flyersfo

I know this has been raised before, but really, what is the point of working hard to get Platinum status? In several years at Platinum level, I have been upgraded to a suite only a handful of times. I get nice rooms, but not much nicer -- my colleagues tell me -- than someone at a Gold level. There's no free breakfast unless the hotel has an executive lounge (breakfast is automatic at the equivalent elite level of Hyatt or Hilton, at all of their hotels). My big bonus, I guess, is the 500-point Platinum amenity at check-in, but that is a huge annoyance since the bonus is usually not credited, forcing me to call in to the SPG service desk. All of this occurs to me as I weigh whether to use Starwood or Hyatt for several stays in the next few weeks. I think it's obvious that I should use Hyatt, most importantly because of the company's remarkable decision to continue its FFN promotion into the second quarter. Two stays and I earn a free night at any Hyatt in the world. SPG has a similar program last year, but I get the impression it is never to be repeated.

izzik

Sounds like you should switch to Hyatt immediately.

Alpha

I understand this is a dead horse but I'd like to weigh in just for kicks.

I've gotta say I'm on the fence too. After an amazing stay at the PH Paris recently, I've started reconsidering. Not just because I'd like to go back to that particular hotel as many times as humanly possible, but because it struck me that there are few properties in the Luxury Collection that are even close to being on that level. To be honest I can't even confirm that they exist but I imagine a couple probably do.

I also echo the upgrade sentiment. I've been upgraded to a suite once and that was at the Four Points at the SFO airport. It doesn't really bother me much that I don't get suite upgrades I suppose. But I'm with you on the sort of hoo-ra sentiment about a club level room versus a non club-level room.

So what does that leave? Points I suppose. Hyatt certainly has its downsides in locations and a lack of point-earning credit card (which I realize is a plus to frequent Hyatt people). I can rarely find a Hyatt that's convenient to where I'm traveling for work. Also, one should keep in mind that your average Regency or Grand isn't that fabulous anyway. These days I find myself more often wishing I were earning into Hyatt, but the fact that there are way more SPG properties where I travel is the trade off.

That said, I still enjoy SPG Plat even though I don't love everything about the program or its implementation. It's largely about point accumulation for me. And part of me just feels wooed by the PH Paris. I don't know... Most of the time I'm not paying attention to the perks, to be honest. I just want a comfortable bed. Redemption is another story though.

Just some random musings.

For what it's worth, I think Plat should entitle me to a real newspaper. USA Today can go fly a kite.

Dr. HFH

Well, my experience is different. I think that SPG PLT is great. I'm 3/4 for suite upgrades since becoming PLT in December. I realize that I travel far less than most PLTs, and all of my travel is leisure. Upgrade success rates seem to vary greatly by continent and region, -- based on FT posts, it seems that Asia/Pacific upgrade success rates far exceed those of USA. OTOH, not every program works for everyone.

KENNECTED

Agreed! A search would bring back a ton of discussion.

jbcarioca

Threads like this are in all the programs, of course. There are weaknesses and strengths in all of them. With SPG there is Starwood Lurker, who actually pays attention, and frequently solves problems. Where else is there that? HHonors has just depreciated the entirew program for 2010 and Diamond there is not worth a lot any more. Marriott Platinum has lost many of its features too, including the free breakfast in many places. So far I cannot complain about SPG Platinum.

J.Edward

Well said and truly a YMMV issue.

Currently a HH/GP Diamond and SPG Plat and have to echo that the core top-tier benefit of SPG is locked up in getting the upgrade. If you score the suite, then life is good. If you don't (especially if the room is dirty, or "dirty" or in some other conveniently available non-upgradable category) then what are you left with? Free internet?

The bottom line is SPG offeres very little in the way of a consolidation prize if the main benefit does not come through and this is the key issue that vexes members.

One idea I threw out before is letting Plats choose to opt-out of suite upgrades in return for something else (i.e. free breakfast) Frankly that's worth more to *me* and if I'm not in the running for a suite upgrade, the hotel can then award it to someone else who'd value it more.

FWIW the Hyatt forum does have an official presence by GoldPassport and they are purportedly planning on launching a credit card (Visa) later this year.

alley cat

I have been a plat for the last 10 years.

The best treatment I received was during the years as a gold.

Loyalty is not recognized at most SPG hotels/resorts.

My employer forces me to stay at SPG properties, I go elsewhere any chance I get.

TomT

Greeting:

I have been Plat. going on 11 years............suite upgrade is around 90 %, the club perk is much appreciated, sometimes over the top, sometimes so so but still works for us...the 500 points up front again is nice (Once in a while I have to follow up,but, if you check the front desk as you walk by and ask them to check, never have had a problem)

In all I think I get "my money's" worth from earning Plat each year, all my stay's are out of my pocket, I book the cheapest room and always get more.

So, as the kids say "I am a happy camper"

Dr. HFH

As you said, YMMV. In BKK, I've stayed at all SPG properties except ROS. For PLTs, all have free drinks during a two hour Happy Hour daily, a selection of canapes during the Happy Hour ranging from adequate to enough to substitute for dinner, and free breakfast. Also, important to me, but not, perhaps to everyone, has been a recognition when I check in along the lines of "We are especially happy to have you here as one of our Platinum members."

And at the other end of the spectrum, as I posted in the appropriate thread, at the Westin LAX I was "upgraded" (so said the checkin agent) to what looked like a completely normal king room.

fireworksboy

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.395 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

My two cents on the subject are - I have gotten some ridiculous upgrades at beautiful *wood properties. As long as they keep coming and the promos do too, I'll be a Plat. When either falls off, I'm outta here. The point earning is too low compared to other programs but I loves me my suites.

satori

My eighth year of feeling the loyalty love as SPG Platinum. Suite upgrades are frequent with SPG. Cash & Points is the primary feature that keep the points valuable since the upper category hotels are rather high in point cost compared to the rate of earning points with SPG.

Now if they just toss us another free night promotion this year .

BlissWorld

BINGO. I had no idea that Park Hyatt was at Four Seasons level. The attention to detail and service were impeccable and there is not a single SPG hotel that can compete. My last stay at Park Hyatt was at Istanbul. When I checked in, the VIP Guest Services Manager came out and introduced himself, told us to go sit down in the lobby and offered us a beverage of choice. He took care of check in, brought over the keys, and escorted us to our upgraded spa room (more like a suite, with one of the nicest hotel bathrooms I've ever been in). He showed us the room features then offered to take our coats. He hung our jackets in our closet, started telling us where we must visit in town, then gave us his business cards with his mobile number and told us to call him anytime if we needed assistance with anything. ^ Throughout our stay, many of the staff members knew our names. When we went walking in the evening, the bellman came over and referred me by name and offered an umbrella. When we returned, the concierge stood up and welcomed us back in by name. Then in the morning, we could either have our free Diamond breakfast at their restaurant or order room service and they let us order whatever we wanted (within reason), and took off all the charges, including tips.

Don't get me wrong, suite upgrades are nice, and I have gotten some nice ones from SPG (and plenty from Hyatt). BUT, when it comes down to customer service, amenities, top elite recognition, and overall experience, there is no comparison. The nicest St Regis doesn't even come close.

spgplat21

I've had this EXACT treatment at several St. Regis'. I can't say that I've been to the Park Hyatt Paris, but the St. Regis New York, Deer Crest, Aspen, and Punta Mita are certainly up to Four Seasons level. The St. Regis Houston is the least nice St. Regis I've been to and the service and hotel were definitely up to the Four Seasons Houston.

I was also upgraded to a suite on 3 of these stays which is worth a lot more $$ wise than a $50 breakfast. I can't argue that free breakfast at a St. Regis level restaurant would be an amazing perk and I wish SPG offerred this too, but going back to the quality of the hotel I think St. Regis' are usually pretty special. The only Park Hyatt I've been to is DC and it was really nice, but I wouldn't say it was better than the St. Regis DC and it certainly wasn't as nice as St. Regis New York.

mtensioners

I have been an SPG plat for 7 years now. Their St Regis will match PH and most other hi end hotels. I have used several points for St regis and been upgraded to suited 4/5. I always check which hotels in each city have club floors before booking and the new free internet is a plus. I am also plat at Loews and the perks are very good as well. Plat at fairmont no so good, few certs and not much else. Upgrades 50/50 but 3rd night free always.