Gold Velocity - IHG or Hilton

[blingy90]

Hello,

Was just wanting to get some feedback on what people thought was better value with the hotel programs that are associated with gold velocity status - the Hilton Honours Gold or IHG Gold?

Also - do these benefits continue when you maintain your status with velocity?

Thanks guys

 

[aplmac]

I took up IHG via Platinum options, and I assume it's the same for other status holders: once you're part of the program, you get it for a year courtesy of VFF, then it's up to you to maintain the program's benchmarks to maintain it thereafter. For example, I took IHG, I get a Platinum card, gets me room upgrades, late checkouts, wifi etc etc (go look it up), but my card expires end of December this year unless I re-qualify with x number of points or nights. I won't, so I won't. Same with car hire membership - VFF membership gets you 'status' with the benefits, but you need to maintain their criteria over the year to continue.

I dont have HH but I imagine that's the same. So bottom line is: choose the club that you'll get the most benefit-by-usage from. And then try to maintain it. I don't think the VFF Opt-in counter ever resets...so you might just get one crack per hotel/car program! Choose wisely, you must!

 

[Ewing]

I was legitimate gold at IHG for a few years. The best I got was "oh, you are a valued Gold member. Let me see if I can find a nicer room for you."

I'd take Hilton.

 

[grubbidok]

I got HH and couldn't be happier. Even on government rate I've been upgraded near every time. The free brekkie and wifi is also good, but for me the 'double-dip' miles is unique among hotel programs AFAIK and takes it over the edge (i.e. you can earn HH points - which I send to AA - *and* Velocity points on each booking). I just wish it was more than a 1yr thing though.

 

[markis10]

Go the HH path, but beware its only a single shot.

 

[Kiwi]

Go the HH path, but beware its only a single shot.

I took up the IHG offer. Wish I took up the Hilton one. I never heard from IHG and they are apparently going to send me my gold card now. One year later.

 

[Ewing]

I took up the IHG offer. Wish I took up the Hilton one. I never heard from IHG and they are apparently going to send me my gold card now. One year later.

Don't hold your breath. I've never received one (and I was a "bum in bed" Gold).

 

[medhead]

Don't hold your breath. I've never received one (and I was a "bum in bed" Gold).

I had to request a replacement card a few times and eventually one appeared.

 

[froggerADL]

You can buy IHG Gold for $50. That should give you some idea of its value! I highly reccomend HHonors.

 

[Daver6]

I went the HH Gold option and have been quite pleased with what I've received.

 

[Markmat]

I'd look at where you regularly stay, and your budget per night, there seem to be a lot more IHG hotels and options as they have Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Intercontinental.

If you go to cities where there are Hiltons and the price is right, go the Hilton route.

 

[JohnK]

I was legitimate gold at IHG for a few years. The best I got was "oh, you are a valued Gold member. Let me see if I can find a nicer room for you."

I guess that would depend on where you are staying and the tyoe of tourists that stay there.

I have stayed at Holiday Inn Chiang Mai 3 times (first time as Platinum and next 2 stays without status) and have received an upgrade to highest paid suite all 3 times. I suspect the reason is the hotel fills with Chinese, Korean and Japanese tour groups but no need to generalise.

Staying again in a couple of weeks.

I'd take Hilton.

Agreed. It would appear to be the best value even with my statement above.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

You can buy IHG Gold for $50. That should give you some idea of its value! I highly reccomend HHonors.

Is that still available? I seem to recollect it being withdrawn.

there seem to be a lot more IHG hotels and options as they have Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Intercontinental.

If you go to cities where there are Hiltons and the price is right, go the Hilton route.

Worldwide it's a difference of about 600 hotels (4500 compared to 3900), though in AU and NZ, the difference is not so great if you look at individual locations serviced, 15 with IHG compared to 12 with Hilton. IHG does however give greater choice especially in SYD where they seem to have a hotel on every second corner. Looking at value though, Hilton often offers much better for a similar (even cheaper) rate with perhaps the execption of IC hotels (of which, there are only 4 in Oz and one in NZ) and only then when combined with a PP and AMB subscription. I'm reserving judgement on ICs but I've little interest in the other IHG brands as they seem too ordinary for the rates.

I chose Hilton originally and have not regretted the choice and would do so again. HH status seems to be genuine whereas IHG status seems to be a bit of a joke.

 

[Storyteller]

Go the HH path, but beware its only a single shot.

2 years ago I got the comp from VA Platinum to HH Diamond. It was very nice to have for the stays I had. Didn't stay enough to maintain anything, so I dropped to basic level HH. And then Gold VA.

Then a few weeks ago I was browsing around - I think something on AFF prompted me - to read what I get with VA Gold - and there was an offer for HH Gold. Clicked the links & got HH Gold .

When I booked into the NBO Hilton was welcomed very warmly, upgrade to exec floor, so got pm lounge snacks plus breakfast. For 4 of us.

Maybe mine was an aberration, but I received 2 shots at HH status. And it makes me want to fly VA some more as thanks, and will of course lead to more stays at Hilton. I also have good status with a couple of other hotel chains, but because of this Hilton will get a look in. Thanks VA.

 

[kpc]

Storyteller...shhh...and guess what happens if you hit VA Plat again?

 

[Storyteller]

Storyteller...shhh...and guess what happens if you hit VA Plat again?

Would be tough to have to decide to go for VA plat & give up one of my statii on QF AA UA.
but just replying to the "only get one shot". Blush...

And, now that I think about it, I did enjoy the HH diamond very much. Didn't get to use the Hertz status, but that may come up in 2014. And have lots of flights to places that VA goes that I need to do in the next 18 months..

 

[Shudai]

I've never received any tangible benefit from the IHG program whatsoever. It's a farce.

 

[Markmat]

I have found IHG properties to be inconsistent. Some do not even acknowledge status, whilst there are some that give significant tangible benefit. I had a stay in CP Amsterdam with the family that gave us a significant two room upgrade, chocolates every day we were there, a bottle of champagne, a free round of drinks at the bar, and half price breakfast. Nothing else has gone close to that level of benefit, but there has been benefit at a number I have stayed at.