I completely agree! Why limit yourself to 1 credit card card sign-up bonus, when it is so easy to accumulate more points?

I am not completely set on one card or program, mainly learning about which avenue is best for me to take. Though it may be easy to accumulate more hotel sign up bonuses, this may also contradict with your potential airline sign up options. Currently having only about an average of $150,000-200,000 annual spend, which may be far less than the heavy hitters, one still needs to gauge whether dissecting a decent portion of that toward multiple hotel programs will be valuated over the potential air mile options and card offers. I am just weighing out the smarter, more concentrated move toward hotel options than jumping into a multitude all at once. Knowing which are the more preferred hotel programs from those in the know helps make a more informed decision.

I don't see having more that 2 to begin with and up to four at the very most. The rest of my concentration will be on air miles which I value more than hotel stays. Though I have stayed at the Saxon, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Cape Grace, Komaneka, Fairmont, and others, so I do not underestimate the value of some nice hotels. ;)

I think you're following the right approach. Start small, figure out what you want, and then commit to it. Although nothing locks you into a hotel program, I've learned (and the hotel programs have, too) that you're more likely to stay with a hotel group once you've joined their loyalty program. No reason to commit yourself to a group when a little preliminary investigation and research might convince you that the program is not worth your while.

One more reason to consider multiple programs eventually, however, is the way the various groups run their quarterly promotions. As I mentioned earlier, SPG ran a fine promotion for me this spring that meshed with my current travel plans as well as my summer vacation. Their current promotion, Triple Up, Double Up, is fine but not as attractive to me so I've shifted some hotel spend to Hilton.

Your annual spending amount will provide you multiple opportunities to take advantage of good airline and hotel programs. In addition to the hotel programs and cards discussed in this thread, I would consider taking both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards. Each program allows transfers of their earned points into various hotel programs as well as a number of airline programs.

I agree with having flexibility that's a good thing. You could argue both sides though.

I started my Hotel credit cards/program a couple of months ago. I have SPG, Club Carlson and Marriott Rewards. I plan to add the Hyatt with the 2 free nights next year.

Club Carlson seems to charge too many points and cash and points are poor value but for one night stay and 50k points deal, it is worth it.

SPG is my favorite. Thanks to all those preaching SPG, I finally got it and did a redemption for Lima (1600 points and $30 per night)

Marriott- was able to use the free e-certificate for next May.

Having a variety of programs would be good for flexibility and also for hotel transfers for U.S. Airways Grand Slam next September.

Thanks. No platinum for me yet, only the lowly Amex PRG. Also in the stable; Citi AA visa + Amex, Chase Sapphire Preferred + CO PP + Ink Bold, Ameriprise MC, and some minor others. Near future plans on acquiring the Citi Business & Amex Business as long as the sign ups don't drop below 50K.

For hotels, will be switching around the shell game for a possible two out of three start for either SPG, Hilton, or Marriott.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice everyone. I also enjoy hearing the examples you have given on rewards as it gives specific reasoning on the "why" of the "I am fan" statement.

Hope you all have a nice upcoming Thanksgiving week. Cheers!

i would choose a single hotel for points and then use AMEX MR to cover the rest. in my case, SPG for most and MR whenever a gap appears--namely Monterey