I need some input and advise about my 2010 "strategy" for hotel stays. I am a Lifetime Platinum with Marriott, Diamond with Hilton and Gold with Starwood. Obviously, I don't any nights to maintain my status with Marriott. I do about 200 room nights in a year.

For 2010 I was planning on hitting the major promotions the different programs have. Marriott has a MegaBonus coming up, starting on February 1. What other promotions I should try to hit in 2010? Should I have a different approach? Is there something I have overlooked?

any other problems?

This forum is for posting "deals" (low rates) at hotels, not for asking for advice about hotel frequent-stay programs.

No, everything else is under control... including where the stock market is going, price of oil, gold, real estate, you name it. This is my main dilemma:>)

Hyatt's Faster Free Night's promo runs thru the end of this month. For every two stays, you get 1 night free plus stays count double. You can use the free nights thru the end of March. Check the Hyatt forum for details.

+1 for Hyatt. The quality of service at Hyatt (at least Grand and Park) is simply better than other hotel chains.

Given 200+ nights a year and no need for re-qualification for Marriott, you should try to reach top tier at all other major chains as well(Starwood and InterCon). Technically, you should be able to maintain top status at all 4 hotel chains (Hyatt, Starwood, IC, and Hilton at 50 each), especially with double stay/night promotions. I would balance my stays based on promotion opportunities and qualification threshold though. 2009 is a particular good year for promotions, I got 5 Starwood nights, 4 IC nights, and couple Hyatt FFNs.

Before you start your effort with new hotel chains, you might want to ask them to comp you top tier status based on your Marriott lifetime platinum status, so that you don't have to work yourself up from basic status.

Have you not tried InterContinental Royal Ambassador?

Great guaranteed upgraded to suites, early check in at 8am, free minibar, free pay tv film, access to club lounge in most properties