As someone who spends way too much time in a Marriott bed, I was initially delighted when I learned about the super secret Plat Premier level last year.
Then I spent 2 years as a Plat Premier. There's not much going on here. Some hotels reward Premiers a little better, others don't seem to care. Generally, West coast hotels tend to do a better job than East coast. With a few exceptions.
This year, I'm astonished to learn that I've racked up 341 nights, thanks in part to the generous rollover and bonus nights policies. I still had 212 nights stayed on my own. Now that's a big difference from 75, or even 125 nights, which are the requirements for Platinum and Platinum Premier respectively (ok maybe Premier is not precisely 125, but close enough).
So shouldn't top top tier guests get anything extra? We literally spend more time in Marriott hotels than in our own homes, and have very little to show for it - incrementally.
I know airlines seem to be really focusing on their top tier customers in 2010/11. My Delta Diamond status comes with so much value it's made me a huge fan of Delta's. Free membership to the club lounges, free gifts, ability to make someone else a Gold member, etc etc. I wonder if hotels plan to follow suit. Perhaps some are already? Would love to hear if anyone has thoughts on this.