Free stays count toward elite qualification at Sheratons

In this economy, it is not easy to qualify for elite status at hotels considering that Marriott Hotels require 75 nights a year to remain Platinum Elite, whereas Starwood require 50 nights to attain Platinum. Many travelers wanting elite status, have to choose one loyalty program. I’m choosing to remain loyal to Starwood because they have been good to me with upgrades to suites. This new initiative by SPG will make it easy to qualify for Elite status.

Starwood (HOT) announces Q3 earnings on the 27th of October and I think that they will beat expectations despite the bad economy because loyalty is the name of the hotel game.
As a Platinum Elite member, you get room upgrades upon check-in at Marriott Brands but suites are excluded. Upgrades are not available at Marriott Vacation Club, and upgrades from studio to one- or two-bedrooms are not guaranteed at Residence Inn® and TownePlace Suites®.
You get Hyatt elite Diamond status after 25 eligible stays or 50 nights. It does get you a free suite upgrade at the time of reservation four times annually on paid room nights.
Amazing news! Starwood brands are taking the lead again! Award stays now count toward elite status. All of your SPG Award stays and eligible nights will earn credit toward elite status qualification.
when you redeem Starpoints  for Free Night Awards and Cash & Points Awards, those stays will help you earn Gold or Platinum elite status each year. Plus, stays using Free Night Awards earned during promotions count as well.
Any other type of SPG Award or Voucher stays, such as Air Canada's Aeroplan awards, etc., will not count toward elite status. If I redeem Starpoints for five free nights, the Fifth Night Free benefit also counts towards my elite status qualification That’s a deal upon a deal ! The only time that you don’t get elite nights are when you give your points to someone else. If you decide to gift an SPG Award stay or night to someone else , the receiver will be given the stay credit toward elite status qualification.

The highest Elite level at ichHotels Holiday Inn’s Priority Club is reached if you stay 50 or more nights or earn 60,000 points per calendar year: This gets you complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability) at all the Intercontinental brands. IHG was voted ‘Best Elite-Level Program’ at the 20th Annual Freddie Awards.