Platinum/Top Tier status: Hotels vs. Airlines - Which is better?

[mbeder]

I've managed to achieve top tier (platinum) status with Priority Club, however based on the frequency of my flying am unlikely to ever achieve this with an airline (currently Silver QC).
On reflection, I have a theory (ahem, which is mine - apologies to Monty Python) that one gets better recognition and more perks being a top tier hotel customer than a top tier frequent flyer, and so I value my hotel status more than my FF status.
This is particularly evident when travelling with family.
When flying, we go economy (2 adults, 2 teens), get to enjoy QC benefits due to my paid membership (part of a corporate plan), and the flight tends to be within our expectations - so we put up with economy seating and 'economy' food. All we're missing is a comfier seat and better (?!) food for a few hours of our lives.
However when using hotels, the perks seem to be more valuable - particularly when the family are present - i.e. room upgrades, ocassional bottle of wine, views, free internet, etc when you compare how much time you're in a room vs. on a plane.

I'm interested to see what other members think?

 

[simongr]

I have mulled around some thoughts on this before myself. I think though it is a little apples/oranges in that you might get upgraded a room in a hotel and compare that to a flight upgrade - the difference being that the flight upgrade is a much more expensive upgrade than a room. It is hard to compare...

 

[anat0l]

This is a really difficult question to answer, and it depends on which airline FFPs as well as hotel programs.

Certainly one spends a lot of time in a hotel compared to in the air (let alone at an airport), but I think the benefits are too difficult to compare against each other, plus I still believe that dollars for dollars the amounts of benefits are relative.

PC Plat is a rather easy elite tier to achieve in dollars. What about other elite hotel tiers, like HH Gold (or Diamond), or SPG Plat? In some of these cases, the dollars needed to spend to get these elite tiers is more than some top tiers of airline FFPs. But the benefits there are much better.

PC Plat guarantees free room upgrades, but then again a room upgrade at a IHG group hotel may mean different things. It could mean a much better room, or just a bigger room. Often it's not an invitation to the Club lounge or free breakfast. Many times too it might just mean a free bottle of water and three apples on a plate.

Most airline FFP elite tiers include lounge access - something which PC Plat doesn't give you (but other elite tiers of hotel loyalty programs do, like HHG or SPG Plat, albeit often indirectly (i.e. through upgrade to an applicable room type)). Priority baggage, a usual benefit in airline FFPs, doesn't have an equivalent in hotel loyalty programs. Then again, I don't see airlines offering free upgrades to their top tiers when they book their next flight (BD not included, but even then in rare cases). Neither do I see the top tier airline elites being given welcome gifts when they get on board (like a free glass of champagne or...goodness forbid....a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies! )

I guess more people will spend more of their time in hotels than in the air (and even those in air "all of the time" need to be on the ground to sleep some times - where will they sleep?). So there are more hotels than airlines out there and thus with such fierce competition, hotels will necessarily need to work harder to maintain their loyalty base. A good set of benefits is necessary to encourage customers to stay at their hotel chain. So in a way that is one way of saying that hotel loyalty programs at top tier may be more valuable, but....

......remember that the value of top tier status (or any status) is highly proportional to the use of its benefits.

All I know is that I'd want one of each

 

[mbeder]

I think though it is a little apples/oranges in that you might get upgraded a room in a hotel and compare that to a flight upgrade - the difference being that the flight upgrade is a much more expensive upgrade than a room. It is hard to compare...

Agree...there's no question that the $ aspect leans very heavily in favour of a flight upgrade...however when you're sitting with a G&T on a balcony overlooking the ocean, rather than the car park or the block of units next door, and the wife has a smile on her face, a room upgrade seems like a mighty fine alternative! What's a happy wife worth!?

 

[markis10]

Its a good topic and one that has good input already, however I dont think PC Plat is worth much, as mentioned by anatOl, for instance SPG wont status match with PC and as a former SPG PLat I can understand why, inconsistant benefits are also a feature of PC plat as evidenced the thread on actual experiences, there is very little that is not subject to availability as far as benefits go.

I do think the Hotel benefits can be worth more than airline benefits but is personal preference, knowing I get guaranteed club upgrades and free minibars mean I will choose an IC if there is one at my destination, knowing that a hotel looks after its elite guests where there is not an IC also has an influence, for instance in Darwin HI Esplande has never let me down. I dont expect upgrades etc if there is nothing to upgrade to, for instance when there is an event on or in the case of HI Cairns, no suites!

I left the SPG chain when the Sheraton BNE left, as it was the main source of redemptions for me, so the availabililty of rewards is also a factor in a programs value to its members, and must be taken into consideration, I have 5 hotels within 100km of Brisbane to use PC points, and only 1 SPG. Free weekends away with the family are a good way of making up for time away from home.

 

[opusman]

I know I'd rather get an upgrade from Y to J than an upgrade from a standard room to deluxe, etc, any time.

 

[dajop]

I know I'd rather get an upgrade from Y to J than an upgrade from a standard room to deluxe, etc, any time.

Depends on the hotel and depends on the flight. I see very little value in J on flights that are less than an hour (other than status credits , which of course you don't get with a complimentary upgrade).

If it was choice between an upgrade from Y to J on a SYD-CBR or MEL-CBR flight or an upgrade from standard to executive room at the Millenium Hilton in Bangkok, I'd take the upgraded room every time.

On the other hand, I was recently offered an upgrade on EK from MEL-SIN from Y to J for $150, I'd take that even with the $150 charge, anytime over the upgraded hotel room.

 

[markis10]

I would take the hotel upgrade anytime if travelling with our fussy 8 year old who will not sleep in the same room, but happy to lounge it in a suite!

 

[Keith009]

I like both. I like my upgrade to a Fantastic Suite at the W Hong Kong as much as I like an op up to J or F. However the op up happens far less frequently than an SPG suite upgrade.

There are also other perks that I value in both programs; SPG Plat = 4pm late check out, Platinum amenity (usually go for the extra 500 points unless free internet is an option), guaranteed availability, lounge access (handy for the free booze during happy hour); WP = Flounge access, increased checked luggagge allowance. And generally better service in both instances.

 

[docjames]

I tend to see it as follows:

Do you want a likely upgrade with small $$ value (Hotel)

or

A rare upgrade with high $$$ value (Flight).


Both are nice. :mrgreen:

 

[samh004]

It’s surprising certain airlines and hotels don’t have reciprocity with each other so their customers would get the best value.

I’d prefer to get status with an airline, as I can sleep nearly anywhere, I don’t need to sleep in a 5-star hotel, or pay the exorbitant prices those hotels charge to get status.

I would take the hotel upgrade anytime if travelling with our fussy 8 year old who will not sleep in the same room, but happy to lounge it in a suite!

Haha! You might have taught him a little too well

 

[dajop]

or pay the exorbitant prices those hotels charge to get status.

In Australia, indeed in Asia/Pacific a lot of the hotels in programs that grant status are towards the pricey end of the spectrum, and thus it can be an expensive exercise, and are often limited to the major centres so quite difficult.

In some parts of the world status isn't as difficult to achieve, eg US, where there a lot of cheaper properties within each chain, and it almost seems that every tinpot town has a "motel" that is part of one of the major chains. A bit like airlines, where a few choice first class fares in the US will get you to Platinum on Qantas (or for that matter gold on Air NZ) pretty quickly and much cheaper than anyone doing similar type of trips in Australia!

 

[anat0l]

It’s surprising certain airlines and hotels don’t have reciprocity with each other so their customers would get the best value.

There are a few airline FFPs around the world which give their top tier elites some benefits when they stay at various hotel chains or hotels around the world. For example, MH Enrich Platinum members get a whole bunch of benefits when they stay at Meritus hotels (not surprisingly a popular chain in SE Asia). NZ members get a voucher for a free room upgrade at Holiday Inn, IC, Crowne Plaza, Sofitel, Mercure, Novotel, Millennium and Copthorne hotels (i.e. choose one hotel, not one voucher for each of them), albeit there is a huge stack of restrictions on its use.

In saying that, there aren't many other examples I can drum up right now, and there certainly isn't a leading trend in the world to create such reciprocal arrangements (apart from allowing points earning and trading).

 

[drron]

I enjoy both.Unfortunately I do find it hard at the present time to get back to EXP with AA.I am not really a mileage runner-will take less direct routes to maximise miles but not trips just to get miles.
Have no trouble getting to top tier of 1 hotel chain.However we do travel to the US at least once each year and that makes it far less expensive to make it to top tier.At present that is SPG whose up grades certainly have more of a wow factor than Hhonors.And yes the importance of that is maximising my Brownie points account with Mrsdrron.Though getting free EVIPs as an EXP and being able to upgrade J-F on AA longhaul certainly adds to your Brownie points account as well.
If forced to choose I would go for FF status over hotel status but fortunately they are not mutually exclusive.

 

[QF WP]

My experiences are very similar to markis10. SPG was my first hotel program, when I travelled a lot domestically (in the late 80's and early 90's). Back then I was "old" Silver in the QFF program. Then I got introduced to FT and AFF and my eyes opened. Soon I was enjoying mid tier levels in numerous programs as well (AA and Hilton).

Having been top tier as well as mid level in both hotel (PC) and airline (QF) programs, I'd have to agree that at different times, an upgrade to a Suite has been as priceless as an upgrade to J (particularly when accompanied by Mrs LW). Both upgrades are never expected but gratefully received. Although, I'd have to say that in comparable terms, my upgrade % is better in frequent guest programs than frequent flyer programs, so I've probably received an equal amount (in $ terms) of value in those upgrades. Does that say something about occupancy rates though??

 

[PineappleSkip]

I also got PC platinum status last year and the experience has been underwhelming. I think the value depends on the hotel as much as the program.

Stayed at HI Cairns, got the token "very special welcome etc" at check in, got a nice room with ocean view, turned away at the restaurant because they fancied closing early. Tempted to say DWKWIA but ordered room service. Overall I award 50% good.

Stayed at Intercontinental Perth Burswood, they lost my member no in the booking, even though I gave it to them on check in I didn't even get a free newpaper let alone a room upgrade. 0% value from platinum there.

Stayed at Crowne Plaza Canberra, got upgraded to the room from hell (wierd loud electronics noises from other side of the wall, door wouldn't close). Complained and got transferred to their other room from hell, used sheets and a downgrade to boot. Complained again and got another downgraded room. Again the platinum extra value rating 0%

Not in a tearing hurry to go out and use my PC plat membership again, inclined to go with my old criteria of good price, good reviews, and convenient location to wherever. I would prefer a 15 min flight in J, or 20 mins in the J lounge anytime!!

Cheers skip

 

[Alanslegal]

I would also add that the comparison may also be dependent on your travelling patterns;

If you are a solo flyer - traveller, then a flight upgrade is much beneficial than say a room upgrade to a huge suite (where it is unlikely you need that much space).

If you fly with with other people then a flight upgrade may be less beneficial (as not everyone may be upgraded). Then that makes that upgrade to that huge suite much much worthwhile, in terms of space, enjoyment etc.

 

[markis10]

I also got PC platinum status last year and the experience has been underwhelming. I think the value depends on the hotel as much as the program.

Stayed at Intercontinental Perth Burswood, they lost my member no in the booking, even though I gave it to them on check in I didn't even get a free newpaper let alone a room upgrade. 0% value from platinum there.

Stayed at Crowne Plaza Canberra, got upgraded to the room from hell (wierd loud electronics noises from other side of the wall, door wouldn't close). Complained and got transferred to their other room from hell, used sheets and a downgrade to boot. Complained again and got another downgraded room. Again the platinum extra value rating 0%


PC Plat is not exactly top tier or hard to get, now if they extend the RA benefits to all IHG hotels it would be a very valuable program IMHO.

Cheers skip

I find hanging the newspaper door hanger on the outside of the room works 100% at Burswood and is much more effective, it worked on Tuesday!

CP Canberra is a shocker, I got upgraded to a room without power last trip, it was that or a walk to another hotel which in July at midnight did not seem a good option!

 

[Flying Fox]

I know I'd rather get an upgrade from Y to J than an upgrade from a standard room to deluxe, etc, any time.

Yes I agree.

When you have only 32' (Y) of room on a plane, going to 60' (J) is almost a 100% upgrade.

If I paid for a standard room and got a suite that was 100% larger, would I be that much more comfortable? My answer would always be no.

You can always move around in a room and get out whenever you like etc. On a plane, you are trapped; so to speak.

I would happily swap all my room upgrades for flight upgrades in a heart beat.

 

[markis10]

Yes I agree.


I would happily swap all my room upgrades for flight upgrades in a heart beat.

I would prefer both :shock:, travelling on my own fligths, travelling with family - hotel!