While we’re not in the habit of chasing hotel elite status, having even a basic level of status can come with undeniable perks—like free premium Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, or simply avoiding the dreaded “worst room in the hotel” experience.
Yes, there are exceptions—like those rare occasions when you score an upgraded room without status—but those are exactly that: exceptions.
We maintain hotel stays with a mix of earned and credit card-supported statuses across several hotel programs. Here’s a look at where my wife Sharon and I stand for 2025:
Marriott Bonvoy
For 2025, we will drop from Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite to Gold Elite status. Sharon has Lifetime Gold Elite status, which she would also qualify for through her Ritz Carlton Card. I will keep my Gold Elite status through my AMEX Platinum card.
Gold Elite doesn’t offer the same perks as Platinum, but it does include a 25% bonus on points, 2 PM late checkout, a welcome gift of points, enhanced room upgrades, and premium internet access.
World of Hyatt
While we appreciate our Marriott status, we still wish we had higher-tier Hyatt status. For 2025, we’ll remain at Discoverist status, earned through the World of Hyatt Visa and the World of Hyatt Business Visa. Discoverist status offers modest benefits, including:
- Premium Internet (where available)
- Daily bottled water
- Preferred room upgrades (subject to availability)
- Elite member check-in
- Waived resort fees on award stays
- Late checkout (2 PM, based on availability)
We love that waived resort fees come standard—something Marriott still doesn’t offer. While Globalist remains a dream, we can still leverage points for premium stays, like our memorable club room experience at the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
Hilton Honors
In 2025, we’ll both retain Hilton Gold status. Sharon’s is tied to her AMEX Hilton Surpass Card, while mine comes through the AMEX Platinum.
Gold continues to offer solid mid-tier benefits:
- 80% bonus points on base earnings
- 5th Night Free on reward stays
- Complimentary breakfast (as a food and beverage credit in the U.S.)
- Space-available upgrades
- Late checkout (subject to availability)
Though the breakfast benefit has been reduced to a food and beverage credit in the U.S., there’s little reason to aim for Diamond status unless our travel patterns significantly change.
IHG One Rewards
With the IHG Premier Credit Card, we’re both Platinum Elite members. Most of our IHG stays are at practical properties like Holiday Inn Express or Candlewood Suites, where benefits like room upgrades or late checkout don’t add much to the experience.
Platinum perks include:
- Extended checkout
- Free Internet
- Priority check-in
- 50% bonus points on base earnings
- Complimentary upgrades
While these benefits aren’t game-changing, they do add a layer of comfort to our stays.
Wyndham Rewards
We’ll have Wyndham Rewards Diamond status by holding the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business card. This status includes:
- Suite upgrades, when available
- Late checkout
- Welcome amenities
- Bonus points on stays
Final Thoughts
2025 brings some notable changes for us: dropping from Marriott Bonvoy Platinum to Gold while retaining or earning mid-tier statuses in other programs. These shifts reflect how our travel patterns and preferences are evolving and stepping back from programs where the cost outweighs the value.
Looking ahead, we plan to remain flexible and explore options that align with how and where we travel. Status is helpful, but we’re not letting it dictate our choices. It’s all about ensuring that each stay enhances our overall travel experience.
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