Platinum/Top Tier status: Hotels vs. Airlines - Which is better?

[dajop]

I would happily swap all my room upgrades for flight upgrades in a heart beat.

Like you I don't care too much for extra space therefore an upgrade from room to suite has very little value me - I would take a flight upgrade.

It's the upgrades to Executive Floors that are worthwhile. At Hilton (Beijing) recently, as HH Gold, I was upgrade to very nice exec room, with exec lounge access. In my room on arrival where some nice chocolates and cognac, I enjoyed a few (too many) complimentary drinks in the happy hour (or 2 1/2 hrs to be exact), free breakfast, some snacks in the afternoon as well as free wifi there. Friendly and helpful staff. Take that anyday over a J upgrade between MEL & CBR on convertible J seats. (However if it was MEL & LAX then I would swap many room upgrades for that).