Starwood Preferred Guest - Do the *wood brands compete against each other?

I am wondering what is the rationale of the Internet bonus points for Sheraton stays only as opposed to all the Starwood hotels? Then, there is the Sheraton Promise thing - why spend so much money on advertising to prop up one of their many brands?

Are the brands separately managed and compete against each other? What is the differentiation (especially between Sheraton and Westin)? It does not seem to be as obvious as the Marriott brands.

Thanks,

Steven

I think Starwood is making a big effort to restore the Sheraton brand specifically. Westin and Sheraton did used to compete to some degree directly. Sheraton, (domestically), has become a poor stepchild without claim by even foster parents in some instances. They range from the barely marginal to very very decent properties. With a Westin, you generally have a feel of what you are going to get. (There are exceptions.) With Sheraton, you just never know, except it has a historically good name (which is on the decline). As Starwood hasn't existed in its present form for many years, it still is trying to bring more distinct brand identity among its brands.

So IM(nsh)O, I think the focus on Sheraton lately is to restore and maintain its historical reputation. And in the long term, they don't want the brands to compete, but to compliment each other.

I think that not only do the brands compete against each other, but they even compete with each other within the same brand!

Heck, even restaurants within the same hotel property actively compete!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
I think that not only do the brands compete against each other, but they even compete with each other within the same brand!
</font>

An interesting case is Sheraton heathrow and Sheraton Skyline. Their rates seem to be in lock step with each other with the Skyline consistently placed 10-15 pounds higher over all price variations and promos.

But I don't know if its is competition or collusion. I have always wondered.

It seems that Starwood actually owns very few of the hotels that fly the diverse Starwood flags. So it is only natural that the different properties compete with one another in an effort to attract business. I suppose even Starwood owned properties must compete too -- if only for the managers to get themselves a nice bonus.

Does anyone know if the four Sydney hotels have the same owner?

If they would ever update the 1960's Shampoo at the Sheratons I would be so happy....