Programs: STARWOOD, Marriott, Hyatt, Delta, Best Western and more
Posts: 4
SPG Starwood: falling behind or still a STAR?
Is SPG Starwood still premier when it comes to generous promotions and benefits? .I ask you...
Once a leader, SPG has not had its promotion since 2011: .two stays and the third stay is on us. .
Currently, both the Marriott and Best Western have had the promotion each year and currently running.
When I consider SPGs generosity to benefits:
1/ hotel points have skyrocketed
2/ no longer can you choose a free movie as a welcome amenity
3/ as other chains improve their services such as complimentary breakfasts to platinums, SPG has discontinued at a variety of properties. .
I love my platinum status and have for over 8 years, but it appears not much different than the SPG Gold status.
It is indeed a pity SPG has not had a stay x nights get one free this year, they have had other promo's, some work better for others than for me but I have done well collecting quite a few bonus points.
1/ hotel points have skyrocketed
While some hotels have changed cat. I have not seen a real massive devaluation in the last years.
2/ no longer can you choose a free movie as a welcome amenity
Seriously!?
3/ as other chains improve their services such as complimentary breakfasts to platinums, SPG has discontinued at a variety of properties.
I thought Starwood just introduced this benefit at the beginning of this year???
You can always go to Best Western, with their fabulous loyalty sceme!
It is indeed a pity SPG has not had a stay x nights get one free this year, they have had other promo's, some work better for others than for me but I have done well collecting quite a few bonus points.
1/ hotel points have skyrocketed
While some hotels have changed cat. I have not seen a real massive devaluation in the last years.
2/ no longer can you choose a free movie as a welcome amenity
Seriously!?
3/ as other chains improve their services such as complimentary breakfasts to platinums, SPG has discontinued at a variety of properties.
I thought Starwood just introduced this benefit at the beginning of this year???
You can always go to Best Western, with their fabulous loyalty sceme!
Is SPG Starwood still premier when it comes to generous promotions and benefits? .I ask you...
Once a leader, SPG has not had its promotion since 2011: .two stays and the third stay is on us. .
Currently, both the Marriott and Best Western have had the promotion each year and currently running.
When I consider SPGs generosity to benefits:
1/ hotel points have skyrocketed
2/ no longer can you choose a free movie as a welcome amenity
3/ as other chains improve their services such as complimentary breakfasts to platinums, SPG has discontinued at a variety of properties. .
I love my platinum status and have for over 8 years, but it appears not much different than the SPG Gold status.
Is SPG and Platinum still premier? .Hmmmm
Let me think...................ah yes........wrong!
Programs: AC Elite35K, AAdvantage, Marriott Silver, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,643
I for one have moved over to SPG from Marriott and see value in the program.
The value is much better than Marriott Rewards and I personally find the program way more versatile.
The only edge for me is that Marriott often has hotels in the areas that I frequent for business where SPG does not. A personal situation but likely all my business would go to SPG given the opportunity.
Programs: Various Programs of Interest & LT Collector.
Posts: 1,358
I'd support the OP on a couple aspects:
1) Walks Policy - other major chains have improved past SPGs.
2) Breakfast - at least one other chain offers full breakfast for up to 4 people. SPG now offers continental for 2. But many Sheraton Lounges closed during the last downturn which effectively had a much wider offering than continental and also were open for evening hours. Now I think they are behind at least 3 or more major chains. some others have full breakfast for at least 2.
3) Confirmed suite upgrades. At least one other offers 4 in advance which is great for family vacation planning. SPG now has 5 day advance confirms - if available. Still farther behind he pack than SPG was 5 years back when they we ahead of most chains except IC RA. Now they are behind at least 2 major programs.
5 Years back I feel SPG was ahead in 2 out of 3 of these. Now they are behind in each based on my humble opinion.
1) Walks Policy - other major chains have improved past SPGs.
2) Breakfast - at least one other chain offers full breakfast for up to 4 people. SPG now offers continental for 2. But many Sheraton Lounges closed during the last downturn which effectively had a much wider offering than continental and also were open for evening hours. Now I think they are behind at least 3 or more major chains. some others have full breakfast for at least 2.
3) Confirmed suite upgrades. At least one other offers 4 in advance which is great for family vacation planning. SPG now has 5 day advance confirms - if available. Still farther behind he pack than SPG was 5 years back when they we ahead of most chains except IC RA. Now they are behind at least 2 major programs.
5 Years back I feel SPG was ahead in 2 out of 3 of these. Now they are behind in each based on my humble opinion.
Don't forget about free internet for platinums, as well as the gold amenity and announcement of the lifetime benefit. there are additional perks at 75 nights and 100 nights.
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Programs: Various Programs of Interest & LT Collector.
Posts: 1,358
Free Internet - Are there any other major chains that don't offer that for elites? I'm not a Mariott Man so maybe them but all the others I get it for free with status.
Amenity - 1k points at some other programs as well.
LifeTime - Good Point. Its a good add and well balanced at the criteria to make it realistic for a combination of leasure and business people.
I see limited value to the 75 nights a year as most of your24 seem declined based on posts here. One extra point per dollar - to me not worth more stays at SPG vs maintaining other status levels in addition to SPG. Put teeth in it or don't offer it. Not being at all predictable (your24 for example) often takes more away from a brand value than it adds. Predictable is what makes simple things like McDonalds be so successful even though the product might not be that great to everyone. Predictable is one aspect of what Starbucks get so many people spending crazy amounts on coffee.... If the Coffee varied store to store you can be sure the chain wouldn't have the value it has today.....And even more applicable to this discussion... The amount of money people will pay for a franchise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by schley
Don't forget about free internet for platinums, as well as the gold amenity and announcement of the lifetime benefit. there are additional perks at 75 nights and 100 nights.
Last edited by TravelGuy1965; Nov 12, 12 at 8:59 pm..
1. Excellent customer service : the vast majority of my stays were without any issues but if something happens a quick e-mail to your PC or ambassador and it will be fixed in no time.
2. Good Brand: I very much like Starwood Luxury collection and St. Regis brand. being able to earn and redeem points at such wonderful properties is a huge plus.
3. Star points: Star points are extremely valuable. few months ago i had to go to Montreal. everything was sold out or way over priced. sheraton downtown was asking for $700 plus tax. I used points without any problems and saved the cash. airlines transfer comes with 25% bonus
4. Suite Upgrades: the vast majority of my stays are in Suites.
5. extra benefits: free internet, late check-out, free breakfast or additional points, your 24 makes Starwood my preferred hotel chain.
It is indeed a pity SPG has not had a stay x nights get one free this year, they have had other promo's, some work better for others than for me but I have done well collecting quite a few bonus points.
Good considering my bar bill at the Sheraton Jumeirah around this time of the year in 2011.
Quote:
Originally Posted by thomas199023
1/ hotel points have skyrocketed
While some hotels have changed cat. I have not seen a real massive devaluation in the last years.
Considering the number of points that you can earn out from your stays AND the number of points required for "free" nights at cat 6/7 AND the continuing category shift AND more and more "high" seasons, you can most definitely ague about skyrocketing points requirements.
1. Excellent customer service : the vast majority of my stays were without any issues but if something happens a quick e-mail to your PC or ambassador and it will be fixed in no time.
2. Good Brand: I very much like Starwood Luxury collection and St. Regis brand. being able to earn and redeem points at such wonderful properties is a huge plus.
3. Star points: Star points are extremely valuable. few months ago i had to go to Montreal. everything was sold out or way over priced. sheraton downtown was asking for $700 plus tax. I used points without any problems and saved the cash. airlines transfer comes with 25% bonus
4. Suite Upgrades: the vast majority of my stays are in Suites.
5. extra benefits: free internet, late check-out, free breakfast or additional points, your 24 makes Starwood my preferred hotel chain.
I would disagree on 1., customer service. My impression is that many of the good Plat Concierge agents have moved up to become Ambassadors. The remaining Plat Concierge agents and even supervisors are very mixed. Some know nothing about the SPG program, are unwilling to do more than the minimum to help, and seem to have the mindset to just get you off the phone fast, without genuinely attempting to resolve any issues.
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