In the pursuit of the ultimate hotel stay, a central question emerges for every frequent traveler: what's the smarter way to guarantee VIP treatment? Should you commit your loyalty—and your wallet—to a single hotel chain to achieve top-tier status like Hyatt Globalist or Marriott Ambassador? Or is it better to use the instant perks offered by luxury booking programs like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts? Both promise a world of upgrades, credits, and elite-level service