Mine was Air Mail so received it the same week from HK to Toronto

Thanks for replying. I registered online February 3 so I will keep an eye out for a pink package in the mail.

That's really fast! Did you register online? The email I received upon registration states: "A personalised 1865 membership card, together with the 1865 welcome pack will be sent to your address below within 4-6 weeks unless you have requested to pick up the pack from your registered hotel directly."

Based on the date it left HK on the pkg and it arrive in Toronto....didn't mean processing time.

Ah, thanks for clarifying. I will keep my eyes peeled for that pink package hopefully arriving soon.

It is the most impressive membership pkg I've ever received...so hats off to whomever approved that marketing effort.

Ive booked a reservation at Langham Place New York City ($625.00) plus tax per night) for May(that's the cheap room) includes complimentary Maserati and driver.
Decided to breakaway from my usual go to hotels and programs
One of Starwood's most exceptional management individuals is in the Chief Executive of all Langham hotels ^ Incredible lady
Also excited to try out there Dux beds (more common in Europe) a really good bed I have personally owned in my New York and California residences
I look forward to trying out my Voyager status there and will report
Cheers

Cool, let us know how it went. I only received a 1 category room upgrade at Langham Xiantiandi Shanghai after asking. I booked the basic room (Deluxe).

My gut feeling is they are tight fisted with upgrades and more about the amenities. If it goes well I will start staying with them
They are a bit pricey however I love the 6 PM check out
The other appealing thing is when booking through the Platinum American Express desk they include Continental breakfast
and a one way/one time driver to area airports during your stay for either pick up or the return^
Otherwise I would have redeemed with American Miles and not used revenue

True true, do note the 6pm check-out is not guaranteed so do remember to ask during check-in as well as the room upgrade (if they didn't say anything about upgrades).

Nice benefit from Amex, not sure if we have something similar here. It's a Platinum Credit Card or a Platinum Charge Card that has this benefit?

I'm contemplating whether I should continue to maintain the status after I get my SPG Platinum (later this year). Trying to trim my fats (literally and figuratively). :p

If you are based in Singapore the Amex contact info should be
011-65-6296-0220
No idea if the international cards participate in the Amex Concierge Service

In the US qualifying cards are
• Business Platinum
• Personal Platinum
• Delta Reserve
• Centurion Cards

Thanks for the heads up that late checkout is not a guarantee
I have lifetime Platinum with SPG. Though I still like the program and some of their 4 star and 5 star properties I find myself doing little business with them these days
Have moved on to InterContinental where they don't pull the seasonal premium up charge game when I redeem their awards
which typically are fair market priced shy of the next devaluation :)
Find SPG Cash and Points now more expensive and frequently still difficult to book
Hyatt Gold Passport is doing a better job in most ways and I love the new elite member rate that is exclusive to loyal customers creating true value
Their cash and point rates are readily/reasonably available even in high demand cities like New York

Since you have SPG LT Plat, you don't need to maintain status anymore so that's good news. ^ I agree regarding Hyatt Gold Passport. Unfortunately there are fewer properties in Asia (even outside of US) hence it will be difficult to take advantage of it or maintain status.

Since I travel on my own dime for vacations (no chance for business travel), will need to find something with the best overall value. Hilton/SPG/IHG is great in Asia due to the number of properties available though of course each one has their own pros and cons in the loyalty program. Will be starting my SPG Platinum Challenge in March-May and will maintain that as my main program going forward. Will probably drop the rest.

Anyways back to topic. Langham Place Xiamen just opened and there's an opening offer hence will try it out for 1 night while I'm there for a short stay.

Wonder if I will maintain this 1865 Voyager status down the road as their properties are probably a bit more expensive than the rest. However, if their services and upgrades as a Voyager member is consistent (Hoping at least a 1 category upgrade) with just 2 stays per membership year, it will probably be okay to continue with it.

I hear you!I am experimenting with Voyager too.
Unfortunately a lack of properties and very high daily rates will probably keep me a weak customer.
The program seems regional rather than global in mind set and not as versatile as the more well known programs
All problems IMO
Gravitate towards the point currency programs typically first

That's true, the few properties they have is only in some hotspots. Let's see how it goes. :)

Worth it on the long run?
 

1865 membership benefits

For those interested in the program, above is the published benefits. It's interesting to note that even at top tier, there is no club access or breakfast included. Internet access is complimentary to all guest regardless of membership.

So is this loyalty program worth it? Well, they seem to have very nice properties however only a small footprint. They are expanding mainly in China currently with a few properties in North America.

There is no point system as well hence there really isn't any returns in the long run if you remain loyal. However, according to TripAdvisor (taking it with a pinch of salt of course), all their properties have generally great reviews. I guess service standards are high in this chain.

Let's see how it goes in the long run as we contribute more and more to this thread. :)