly have oft remarked that Gold is almost useless and Plat is where it is at, both for the earnings and for the suite upgrades.

The main advantages IME are:
(1) the extra 500 points you get as the amenity (unless you want beer and pretzels, etc.)
(2) suite upgrades, which happen about 1/2 the time for me and usually when I don't need them (arriving late at night and leaving the hotel around 5:30 am, as opposed to a weekend away with the Mrs.)
(3) lounge access -- when there is a lounge

I have qualified the last couple of years with double stays, and need eight more stays this year (have four booked and one other one planned, though one stay may go away if we don't stay overnight before a family event in NYC). I'm not sure whether it's worth trying to wrangle up the extra three or four stays. On the other hand, I never stay at Marriotts or Hyatts or Hiltons enough to get beyond silver/platinum/silver, and I like W's and Westins.

If you travel outside the US, you may get more benefit from it (have noticed a little more attention in Europe). I've never had to use the Platinum Concierge.

ETA that gold is good mainly for the extra points and the occasional free bottle of water. I was upgraded to a club room once in three years as a Gold, in the Sheraton Roma.

I will take you up on that!^ Do Hyatt elites get automatic upgrades? We *Wood Elites do. Although as a lowly Gold, I understand that Plats get it much better.

SPG Platinum is the second coming of Santa Clause, a Victoria's Secret model popping out of your oversized birthday cake, and a pet wallaby* all rolled into one.






























*Coolest. Pet. Ever.

I'm pretty sure something like that is going around today. I've gotten those messages from a couple of people. Delete it and don't worry about it.

ALCO worth several mattress runs? *Wood Gold has been decent enough for me ... They claim they get upgraded sometimes and the 50% bonus is nice. Really think Plat is that much better?

At some hotels (e.g. Hyatt Place), there's nothing to upgrade.

The diamond view - at a full-service Hyatt, Diamonds get automatic upgrades to Regency Club or best available non-suite at time of check-in. 5,000 bonus points for not getting bed-type reserved or if Regency Club is unavailable. In addition to one limited paper suite upgrade that comes with the card, diamonds get 4 electronic that can be used on pretty much any rate - in my case, AAA and state/federal government. Electronic upgrades are confirmable at booking by calling GoldPassport Support. Check-in food/beverage amenity or points at each stay, and breakfast is free for all staying in the diamond member's room at full-service hotels - this saves a ton in locales like Paris or Zurich. Diamonds get check-in amenities and breakfast even on award or FFN stays.

Platinum view - gets a Platinum Extra cert for every three stays.

All elites view - internet is free for all elites (plat or diamond). In the upper tier hotels, there's free coffee or tea service in the morning for all elites. I've taken the tea service in the morning hours before my free (for diamond) breakfast.

I have placed photo-montages of Suite upgrades I've received from SPG in Teh Box on several occasions. The photos are also peppered throughout my Flickr site. SPG has treated me exceedingly well over the years. I would place my upgrade percentage at 85%+ (I stay mainly on weekends, and at leisure destinations).

There is no comparison between SPG Gold (useless) and Plat (priceless).

I think the hotel chains with two elite tiers (like SPG and Hyatt) really make a distinction between the two.

Thanks all for the fantastic feedback!!! You guys are great!:-:

Another thing - Hyatt does nice things throughout the year and has a new "Random Acts" program at hotels. This year, they've given all diamonds a free night at a Hyatt Place or Summerfield Suites (saved me well over $100, as I had a personal stay the night after the award) and I also received a certificate for $100 off a two-night stay in any Hyatt. And the drinks flow if my room's not ready for check-in, even in the instances where I've arrived before the official check-in time.

Does Hyatt do double stays?