About to tick over to Platinum - Can I activate both IHG and Hilton premium memberships?

[matte_83]

I am currently a VA Gold member about to tick over to Platinum in 2 flights time. I have never activated the IHG Gold Elite or Hilton Honours Gold memberships that are offered as part of being a VA Gold member. When you become a VA Platinum member you can apply for IHG Platinum or Hilton Honours Diamond. My question is can I activate one of the Gold memberships now whilst still a VA Gold member and then activate a Platinum membership with the other hotel group once I become a VA Platinum member?

 

[I love to travel]

I was successful a few years ago doing the same thing.

 

[matte_83]

I was successful a few years ago doing the same thing.

Awesome. I'm trying to work out which one to pick with Gold and which one to pick with Platinum. I noticed that you don't get a room upgrade with IHG Gold but you do with Hilton. Thinking it might be better to select Hilton with Gold and IHG with Platinum. I probably stay in IHG hotels more often. It's been a while since I stayed in a Hilton.

 

[exceladdict]

Awesome. I'm trying to work out which one to pick with Gold and which one to pick with Platinum. I noticed that you don't get a room upgrade with IHG Gold but you do with Hilton. Thinking it might be better to select Hilton with Gold and IHG with Platinum. I probably stay in IHG hotels more often. It's been a while since I stayed in a Hilton.

Could always do platinum with IHG, status match to hilton (unsure if on now but they do from time to time), and get platinum in both

 

[Ross B]

I did this exact thing end of January this year so yes, you are able to activate the gold benefits and then once you go platinum select new ones

 

[clipped_wings]

We opted for both and the Elite status with each program was automatically recognized whenever we stayed in these hotels across the USA. It afforded some very nice benefits, depending on where you were. Some gave a higher floor at no charge, some offered a Concierge Level access. Others simply gave you a better room. The "Welcome Back Mr and Mrs ****" was always appreciated the points haul from accommodation was just realised. I just moved around 6k Velocity points to take advantage of the May bonus transfer promo.

 

[Carrots]

I would make sure get the Gold level activates ASAP. I've not used the HH option, but the IHG one was sloooooow to process so you don't want VA potentially cotton on if you're following it up etc.

 

[eric2011]

I would make sure get the Gold level activates ASAP. I've not used the HH option, but the IHG one was sloooooow to process so you don't want VA potentially cotton on if you're following it up etc.

I asked VA how long ( Hilton ) and reply was 20 business days before they would even do a follow up, currently been waiting 15 business days

 

[Bundy Bear]

Forget IHG, Hilton is where you want to be Diamond.

 

[eric2011]

Forget IHG, Hilton is where you want to be Diamond.

Yes and No, Depends where you want to use your status. Hilton does'nt have a huge footprint in AUS whereas IHG have a few more properties

 

[andye]

Benefits
IHG Gold-some points
IHG Plat-a few more points. Maybe an upgrade with lounge at Crowne Plaza
HH Gold-upgrade, free breakfast and some points
HH Diamond-upgrade, brekky, lounges and a few more points

The most tangible benefit of IHG Plat I had was to use it to status match to Hilton.
I'd choose Hilton Diamond over IHG Plat any day. Ambassador can be useful if you stay at Intercontinentals but you get Plat with that anyway

 

[straitman]

Yes and No, Depends where you want to use your status. Hilton does'nt have a huge footprint in AUS whereas IHG have a few more properties

But IHG Platinum give you nothing of value. HH Diamond give heaps by comparison.

 

[RisingPhoenix]

Out of interest, can anyone clarify if they used the Gold Upgrade to get HH Gold, when they achieved Platinum were they able to access the HH Diamond benefit?

 

[straitman]

I do not think so.