Which major hotel chain has the best elite program?

I am not interested in reward level/program comparisons as that was covered by another discussion (hopefully someone will add the link) but rather the TYPE and AVAILABILITY of lowest-tier elite benefits, i.e. room upgrades, freebies, concierge floor access, etc.

For example, the Wyndham program has provided me with free upgrades and nice welcome baskets. Contrast to comments on the Marriott board indicating the rarity of room upgrades, even for top elite levels.

I am particularly interested in your personal experiences with Marriott v. Hyatt v. Hilton v. Starwood v. Priority Club as these chains appear to have 3*-4* hotels in most major US business cities.

Thanks for your input.

In short,

Mid-tier: Hilton
Top-tier: Hyatt

Hilton Gold status is, by far, the most convenient for me. Upgrades to the executive club level and free breakfasts reign the day. More often than not, I'm upgraded to a larger or corner room and on occasion a "junior suite" type room. Have not received any real suite upgades as a Gold. Also have free access to hotel gyms. At Hilton, I have received nothing but great customer service -- both on the phone and at hotels.

Hyatt blows the competition away at its top tier Diamond level. Welcome amenities are generous and I have never been denied a suite upgrade when requested (yet). Like HH Gold, Diamonds receive complimentary breakfasts either on the club level or, if this is not available, in the hotel restaurant. Hyatt staff consistently go out of their way to please me. I have been surprised by their customer service initiation (vs. me asking for stuff). At the current rate, thought, I'll probably only make Platinum this year and will severly miss the great Diamond treatment.

HH Gold is a nice status, considering how easy it is to get. I do a lot of weekend stays, so I like the fact that most Hiltons find a way to get you a continental breakfast at a hotel restaurant even when the lounge is closed. Marriott doesn't do this.

Starwood Gold is nice in that they never hassle you about your benefits when staying on a travel agent booking. I've nevere scored a huge upgrade with Gold status, but I always get a smile and a preferred room (high floor, nice view, sometimes lounge access) even on dirt cheap rates. The Four Points I stay in sort of regularly on a $34/night Priceline rate always includes free breakfast and 2 free drinks.

Marriott has a solid rewards program and a lot of wonderful hotels, but they don't do much for their Silver/Gold elites. Sometimes upgrades; Lounge access for Golds when it is open. No breakfast when it is not. No breakfast at any property that Marriott decides to call a "resort". (As opposed to a "hotel", I guess...)

Of the smaller chains, Fairmont seems to treat its program members well even when they have no status. I have received upgrades and invitations to manager's receptions (basically a nice form of lounge access) just for having a base membership number in my record. Although Fairmont is a luxury chain, I always find myself checking their website for specials. Once in a while I find a promo rate that is very attractive.

Just to be clear, suites are not an entitlement at any elite level in the Hilton Program. Sometimes you may get one but it is not a benefit.

WOW!! As a SPG Platinum I have NEVER received breakfast or any type of complimentay beverage at a 4-Points. I would stay at my regular 4-Points more often rather if breakfast were included.

HH Gold Rules:

Upgrades to Executive Floor, Lounge acess for Happy Hour and free Breakfast. I always get a lot of excellent treatment at Hilton Properties.

SPG Gold is very good as well. I very often get upgraded rooms and good locations in the hotel.

For me, by far, IC Six Continents Club is the best. You do not have to be elite level to get upgraded. The best $35 per year I spen on memeberships. Sorry, now it is up to $50 plus a $100 entry fee. When I got it, you could join in for $0.

Boraxo was asking about _lowest_ tier. Any opinions on this? Does it matter?

4-Points St. Paul, if you are interested. It is never very crowded and has a passable restaurant/bar onsite. Not as spiffy as some of the brand-new 4-Points, but I'm hooked. I have never had to bid higher than about $40 to get a room there... Sometimes I'm the only person in the restaurant at breakfast time, making me wonder if I'm the only SPG Gold there...

For HH, there is a Silver level. However, everybody seems to Fast Track to Gold in 4 stays, so that's why I posted about that status. I do not know if you can Fast Track to Silver in, say, 2 stays.

Hilton used to give away Gold with 0 stays, but I do not think they are giving away either Silver or Gold for 0 stays right now.

Yes, and sometimes this ws because Hilton had an association/relationship with certain companies and if you were an employee of one of them, you got it automatically. I don't know if that is still around, either; probably not.

I stayed at the St. Paul 4 Points as a Platinum once. Got treated like something that got stuck on crap's shoe.

Are you sure it's not the Four Points Minneapolis, which is Much, much better?


[This message has been edited by BoSoxFan45 (edited 06-25-2003).]

I don't think you will find any kind of agreement on which program treats there members the best, especially at the lower levels. What you will find is that certain hotels within a program will try very hard to accomadate their program members? So maybe a better question would be, "I am staying in these cities x,y,z. Which hotels treat their members the best?"

Actually, I have found all of the reponses to be extremely helpful in making my travel decisions. Thanks to everyone for posting.

For those who are curious, I am going to switch my business from Marriott to Hyatt and Hilton, and will report back on my experiences. In that regard, I note both Hyatt (Dallas) and Hilton (Chicago) treated me better last week in contrast to Marriott's lack of service during 9 nights over the past year at various Marriott properties.

No - it was St. Paul.