Post-Merger: Will Your Brand Preferences/Habits Change?
Well, it's here.... The merger is for real... And whether or not you've combined Marriott Rewards and SPG accounts, one dramatic change to our travel planning is that - when you search for a hotel on the Marriott site - you'll see seeing far more options - more than 6,700 properties (in total)!!! ... 50 percent more at many popular destinations (and more less depending upon where you're headed)... If you haven't seen what a difference it makes, just pick a date and a popular vacation spot (Bangkok, London, New York City, Paris, Rome ... you get the idea), and ... oh my ... there are more options. So, now, faced with so many options ... will you rely on old habits or ... try something new?
Do You Like the New Program now that the Merger is Done?
Nothing changes. I'll stick with my favorite brand(s).
I spend most of my hotel nights in a single location, and I've built up such a familiarity and level of comfort there, that I can't imagine switching. When I travel elsewhere, I might be willing to branch out ... or not.
My inclination is to continue doing what I've been doing, but I'm open to experimenting if something catches my eye.
I'm not LOOKING to branch out, but, realistically, I realize that I'm going to. Because I'm typically looking for the best (fill in the blank: price, location, service, design), I'm confident that more choices will lead to me try different properties.
I can't wait to try all of the new properties! It wouldn't surprise me if I end up spending a lot fewer nights at what used to be my favorite/go-to brands.
I'm already making a list of all of the high end SPG properties - Luxury Collection, St. Regis, ... even W - in some of my favorite destinations.
I'm a long time Marriott Insider, and, after years of hearing how much better SPG treats their loyal customers, I can't wait to experience that higher level of service. So I'll be trying something new ... soon.
I'm a long time, loyal SPG customer, and, after years of frustration with limited choices, I can't wait to take advantage of the massive number of new Marriott properties I have access to. So I'll be trying something new ... soon.
I'm already making a list of all of the budget SPG properties - aloft, Four Points, Element - in some of my favorite destinations.
Other: don't hesitate to elaborate below!
Since I reached LTP over a year ago, I’ve already been experimenting & experiencing legacy-SPG brands. In a year & a half I’ve been to 24 of 30 Marriott brands (I count Bvlgari, but haven’t stayed there yet), and hope to stay more at the soft brands overall.
Some of the stays are documented here 2018: Final Year of SPG as We Know It!
Now more coordinates on the global map to visit AND still earn and burn points. Lots of countries opened wide up with a much larger footprint than before... Take a look at Australia/NZ, for instance. Woot! And now, Bratislava and Krakow, here I finally come. Double Woot!!
Hmmm, with all of the Paris options now, I wonder if the old Marriott Champs-Élysées will be able to sustain it's new redemption rate of 60k/night. With so many Paris options, it will be interesting to see if any of the cat 7 Paris properties move down to a 6 (50k/night) after a couple of years, which is still more points than the old Marriott Rewards category 9 (45k/night).
I voted Other as the biggest impact to me, which isn't great, would be that although I've liked Element stays so far, I might avoid them as earning less in future.
Agree, same with RI and a couple others. That 10x Multiplier is a big point generator!
With the exception of the Riviera in Palm Springs, I haven't stayed at any SPG hotels pre-August 18th so I am looking forward to being able to stay anywhere and everywhere and branch out to more hotels in more locations.
Many Latin American properties are good value with the new reward redemption scheme. Costa Rica is especially rewarding.
A quick review indicates I will have opportunities to branch out. I have to admit that if I going to any location, my first inclination is to go with the familiar, but I will try and keep and open mind and consider all options. The driving force for me will be value. Looking forward to there new options especially in areas where I did not have any.
I have a room booked at an SPG property in Denver in October, it is actually closest to my work location. I prefer Renaissance or Marriott but am going to branch out.
While I love Marriott properties and there are a lot of excellent ones, honestly, Starwood has more in terms of aspirational properties. Or at least properties that tend to peak my interest more. And while I've long wanted to give them a shot, not being able to earn EQNs at them were an issue for me. But now that we're all one and the same, I plan on trying more Starwood properties when possible. Price, of course, is still going to be a major consideration, so we'll see going forward.
Case in point, for my upcoming trip to Nor Cal, the JW Marriott is cheaper than the Westin St. Francis. Especially since at the Westin I'd need to buy up a couple room categories to not get stuck in a cruise ship cabin. Also, the Ritz-Clarton SFO is way cheaper than the St. Regis. I really want to give the St. Regis a try, but not for nearly $800/night before taxes and fees.
Next time I'm in SEA, though, I do want to give the Westin a try if the price is right. Last time I chose the Ren. over Westin simply due to the EQNs. Don't get me wrong, I like the Ren, but the Westin does look nicer.
Thanks verysuiteboy, I'll keep this in mind!
I had to go look that up after you mentioned it, and wow... That's uh, an interesting concept! Whoever thought that was a great idea? I know of many people that wouldn't want that kind of room even if they were staying with just their spouse. To me, it doesn't really matter, but still.
How do you like that place, verysuiteboy I've been meaning to head over to the Windy City and that property peaked my interest, but the rooms look a little small. Also considering the Black Stone and Ritz-Carlton, among others.
Sorry, let me rephrase. I have an upcoming stay at the end of the year, which I’m looking forward to. kharada46, the rooms did look a bit small, but the property looks amazing, plus they also have delivery robots!
Ah, I see. Well, I look forward to your review verysuiteboy!
I hope you get it, too, why one reviewer said of that using that shower: "Now I feel I know what it's like to be a defendant at a war crimes trial."
I keep skipping this hotel (and others) - have enjoyed service at the Marquis and the JW. Canceled a couple reservations there this year, so I there's a good chance I'll never stay there... haha. Also have stayed at the Ritz (excellent service also), the Blackstone (the week they went from Renaissance to Autograph Coll last year, wasn't nearly as bad a this combined program mess though!), so kharada46, if you like old, boutique'y style hotels, the Blackstone would be a good fit, otherwise, possibly not. I liked the Blackstone, but decided to skip it this year. If you want a lounge, go to the JW if you can.
Can’t wait to try them all too o0o0o0o0o0o...points!
You know, I haven't even looked at these properties when I began considering a trip here. Will have to look into them!
Thanks for the insight, o0o0o0o0o0o...points!! Old boutique'y might be ok with me, though an inexplicable hate for old hotels no matter how nice and newly refurbished because they're "creepy" lol. So maybe not. But we'll see. I'm hoping to get to ORD next year, but too early to tell yet. I will keep these suggestions in mind, though.
By any chance, do you have any experiences with San Fran properties? I'm currently debating between the Ritz, the JW, the Marriott Union Square, and the Westin St. Francis.
I like the Seattle Renaissance vs. the Seattle Marriott Waterfront - switched between the 2 on a trip just to check out the Marriott Waterfront - had stayed at the Renaissance before - ended up canceling the 2nd Waterfront night and moved back to the Renaissance! But, I agree, now that SPG properties are in the mix, I will start checking some of them out, but probably not until 2019.
You know, I liked the Seattle Waterfront, but we did have a water view suite there. If I got stuck in a room in the back next to the rail line, that would've been a completely different story. And, the layout is a bit odd; so much walking! I do like the Ren too, so it'll be hard to change things up, but the SPG properties are so enticing.
I like both of those as well. Have not been able to get into waterfront with Govt rate lately, but I really like the Renaissance in Seattle. Great lounge. The waterfront has such a great location and I have had some really nice upgrades there with nice views of the Sound.
Thanks, pluto77! You know, I heard the location isn't the best, but the rooms are nice and it's only marginally more expensive than the JW and cost the same as a slightly upgraded room at the Westin.
I may be heading back early next year. And if I do. I'll probably be checking out the Westin Seattle this time around. I did love my suite (and suite number 707) quite a bit there, though!
What should I say or do at a non-compliant hotel?
Suite Night Upgrade: The "gotcha"?