This is quite the statement coming from a Bonvoy elite member :)

Bonvoy is complicated but in a different way, mostly relating to benefits differing depending on the brand. The rules for elite qualification are straightforward, unlike IHG, where there are different types of status that are independent of each other, with different ways of earning said status.

And one of those tiers - Royal Ambassador - has unpublished criteria that baffle even the most wizened of IHG FlyerTalkers, according to my reading of the yearly RA qualification thread.

For me IHG One Rewards is the best program out there - many reasons have been quoted above - it keeps the cheapskates out as you don't get the most valued perks for cheap (free breakfast only from diamond status and lounge access only after 40 nights) - so the quality and perks don't get diluted by the masses of status holders.

Since I last posted in this thread in Nov. 2024, the one thing that has changed is the earn-and-burn proposition of IHG which has deteriorated relative to Bonvoy. IHG might still have better promos than Marriott, but IHG's burn proposition has been degraded so significantly that IHG's edge in that area has largely evaporated.

Of course, Marriott has been doing some crap as well like downgrading the extra elite night promo which matters to those of us that are not yet lifetime Plat (or Titanium). All things considered, though, I see Marriott a bit stronger and IHG a little weaker than in late 2024.

What is pretty obvious to me is that everyone prioritizes different things - for some, it’s lounge crowding - for others, it’s upgrades - and even for others, it’s earning and burning! Thank goodness we’re all different!

So true. IHG appears stronger if quality lounge offerings are an important criterion.

Could you elaborate on that? My experience is the opposite, where IHG has reasonable redemption rates compared to Marriott (taking into account the relative valuation of 0.5/0.7). However, it depends a lot on location. I'm consistently getting at least 0.5 cpp for IHG reward stays, which is what most people value them at, and if needed you can frequently buy them for that with a 100% bonus promo.

I rarely get better than 0.5 euro cent per point anymore, it used to be 2x to 3x that. I don't see how buying at 0.5 cpp makes sense if you redeem at 0.5 cpp.

For one, hotels prefer cash bookings, they usually result in better treatment/upgrades. For another, point bookings are not eligible for promos with IHG. Finally, cashback on IHG cash bookings can be in the 10-15% range whereas you hardly get more than 2-4% on IHG points purchases through points.com

It makes sense, but only if the points booking is cheaper (taking into account missed earnings etc). That is often the case in my experience, and if not, simply make a cash booking.

BTW I often take advantage of the '4th night free' when booking with points, but I guess that's only possible if you are US based.

With Marriott, that's not been my experience. It's been one of the real strengths of the Marriott program over the years. I've gotten some really tremendous upgrades when burning points.

Last night’s stay booked on points and upgraded to a suite…in the US.

It’s not been my experience with IHG either, she says from her 1000 sq ft suite booked with points (and I’m here for 8 nights). :)

I feel well treated (or not) whether I pay points at Marriott or other programs. I did a St Regis Riyadh for 5 nights on points and treated wonderfully.as an example. Upgrade to suite etc.

Only time I felt treated poorly with points wat actually with my beloved Starwood with revenue mgr telling me if I paid cash he'd be flexible on a booking while points would not. I didn't book because of that.

Off topic, but I think I find Hyatt better than Starwood.

Maybe I'm older now but I recall getting more upset while on property when I was with spg rather haytt. I almost never get upset on property with Hyatt without it being resolved fast. That wasn't always the case with Starwood.

Anyway, I'm treated the same I think on points or cash at Marriotts.

I don't have much experience with ihgs because the program makes no sense to me so I haven't even bothered even though I'm now plat with CSR and I do like some of their properties.

It's Hyatt and Marriott for me

Hilton is the only brand where I've noticed a difference, and that's been at W/A BH and Bangkok, both of which refused to upgrade. If any brand is going to be snooty about customer staying on a free night, it's Waldorf Astoria.

By contrast one of my best upgrades ever was on points at the StR Rome.