Hilton Tactfully Reminds Members That They’re Way Better Than Marriott

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Marriott’s loyalty program is letting a lot of folks down.

To name a few crimes, it’s now MUCH harder to open Marriott and Starwood credit cards.  Transferring miles is more confusing.  And Marriott Gold Elite status isn’t worth nearly as much (no more free breakfast, no lounge access, no guaranteed late checkout).

Lots of folks are now giving their loyalty to Hilton instead.  And Hilton seems to be quietly rubbing Marriott’s face in their blunders with its new elite status chart.  They’ve added a few new “features” to the chart which were previously not as prominently advertised.

Hilton now makes sure you know that Gold Elite status will get you free breakfast at any hotel (Marriott just discontinued that for their Gold elites).  Also, Hilton tells you that their Diamond status entitles you to a 1-bedroom suite based on availability.

And finally, Hilton reminds you that there are NO resort fees when you book an award stay, unlike Marriott.  Team member Keith ranted about his experience with $25 per night resort fees with Starwood.  Marriott charges double that at some resorts.

Hilton is pulling away from Marriott as folks realize how devalued it’s become.  Hilton points are WAY easier to earn than Marriott points.  Hilton cards are WAY easier to open than Marriott.  Hilton elite status is WAY easier to earn than Marriott elite status.  And Hilton elite status comes with more valuable benefits than Marriott.

To boot, Hilton just catapulted its credit card welcome bonuses the other day.  For example, you’ll get:

• Hilton Honors American Express Card – 90,000 Hilton points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card –  125,000 Hilton points after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – 125,000 Hilton points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of account opening

The information for the Hilton Surpass card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Am I being too hard on Marriott?  Which loyalty program do you prefer?

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