Maintaining all those status levels for $3750/year is virtually impossible unless based in some SE Asia countries and staying at low-end properties where the status benefits are probably quite poor. It would also require spending 192 nights per year in hotels - don't assume these Fast Tracks, double elite nights, and lowered targets are going to stick around next year.
I think what I was arguing for are those who travel globally regularly so are in multiple regions (i.e. Europe, the Americas, APAC) where there is not one single chain where holding status suits their needs. If you can find those cheapo hotels and apply a fast track then in theory it could work. Also I suppose with Accor one could spend slightly more since it's only 35 nights at Marriott to get Platinum status, provided they have a credit card that gives them complimentary elite nights every year.
If you really wanted all four of them, you'd be better off opening an Aspire Amex (US$450) for Hilton Diamond, a Bonvoy Brilliant Amex for Bonvoy Platinum (US$650), Intercontinental Ambassador (US$200) for IHG One Platinum, and go for Accor Plat on spend or cheap Accor Plus nights. In my opinion - and probably the opinion of 99% of AFF - going for all four programs is unnecessary and excessive.
Don't forget AmEx Platinum which gives you Hilton and Marriott Gold and Accor+Silver off the bat! Whilst not ideal status levels, for those jumping into the game of elite status, it's not a bad start!
To start, IHG One Platinum from Ambassador is the most useless of the bunch as it doesn't include breakfast, which needs Diamond / 70 stays, or lounge access which need 40 nights for that "reward". Even after the revamp IHG looks the least appealing unless you are very committed to them and go for Diamond.
I agree that different hotel elites statuses may not be as appealing. For my money, I'd say Marriott is at the top, since you actually get treated well as an elite (i.e. upgrades and late check-outs). The one thing Marriott has which I don't think many other hotel programs have is
lifetime elite status. Checking the Marriott site, 600 qualifying nights and 10 years of being Platinum will net you lifetime Marriott Platinum. In that respect, if you do travel to the Americas often, it may make sense staying with Marriott just to hit that status level.
Marriott Platinum has decent benefits at the moment, although apparently there are rumours of that diluting soon, and there are few properties in Australia making the status less valuable for local stays.
Big issue with Marriott in Australia is there aren't many locations and to the extent that they do have locations, they are pricey. Certainly worthy of my free night voucher from AmEx but otherwise wouldn't be setting foot in one! In North America anywhere you go you're guaranteed to have at least a Courtyard, often times a Four Points or even Sheraton. Again, not a problem if you travel regularly to the Americas, but strictly within AU, not so appealing.
Accor Platinum is obviously a strong option in Australia given their unparalleled coverage both in cities and rural/remote areas, and breakfast/lounge access. Unless you're staying in Ibis Styles or on dirt cheap Accor Plus rates, most Aussies would probably hit Platinum on spend rather than nights by spending >$150 inc tax per night on average.
Agree with you on the locations. Unparalleled in that regard. We'll see about brekkie and lounge access when I become Platinum later this year. As for staying at Ibis or on dirt cheap Accor Plus rates, I feel so seen right now!
For me, the sweet spot for status is Hilton Diamond and Accor Plat. Fairly consistent benefits and each of their strengths in coverage complement each other. The redemption sides of the programs aren't the best, but that's less of a priority for me compared with the status benefits.
Except for breakfast in North America at Hiltons where you get a $15/day credit! The other thing I found as a Hilton Gold (maybe it's different as a Platinum) is there wasn't much strong upgrade action going on there. Perhaps it's the hotels I stay at (i.e. HGI or Doubletree) perhaps it's something else.
-RooFlyer88
loyaltylobby.com
