agreed, it seemed clear to me too. PGR membership should see status benefits in GHA hotels. problem was (at PPSW) at least, they had no idea about the PGR program.
since then i have spoken to PPSW and they have confirmed that the PGR status is recognized at their hotel. the only issue that may come up (this happened to me for one stay) was being two difference status in the PGR and GHA programs based on number of nights vs stays.
i think its a good short cut to understand how with 10 stays via the PGR program you can have top tier in GHA. with the price of some of the hotels in the group (ie Rydges) i couldn't think of another program this cheap to hit a top status.
I find Rydges generally cheaper than some of the other brands like HH SPG and I generally like the rooms etc on offer. Also using points for food sometimes or the 50% off with black is really good. Especially when there's 2 or more of you. And it applies to beverages (with food) which is better than what Accor offers with it's A+ card. You can get a whole meal and pay $12 or something measly at the end.
10 stays to get black is amazing value.
I think I'm going to hit 30 nights with GHA this year but currently only have 5 stays with PGR but I value PGR black enough to direct another 5 stays there.
I have a GHA stay later in the year with Anantara so will see how that goes. To date I haven't had any issues receiving the double room upgrade which is my favourite benefit with GHA black. I'm not actually too fussed about not receiving points in GHA as some programs you can only book the standard room with points and it's nice to spoil yourself on special occasions. The free experiences can be really cool and knock off the price of a tour also.
PGR I think Melbourne has been really great with giving upgrades. Also had some luck with Rydges Fortitude but I've stayed there a lot. Never been given a suite room though but not really concerned. Bathrooms have enough space, desk is simple but has a light, the bed is comfy. I like the restaurant food also. Get a bit frustrated when food is overly flash and minimalistic (dinner in particular) when all I want is something simple and tasty to eat and not be charged the earth.
Sometimes I log in and have a gold area around my name, sometimes black. I ignore it. There isn't anywhere on the site that has status I've seen.
They have made some improvements like the digital card now available - yay! And I like receiving an email with a direct line to the GM of the hotel I've stayed at for feedback as I often don't reflect on it until later. And I can't be bothered with surveys when you've stayed already a lot and you may just want to highlight one or 2 things. Sometimes you're running out the door for a flight etc so I think about the stay later and it's nice to have that line to the GM. Haven't used it so far though.
A hotel staff member told me a female has taken over the CEO? position. Was a while ago so don't quote me and she was supposed to be good. Come from some outside company.
I think booking in advance there are more PGR award nights available now than what I previously remember which is good also.