Hi all,

I apologize if it's the wrong forum, but I dont know where to post this. I am currently a Marriot Elite Silver member. The problem is that you need to stay 50 nights to qualify for gold (75 for Platinum). I also use Hilton HHonors and have 75000 or so points sitting there, but the qualifying criteria for Hilton is high too.

Where I travel for business, I can stay at Sheraton (most convinient), or Marriott / Hilton / Fairmont (equally convinient or inconvinient).

I am considering trying a different program. My options are SPG (Sheraton, Four Seasons etc) or Fairmont Presidents Club. SPG gets me Gold status with 25 nights, Platinum at 50 for similar benefits. Fiarmont seems most generous, giving Platinum for 30 nights with somewhat better benefits (Premier is awarded after only 10 nights). I can do 30 nights, I cant do 50. For that reason, I am considering Fairmont. I am also considering a Aeroplan card that among other benefits, gives Fairmont Platinum status.

So, dear forum, is there a comparison of these programs somewhere that helps me make my decision?

There are lots of comparisons but they all have there own bias.
I would look at what are the guarantee benefits at the level you achieve and see if that is what you want.

While getting status with a fewer nights may seem nice, remember that the easier it is the more people who will be trying for the same benefits.
So if Upgrades are big to you, don't expect to get an upgrade unless the hotel guarantees it, since if it is easy to get status then most people will have it.

What are you trying to get - Free Nights, Upgrades, Free Breakfast?

For me, business stays are my way to get great vacations for the family - so I care more about what and where I can vacation stays.

I may get super plutonium status with one hotel chains, but if they don't have a hotel where my wife wants to go for vacation then it is not that big a deal.

That said, lots of folks like SPG so that would be my vote.

I was leaning towards Hilton HHonors but then I learned here that Marriott is doing carryover. Good move Marriott, well played. You bought my loyalty for another year .