I belong to every  hotel program and have status above the standard at four of them. I have platinum status with PC, gold with two others, and silver. I receive upgrades from IHG far more than I do with any of the other programs, so that's a factor for me when deciding where to stay. The two hotel groups I look at first are IHG and Hilton properties. If all other factors are the same, I will choose IHG; however, I usually choose my hotel based on other factors: location, date hotel was built and/or remodeled, bedding, type of room available, extra amenities, and more.

I stay at a non-IHG hotel:

If one is not available in area

If I want to stay at a more luxury hotel

If I am in a place that has a special hotel (eco, resorts, on a "best of" list, landmark, etc)

To compare other brands and hotels with IHG

If I have had quality issues with a franchise owner or group in an area

Respectfully,

Amanda Kehoe

Having made the decision to use IHG we look at hotel locations and decide on our stays for leisure. We do have from when working a number of points on both Marriott and Hilton which I keep active for  an usual event.

I ALWAYS choose IHG, however, this is due to my getting discounts for working for an IHG property.  My girl calls me cheap, I say it's practical.  

I always travel to larger areas though, so IHG is always an option.

IHG hotels are my first choice.  However, the determining factors for me are:  location, price, amenities included (breakfast, in-room coffee), promotions offered.  If I am traveling with my cat, I obviously look first at the pet policy.  If we are traveling with other people, as on a golf vacation or for a family event, I usually stay in the same hotel or resort with other members of my party... the convenience offsets most other differences.  I might also choose a non-IHG hotel if I am close to a point redemption level on another chain and the stay would give me enough points to get me there.

I think you are wise to get some points with the other chain at this time of the year since you have maintained your status.  It is always good to experience the other brands and get another perspective of hotel life.  You may see some new ideas that you like.  Please pass them along to us if you do!!

I agree ~ I like it when Hilton gives the EQM bonuses. Hilton was my second hotel of choice after IHG. I'm not too happy about their recent points redemption increase tho...

I do play the point game with Holiday Inn, Marriott & Hilton.

I kind of figured that Hilton would go up, it is easier to earn points per dollar spent. (see below)

Altho since I have been on this site I have found a whole lot more Priority club Points

If I'm staying in a city I check where I want to be, then check the 3 chains.

Sometimes I have a short notice trip, so I keep them updated by date, & see

which is the best deal. 

I going on a 7 day trip (7 hotels in 7 Days, ) in June 2010 (Hot Rod Power Tour 2010) & the group I'm with are staying at all HI's & HIE's

(Cha ching points)

HRPT 2010 Map  http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102712979471276098324.00 047697ac57046659354&z=6

I keep track of who has what deal when in my Blackberry

(yes I have no life) (or is it OCD )

CC: is what I get from Credit card purchases

2 for 1 Tickets at Fandango is for having a "Signature Visa"

**********************On BB ******************************************

as of 4 Dec

~ Marriott~

800.228.2100

10X + 20%

CC: 5X. Hotel
2X AirLines,CarRental,Dining
*2 for 1 Tickets @ Fandango
~~~~~~~~
*Till Jan 3, 10 - Stay 2 Nights & Get 3rd Night Free.
Marriott Hotels in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, or Nevada.
Code: W9S
~~~~~~~~
* Till Jan 15,10 - 5,000 points every other stay paid with Visa [3]
~~~~~~~~
*ADP. 179 a nite Waikiki Marriott
*S4B Stay 4 breakfast
*MEB. Weekend E-breaks

--------------------------------------------
~ Hilton~.
800.446.6677
800.548.8690

10X + 50% + 25% Gold VIP.

CC: 9X Hotels
6X Super Markets, Drug Stores, Gasoline & Home & Wireless Phones,Cable & Internet.
3X all others
~~~~~~~~
* Till Dec 31 Double Base Points with any reservation 
~~~~~~~~
* 500points for online reservation

* Till 10/10/10 - 2,500 HHH points for your first 8 stays 

--------------------------------------------

~ Holiday Inn~
800.421.5162

10X + 50%

CC: 3X hotels. 1X all others
*2 for 1 Tickets @ Fandango
* Till Oct 31, Earn up to 10,000 points. See Extras***[4]
~~~~~~~~
* Till 15 Dec Double points w/2nd stay \3/
* Till Dec 15 - 5,000 bonus points for your next weekend stay(Friday & Saturday nights)
* Till Dec 15 1,000 bonus when booked on line & paid w/VISA[3]
* Till Dec 31 (code 2041) 1500 points when you Pay w/VISA ?
* Till Dec 31 stay 7 nights & earn 10,000 Points <5>
* Till Dec 31. 15,000 every 5th night (5)
* Till Feb 28 2010 -. 2,000 bonus points @ Hotel Indigo -1-

Most of my stays are at IHG hotels but thru work I will end up staying at Marriott or Hilton, so I get a few nights which I use too.  Seems like a waste if I don't & the points don't expire

That would definitely be a deal breaker!  too bad, wonder if the hotel is aware what the impact is on their business.  I'm also a Verizon customer... what city is it in?

Actually, just drove through east Texas a few weeks ago... ended up staying at a Best Western in Terrell cuz HIE was full.

In the last five years I have used three of the largest providers and Verizon is by far the best in the areas in which I travel.

No, I do not work for Verizon...........

We've probably digressed enough to be off-topic at this point.    In the area I travel and need a cell phone the most (rural northern plains states), Verizon has the best coverage and it's not really that great but for obvious reasons.  My hubby would love to get an iPhone but we can't afford both Verizon and AT&T... ouch!  For a trip to Italy, we just bought an international phone & short term contract from Brightroam.  That would not work for businesses, though.