Love your spreadsheet!! I am working on getting titanium - I have the Bonvoy brilliant, and later on this year I’ll get the business card from Amex. We’re a military family, so we may be in the hotels A LOT within the next couple of months. My plan is to break our mandatory hotel stay between Hyatt and Marriott. I would like to get United silver status, but like you said, there’s only value to it if you fly United. I have no clue what flights we’ll be taking other than this one next month for our move, but it’s good to have in the tool set since it’s “free.” 😂 I really enjoyed seeing the breakdown, and I didn’t know about the double night deals! That’s awesome! Thanks again! Subscribed! 🎉
I like the topic and hope to see similar ones. Given you are asking if Titanium is worth it why not just show how many points you earned at Titanium vs Platinum vs all the points you earned? That would be a more accurate analysis to see if Titanium is worth it. I did a similar analysis using that method for my travel and the extra 25% points boost from Titanium was not worth it to me as when I travel i tend to find other value at IHG, and Hyatt.If it was a 50% boost that would be a different story. I did not know about the water bottle. I get free water bottles as a Platinum member so I am not sure of the advantage of the “reusable water bottle” you mentioned. I also normally fly business and first so status with airlines is not a value for me. So the fact you pointed this out and other insightful factors gave me things to add to my future analysis. Thanks for a great video.
Lifetime Platinum here...definitely worth it. I used to hit annual Titanium...not worth it. I have the Amex Marriott Business and Ritz-Carlton, both worth it. We travel to 15+ countries every year and Platinum is pretty good in most locations.
Really interesting and well-mad video! Thanks for the details and reflection. I’m curious about how many of these benefits you would have received with platinum status. Would you be willing to speak to the comparison with a similar model that attempts to put a % value to the benefits that are unique to titanium?
@@geobreezetravel I think platinum vs Titanium would be very helpful. Perhaps like a lot of people I tend to get close to titanium as I do the two cards that start you out with 40 nights so I only need 35 and I get a lot of signup offers for my partner and me, but I've yet to get the full 35 nights. It seems like the extra Titanium benefits aren't really that strong especially if you don't pay with points.
This is awesome! Would love to see more like these! Also, what are your thoughts about the Hyatt Rio? I know you have booked rooms there but have you stayed? Is it safe, clean, a great time? Thanks! ❤
glad you enjoyed it! I've stayed at the Rio a couple of times. It's safe in the sense that nothing bad happened, it's really clean and pretty quiet in the rooms, but not as luxurious as most other Vegas properties.
Hi! I really enjoyed the video and several previous videos I have watched. I did wonder why you did not take the 40,000 free night at the 75 night bonus since this might have added quite a bit of value to the spreadsheet. A question I did have was you getting 25+15 Elite nights with the cards....I thought we were only allowed to use the elite nights once for Amex and once for Chase, but you received twice for Amex.....I did not know this. Looks like I need to get an Amex Brilliant Card if they give it to me, but I know there are rules....I have the Chase Ritz Card. Going to Bali for a month this year (annual trip) and looking to pay for the flight instead of using miles, but we will see. I did manage to try my hand at getting a United excursionist fair if I use points, but my flight is a business expense, so I am not sure I want to use points. Thinking of going to Kuala Lumpur for a full medical check up....(Turning 64) When do you decide to pay for a flight vs using points in these situations? BTY, I get great value from Marriott in Bali. Thank you again!
I don’t think it’s worth it. I wonder what your dollar evaluation would be if you just had platinum status. I don’t think the titanium sounds like it gave you anything extra.
Why didn’t you stop at 75 nights? I’m platinum for life but still strive for titanium every year using the same strategy as you but without the expense. I too used Marriott points every two years to stretch them out for a better winter vacation in the Caribbean AI.
I am so fortunate that I grandfathered into lifetime titanium like 10 years ago, the year that they ended the ability to get lifetime titanium. That said, I love it because I no longer have to chase status. Also have Amex aspire, so have diamond at Hilton. Having these statuses is super amazing in Asia and the Mideast. Has some benefit in Europe, but in the US doesn’t do much besides free breakfast. The prices in California are stupid, and if a Marriott hotel won’t give me free breakfast, I wouldn’t stay there. Also, I, like you, don’t ever stay at ritz or st Regis. JW Marriotts are the sweet spots for me. I want lounge access, breakfast, and room upgrades, ritz and st Regis don’t do this
@ omg. So many favorites. I love the one in Singapore. The one in Singapore was voted in the top 3 of executive lounges in the world (for JW marriotts). Also the one in Bangkok, Is a great tranquil oasis to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, but yet is in a main area of Bangkok. The one in Cancun is amazing, but you don’t get lounge access, you have to buy “club 92” lounge access. It’s about $150/night more. The JW Cancun has a hidden gem that most people never see. It has an amazing indoor pool on the 4th floor. Great to go to after the gym, or even at night to relax before going out.
I didn't really stay on points at all in 2024. Most of the stays in this video were just cash stays at inexpensive hotels in SE Asia, some USA conferences, etc. I usually just load up on Marriott points and do a big redemption every couple of years
It's a $100 on-property credit at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels when you book stays of at least two nights. But you have to book an “eligible rate,” so points stays, discounted member rates, etc., don’t qualify
I've gotten suite upgrades and breakfast every single time with Marriott Platinum status in the Marriotts and Ritz-Carltons I've stayed at in South America Europe and Asia. I see Zero reason for Marriott Titanium because United silver would be useless to me.
I don’t think it’s worth it. I wonder what your dollar evaluation would be if you just had platinum status. I don’t think the titanium sounds like it gave you anything extra.
Love your spreadsheet!!
I am working on getting titanium - I have the Bonvoy brilliant, and later on this year I’ll get the business card from Amex. We’re a military family, so we may be in the hotels A LOT within the next couple of months. My plan is to break our mandatory hotel stay between Hyatt and Marriott. I would like to get United silver status, but like you said, there’s only value to it if you fly United. I have no clue what flights we’ll be taking other than this one next month for our move, but it’s good to have in the tool set since it’s “free.” 😂 I really enjoyed seeing the breakdown, and I didn’t know about the double night deals! That’s awesome! Thanks again! Subscribed! 🎉
Great video, very thorough and transparent. I like how you ascribed $0 value to the things you didn’t use. That’s the best way to do CBA, 👍
Great video! Quick correction - the Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with a 85k FNA (not 75k)which you can add 15k points onto if needed
thanks for the correction!
Thank you for this analysis! Would love to see one for Hyatt.
glad you enjoyed it! stay tuned and please subscribe - will do a Hyatt one soon!
Great video Julia! Very informative. Thanks.
thank you! glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the analysis
anytime! glad you enjoyed the video
Great breakdown - Yes! Do More.
thank you! more to come soon, stay tuned!
Yes, this was helpful. Thank you.
awesome! glad to hear it was valuable for you
Yes, would like to see your CBA on Hyatt and AA. Thanks for great video!
will do! stay tuned and subscribe for even more points content in the meantime
love these cost-benefit analysis❤️ if u could add the full breakdown u mentioned on timestamp 9:48
adding it to my list! stay tuned!
I like the topic and hope to see similar ones. Given you are asking if Titanium is worth it why not just show how many points you earned at Titanium vs Platinum vs all the points you earned? That would be a more accurate analysis to see if Titanium is worth it. I did a similar analysis using that method for my travel and the extra 25% points boost from Titanium was not worth it to me as when I travel i tend to find other value at IHG, and Hyatt.If it was a 50% boost that would be a different story.
I did not know about the water bottle. I get free water bottles as a Platinum member so I am not sure of the advantage of the “reusable water bottle” you mentioned. I also normally fly business and first so status with airlines is not a value for me. So the fact you pointed this out and other insightful factors gave me things to add to my future analysis. Thanks for a great video.
glad you liked the topic! I'll do a follow up video on marginal cost vs. benefit going from platinum to titanium.
Yes please do cost analysis of Hyatt and American Airlines.
will do! stay tuned and please subscribe for more content in the meantime
Lifetime Platinum here...definitely worth it. I used to hit annual Titanium...not worth it. I have the Amex Marriott Business and Ritz-Carlton, both worth it. We travel to 15+ countries every year and Platinum is pretty good in most locations.
sounds like Platinum is the sweet spot for status!
Very impressive. Def do the Hyatt video.
thank you! and will do - stay tuned for more!
Super helpful! Would love to see the Hyatt and AA analyses!
adding it to my list! stay tuned and subscribe for even more points content in the meantime
Thanks Julia. Very impressive work with all those figures! Now you have officially proved you were once an actuary 😂
hahaha, thank you! Spreadsheets were my daily life for a good number of years
Really interesting and well-mad video! Thanks for the details and reflection. I’m curious about how many of these benefits you would have received with platinum status. Would you be willing to speak to the comparison with a similar model that attempts to put a % value to the benefits that are unique to titanium?
that's a great idea for a follow up video! I'll run the math on marginal cost vs. benefit going from Platinum to Titanium. Stay tuned!
@@geobreezetravel I think platinum vs Titanium would be very helpful. Perhaps like a lot of people I tend to get close to titanium as I do the two cards that start you out with 40 nights so I only need 35 and I get a lot of signup offers for my partner and me, but I've yet to get the full 35 nights. It seems like the extra Titanium benefits aren't really that strong especially if you don't pay with points.
This is awesome! Would love to see more like these! Also, what are your thoughts about the Hyatt Rio? I know you have booked rooms there but have you stayed? Is it safe, clean, a great time? Thanks! ❤
glad you enjoyed it! I've stayed at the Rio a couple of times. It's safe in the sense that nothing bad happened, it's really clean and pretty quiet in the rooms, but not as luxurious as most other Vegas properties.
@ ahhhhh that makes sense! I noticed it’s not on the strip also. Thank you for your “review” 😆
Please do one for Hyatt. The Marriott one was helpful!
Will do! Stay tuned
Yes on the Hyatt stays
sounds good! stay tuned and subscribe for even more points content in the meantime
Great Video ! Would love to see your breakdown of Hyatt
will do!
Hi! I really enjoyed the video and several previous videos I have watched. I did wonder why you did not take the 40,000 free night at the 75 night bonus since this might have added quite a bit of value to the spreadsheet. A question I did have was you getting 25+15 Elite nights with the cards....I thought we were only allowed to use the elite nights once for Amex and once for Chase, but you received twice for Amex.....I did not know this. Looks like I need to get an Amex Brilliant Card if they give it to me, but I know there are rules....I have the Chase Ritz Card. Going to Bali for a month this year (annual trip) and looking to pay for the flight instead of using miles, but we will see. I did manage to try my hand at getting a United excursionist fair if I use points, but my flight is a business expense, so I am not sure I want to use points. Thinking of going to Kuala Lumpur for a full medical check up....(Turning 64) When do you decide to pay for a flight vs using points in these situations? BTY, I get great value from Marriott in Bali. Thank you again!
I hate the whole Marriott breakfast thing.
it'd be much easier if it were just a standard policy across all hotels for sure
Love the breakdown, do Hyatt and Hilton next
will do! I think Hilton is super easy because you can get top tier status just by having the Hilton Aspire card too
I don’t think it’s worth it. I wonder what your dollar evaluation would be if you just had platinum status. I don’t think the titanium sounds like it gave you anything extra.
will do a follow up on marginal cost vs. benefit going from Platinum to Titanium. stay tuned!
Why didn’t you stop at 75 nights? I’m platinum for life but still strive for titanium every year using the same strategy as you but without the expense. I too used Marriott points every two years to stretch them out for a better winter vacation in the Caribbean AI.
I had some speaking engagements and other conferences to attend in Q4 that were hosted in Marriott hotels, so I stayed at those hotels
Hyatt please!
will do! stay tuned!
It’s not worth chasing Marriott status if you mainly travel in the US. As for south east Asia, I think platinum status is more than enough!
I can confirm I definitely get better treatment at Marriotts outside of the USA
I would like to see Hyatt and AA CBA if possible. Thanks.
adding it to my list!
HYATT AND AA PLEASE!!
adding it to the list! please subscribe for even more points tips in the meantime
I am so fortunate that I grandfathered into lifetime titanium like 10 years ago, the year that they ended the ability to get lifetime titanium. That said, I love it because I no longer have to chase status. Also have Amex aspire, so have diamond at Hilton. Having these statuses is super amazing in Asia and the Mideast. Has some benefit in Europe, but in the US doesn’t do much besides free breakfast. The prices in California are stupid, and if a Marriott hotel won’t give me free breakfast, I wouldn’t stay there. Also, I, like you, don’t ever stay at ritz or st Regis. JW Marriotts are the sweet spots for me. I want lounge access, breakfast, and room upgrades, ritz and st Regis don’t do this
I've had some great luck with JW Marriotts. Really like the one in Hanoi. Do you have a favorite one?
@ omg. So many favorites. I love the one in Singapore. The one in Singapore was voted in the top 3 of executive lounges in the world (for JW marriotts). Also the one in Bangkok, Is a great tranquil oasis to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, but yet is in a main area of Bangkok. The one in Cancun is amazing, but you don’t get lounge access, you have to buy “club 92” lounge access. It’s about $150/night more. The JW Cancun has a hidden gem that most people never see. It has an amazing indoor pool on the 4th floor. Great to go to after the gym, or even at night to relax before going out.
If the majority of your Marriott stays are on points how are you getting enough?
I didn't really stay on points at all in 2024. Most of the stays in this video were just cash stays at inexpensive hotels in SE Asia, some USA conferences, etc. I usually just load up on Marriott points and do a big redemption every couple of years
We’re the F&B credits from the brilliant card?
It's a $100 on-property credit at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels when you book stays of at least two nights. But you have to book an “eligible rate,” so points stays, discounted member rates, etc., don’t qualify
I've gotten suite upgrades and breakfast every single time with Marriott Platinum status in the Marriotts and Ritz-Carltons I've stayed at in South America Europe and Asia. I see Zero reason for Marriott Titanium because United silver would be useless to me.
I've also had much better luck outside of the USA. Platinum seems to be the sweet spot.
I don’t think it’s worth it. I wonder what your dollar evaluation would be if you just had platinum status. I don’t think the titanium sounds like it gave you anything extra.
will do a follow up on marginal cost vs. benefit going from Platinum to Titanium. stay tuned!