Which hotel program to pick?
 

I am trying to plan out my traveling schedule for 2014 and am having a hard time deciding which hotel program to pick.

My travels are all over the place - 3 to the US, 3 to Europe and numerous trips all over Asia (I am based in Asia).

I have HHonors Gold, LeClub silver, and no status with Starwood.

Based on my locations, would it be better to simply stick with HHonors and LeClub (especially in Europe) and forget trying to get SPG status? Are there more choices for Hilton properties vs Starwood?

I did think of consolidating everything with LeClub (I fly into EU for leisure a lot, and love the Accor properties there) but they do not have good property locations/choices in the US and Asia (SPG and/or Hilton wins there).

What would you recommend?

Have you considered Marriott? One of the strengths of Marriott is that it has 3,963 properties worldwide in various brands, and has 187 properties in Asia, Europe (295 properties), & of course a gazillion in the US (3,291).

Both Marriott & Hilton have more properties/brands than Starwood, which is why I prefer them over SPG.

Cheers.

If LeClub benefits generally work and are very good for your leisure travel, I think there's an argument to focus on Accor, while probably staying with Hilton as a secondary program. I don't think it makes sense to try to add SPG, especially given their relatively small footprint even if you've heard that Starwood is good.

I have not actually.

I thought of Starwood cos they have some sweet properties I'd love to stay on for leisure. Will check out Marriott and see if it will better fit my travels.

Thanks!

Really? I thought they were doing much better than Accor! :eek:

If Asia and Europe are your main markets I would stay with Accor who offer a wide footprint of hotels at all levels (budget to luxury) in those areas. It is probably fair to say that Accor has some of the most stunning properties in Asia. Yes in the US you will only find some Sofitels and one Novotel but it always pays to have a backup programme (I use Hilton for that purpose).

The Le Club Accorhotels programme recently got a facelift with improved perks and unlike the other hotel programmes is incredibly simple (it works on a cash back basis) with no restrictions on premium rooms or blackout dates (except in some very rare instances).