I had strongly prioritized SPG until HH matched its "no blackout dates" policy. I then split my business between the two. But the upcoming HH devaluation (especially in comparison to SPG's more customer-friendly revaluations in these recessionary times) has pushed me back to SPG. It just seems that I'll get more points bang for my revenue stay and credit card buck by concentrating on SPG again.

This is my first year as a 'frequent traveller'. I will be UA 1K next week and HH Diamond by mid-december. All of this just in time to change to SPG. I've been banking my HH points all year to try to get as many nights at the Conrad Bangkok next August as possible. Now - those nights just shrunk (shrank? shrinked?). I'll keep my next 2 HGI bookings in Toronto next week so I can round out my 25k Q4 bonus, but beginning Jan 1 It'll be SPG wherever possible.

I agree totally and your point is well taken! I'm getting very picky about the hotel amenities that I like. I know that breakfast is not important to some people and having a HDTV is not important to some people. I even like thick towels (most Hiltons, but not Homewoods) over thin towels (any Marriott property less than a FS Marriott seems to have bad towels). I admit to being some degree of OCD (Obsessive - Complusive) about where I stay because I'm staying in hotels over 300 days a year.

For someone who doesn't travel much, I'd probably recommend the Priority Club since they're the only group that I know of where the points never expire. Priority Club always seems to have promotions where you get at least double points and if you go to PointMaven.com you'll find lots of other Priority Club promotions that they don't promote very well...lol.

While I may make Diamond in 2010, it will only be driven by the client. When possible, future bookings will help me race toward top tier SPG, with an AmEx switch to boot.

Clap clap clap clap clap!! All around a very thoughtful, measured post, BrightlyBob. It's appreciated.^

Will

At least you should be able to save on your non-existent mortgage! Man, that's insane!!!

First and last year as Diamond
 

Just completed a horrible, horrible 3 day stay at a FS Hilton property. Wasn't recognized as Diamond, did not receive room upgrade, and the lounge where I was provided "breakfast" only offered gooey donut rolls and danish pastries, not any oatmeal, fruit, or yougurt. After this stay, I've decided to run down my points and use Hilton on on International itens, moving to Marriott for primary and SPG as secondary.

I cant blame you for considering another program I am planning on several alternatives in the new year to transfer the bulk of my business away from HH.
What I can say if there is anything Hilton does right it is Guest Assistance when a stay stinks.
By all means report the hotel.It is likely you will have a positive outcome.Although I no longer see value as a frequent user of HH I want to say that I will still use Hilton properties once in a blue moon.Even if its 6 times a year vs 30.There is value staying with Hilton just not worth the lions share as in the past due the poor timing and over the top devaluation

Just booked two stays (with 2 rooms per stay) that I would normally choose HH for with SPG. Better program and also working on my head start to Plat. qualification with SPG for 2011.

I commend you for your good natured response! ^

However, I think if you read more posts in this forum, the one absolute positive of the HHonors program for mid-tier Gold and upper tier Diamond members is the free complimentary breakfast provided. I believe that Hilton is the only chain to provide this as a standard benefit to its mid-tier elites. @:-)

I agree and note that Marriott gives access to the Concierge service which generally provides a Continental breakfast as opposed to the cook-to-order breakfast at the mid-level or full service Hiltons.

Another absolute positive of the HHonors for mid-tier Gold is this:
"Enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access, each day of your stay. At hotels that already offer a choice of a standard or higher-speed connection, you will receive access to the higher-speed connection at no cost. If a hotel does not offer high-speed internet connectivity, simply choose another option."

Marriott does not even give free internet access to it's top tier Plats which keeps me from ever going to full service Marriotts. I just noticed that Hyatt is giving complimentary internet access at their mid-level tier which is called Platinum, but they don't give 'em a complimentary breakfast.

Having breakfast at the hotel saves us time and money.

i completely agree....in the past, the free breakfast is the only reason i stayed at hilton properties when on vacation or traveling with family....it saved me about $50 a day....i only use spg for work....

compare all chains, HH program has the most expensive redemption rate for mid tier award level properties and lack of bonus

looking for a bit of advise from my fellow ft friends....i have made up my mind to not chase diamond at hilton from next year onwards, but i will have a great number of stays in london & singapore next year, where i use hilton properties, not because of any loyalty to the hilton honors program but because i many had multiple stays at those particular properties & am treated well there....so it would be good to be diamond for this period....

coming back to my question....i have 5 stays left to requalify for diamond next year....4 of those stays are already booked & are work related so they cannot be changed....that leaves me with one stay....my 2 options are:

1. do a mattress run at my local hilton for $110 a night....
2. use 25,000 points for the mattress run since the property is a cat 3....

which one would you all suggest????after my 4 stays i will get the 25,000 point bonus, which i could use for the last stay....but on the other hand is it worth using 25,000 points for a stay that would cost $110, specially with redemption levels going up from jan????

would appreciate some inputs....thanks in advance....

Must admit it is a challenge to book away from Hilton given a new client in La Jolla, CA.

There are about two Marriott brand hotels and eight Hilton brand properties in the area.

Consequently, Hilton values (around $95-105/night) in the area are vastly better than Marriotts ($135-155/night).

Interestingly, Hilton seems to be remaining "low profile" on the devaluation.

I guess when you commit shameful actions, you don't have much choice....