I saw a recent thread on airline elite perks, which is pretty standard across airlines. That got me to thinking, what hotel elite perks do I like the best, which I think will be quite different depending on the hotel program you are in, or might push you towards one program or another.

Mine are:
1-Guaranteed availability of award vacations at top resorts for a week a year, and one or two weekends (and the ability to get enough points and then some to take these vacations)
2-Better treatment at hotels (upgrades, changes to reservations, thanks for business, smiles)
3-"real" upgrades (not just to a crappy room with a bathrobe, either a level with a lounge, or a mini-suite)
4-amenities such as a bottle of wine or chocolates, use of gym, free water)
5-free breakfast (have to admit, I only use this about 50% of the time)

Sounds like HHilton Diamond to me.

I think you would like Inter-Continental's Six Continents Club Ambassador level. I love the suites at regular room prices, free mini-bar and welcoming attitude.

Mike

Starwood - definitely. I have had great luck upgrading and very good treatment, even before I got to Platinum level. They are always receptive when I ask for an upgrade and generally the hotels are better quality than Hiltons I have stayed at. Westin beds are HEAVENLY!

Hilton Diamond, for no other reason, but there are properties everywhere.

Try finding a Westin in New Mexico, or
even Austin Tx.!

Hilton International has
world class hotels in Europe and Asia

The round trip airfare and one week in Hawaii is a good deal. So many opportunities,
and so many points with Hilton's American
Express card.