Vince Chan

We all know that the reason why RC platinum member has to pay to get into the lounge and most St.Regis does not have executive lounge , is because they want to keep their brand's image in a ultra high end tier and nothing is free.

However I found that Edition and W hotel both do not have executive lounge, Marriott even put Edition hotel into Ritz's tier instead of Marriott category 1~9.

We all know that SPG brand position is as: St Regis-LC-W

Marriott as: RC- Edition-JW

W is a chic brand but still chain feeling while Edition and Park Hyatt do provide a more exquisite touch and better consistency as a real boutique hotel with different personality in each property that you might not find the W las Vegas kind in Edition or Park Hyatt.Of course more expensive.

At this point, W is into the same level with Conrad and IC or JW, very different in style and catering to different markets, but in the same price rate among those brand so it's fair to put them together.

Since all city JW and Conrad providing free lounge for Elite member, and all W don't , do you think this have more to do with that" SPG wants to make W a higher end brand than that Conrad IC level so only free food at LM Westin Sheraton, but no at W" or

"Whether a brand providing lounge access has nothing to do with brand position or level in this industry, it has more to do with who they trying to attract. Many people come to Conrad and JW for business but most people come W for leisure or party, so they don't need to put an executive lounge or a well business center or meeting room that you see in Conrad or JW at a W hotel or Edition"

What's your thought?