How many have let their HH status drop

[Deleted member 29185]

As per the thread title, how many have decided to let their HH status drop and why?

For me, I renewed Diamond BIB last year so I have it for the Conrad Rangali, but to be honest, I'm not that enthused about it anymore. The rolling devaluations last year has meant it just hasn't got the attraction for me anymore and certainly not to do pure mattress runs to keep it. By some posts on the other thread (Who's status has dropped since 1 Apr), it looks like quite a few have given up on the top tier and even gold.

So 'fess up. Who and why?

 

[Ewing]

I'm moving back to Starwood.

They have a lot of nicer properties and while I'll miss the free breakfast they've always treated me consistently well in their properties. I've lodged so many complaints in my 2 years of Hilton that I've lost count. I lodged two complaints in my 5 years holding elite status with Starwood (and one of them wasn't even a formal complaint - it was a grumbling on Twitter that the property picked up and followed up while I was still in residence).

I will however still be able to keep status thanks to VA

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm staying put for now. I renewed Diamond last year and due to our big US trip spanning both Dec and Jan I will probably re-qualify this year on base points.
The points devaluations don't worry me as I haven't spent mine.
I like the combo of having the brekkie, Internet and the Exec Lounge. Exec Lounge particularly when travelling alone as it means I can be lazy and not have to go out to dine alone.
I don't value the room upgrades as IME they are like Rainbow Unicorns

 

[TonyHancock]

I like the combo of having the brekkie, Internet and the Exec Lounge. Exec Lounge particularly when travelling alone as it means I can be lazy and not have to go out to dine alone.
I don't value the room upgrades as IME they are like Rainbow Unicorns

Yep that is pretty much me. I have fared a bit better on the room upgrades but predominantly in China.

I'm on the qualifying path at the moment.

 

[serfty]

...
I don't value the room upgrades as IME they are like Rainbow Unicorns

I have posted this before but "You can't eat a view".

For me, being upgraded to a nicer rooms is, well, nice, but gauranteed breakfast and lounge access are what has kept me with HHonors.

 

[BAM1748]

Yes, my account was a mess with constant reminders for points not being credited, somehow during this a second account was set up by HH to 'sort it out' which never worked and had disappearing points.

In the end I couldn't be bothered dealing with them anymore. I still stay at some of the hotels and have found I'm actually saving money (or my bosses money) since.

Matt

 

[Bundy Bear]

With Hilton I earn and burn very fast. and probably have less than 10,000 points.

I thought I would log into my Hilton account check my status but of course the website isn't working for me.

I have posted this before but "You can't eat a view".

For me, being upgraded to a nicer rooms is, well, nice, but guaranteed breakfast and lounge access are what has kept me with HHonors.

What is the line, the way to a mans heart is through his stomach.

 

[GCC]

As posted in the other thread I've just dropped to silver after having HH elite status since 2009, Gold through BIB and then diamond via VA WP.

I've come to the conclusion that it is better to have one or two favourite hotels in each destination and then select based on value and convenience rather than chase status. Hilton will be on my short list for Adelaide and Melbourne.

I have SPG Gold, Accor Plat and IHG plat, so that helps.

I will be trying to get HH Gold back via VA Gold or a fast track, to add value for Hilton stays when I do choose them as an option.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

starwood platinum now offers breakfast. it also includes exec/club access as before.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

 

[markis10]

As posted in the other thread I've just dropped to silver after having HH elite status since 2009, Gold through BIB and then diamond via VA WP.

I've come to the conclusion that it is better to have one or two favourite hotels in each destination and then select based on value and convenience rather than chase status. Hilton will be on my short list for Adelaide and Melbourne.

I have SPG Gold, Accor Plat and IHG plat, so that helps.

I will be trying to get HH Gold back via VA Gold or a fast track, to add value for Hilton stays when I do choose them as an option.

Having status in a few programs does help, over the last couple of years I have been enjoying Gold with Hilton while also having SPG Gold and IHG PLat, both earned. With IHG Plat locked in for next year already and Hilton Gold already at 25% requal, SPG will be the focus later this year.

 

[Cynicor]

I made the HH gold requal mid Jan this year, and will make diamond on points, but I would not chase HH status past gold as I don't think the incremental difference is generally worth it. Will probably make diamond next year (so until Mar 2017) on points with just my currently planned Niseko ski trip and a Conrad Maldives stay, but after that I'm not sure. I don't have time to do MRs so SPG will be much harder to get plat, but I am still considering it.

Also, everytime they award me point incorrectly I chase it up and it normally gets fixed quickly, and incorrectly, but in the other direction. Last 3 years I think I have been awarded about 150-200k incorrect bonus points so I can't complain too much!

 

[lovestotravel]

I just received my silver card in the mail after 2 years of Diamond

The upgrades were never great, usually one room type or none at all

Breakfast and WiFi were nice but I don't mind paying for these as a Silver

I am moving to SPG and/or will use hotelclub.com.au/amex to get 10 Amex points per $1 spent

Most hotels are listed on here, for the same/similar price and getting 10 Amex points per $1 is worth more to me than a free breakfast and WiFi

EG 3 nights at $400 per night = 12000 Amex points = $700 of value for flights, so even paying for WiFi and breakfasts for 2 at say $350ish I am still way ahead

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Also, everytime they award me point incorrectly I chase it up and it normally gets fixed quickly, and incorrectly, but in the other direction.

Excellent point. I think I recall you saying a certain Maldivian jaunt ended up paying for much (all?) of your Niseko ski holiday. Nice pick-up!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

EG 3 nights at $400 per night = 12000 Amex points = $700 of value for flights,

So $1200 is really $500? Not bad for 3 nights in a $400/night room!

 

[lovestotravel]

So $1200 is really $500? Not bad for 3 nights in a $400/night room!

Well yes, $1200 = 12000 Amex points
12000 Amex points = 12000 Singapore Points
I value each point at about 6 cents when redeemed for Singapore Suites
12000 x 0.06 = $720

 

[QF WP]

I let my IHG Plat status wane (back to basic) after I picked up HH Diamond (thanks VA) and had it for last year and this year. I won't re-qual Diamond and may struggle with even achieving Gold.

Have accounts with SPG et al, but they are only there for emergencies (no Hiltons in cities I stay - which given I go to Domestic capital cities, then that isn't often )

Like Princess Fiona, have a bucket load of points which I spend on Award nights where the rates are outside my spend (and still have 2 free weekend nights from Macquarie Hilton CC to use).

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have posted this before but "You can't eat a view".

For me, being upgraded to a nicer rooms is, well, nice, but gauranteed breakfast and lounge access are what has kept me with HHonors.

I totally get that, however I am beginning to get a little cheesed off at the frequent lack of any kind of upgrade. I wouldnt even mind if it was to the Exec Floor (hardly ever happens) as at least they usually have bathrobes, slippers and better range of toiletries. I have now taken to requesting that my room has these amenities in lieu of Exec Floor upgrade.
The one hotel which consistently ignores the "Please Don't Upgrade this Woman" on my profile is The Conrad Hong Kong:
I have yet to see what an ordinary room looks like

 

[N860CR]

Should my status have changed away from diamond as yet? Still hasn't dropped me back to blue.

I'm keen to activate a VA Gold before I'm at the Hilton next in may.

 

[serfty]

I checked mine at around 9 am Melbourne time and it was still showing Diamond. I expect it to drop in the next day or so.

 

[QF WP]

I'm waiting to see whether my HH Platinum status has stuck due to my successful "4 stays in 60 days" last year (as I qualified Diamond via the VA Plat offer)