entropy

Interesting... I'm not sure I'd consider the Luxury Collection hotels to be 5*, but whatever... I find the brand multiplication effect to be pretty annoying, but moreso on the lower end (the 5 different types of homewood/springhill/marriott express whatever..)

SPG needs more coverage, period.

PointWeasel

That made my day. +1

Johnny Rocket

Very nice evening tonight hosted by the new Tribute team.

Some interesting facts are that Starwood are actually developing some new-build properties and not just simply welcoming anyone into the Tribute fold. They include properties in Charleston and Savannah.

Other Tribute hotels will come on board in cities like Nashville, Ashville, London, Rome, Paris and Milan.

That said... they have admitted that if a hotel approaches them to join up, they will likely accept them. I am not clear on what parameters this would be.

Essentially, they realized that they needed something to compete with the Autograph and Curio collections.

Some other interesting facts that were on display at the event:

SPG Member Facts
* 89% said they would be interested in staying at independent hotels
* 70% have stayed at an independent hotel
* 70% of SPG members stay at independent hotels only or mostly for leisure trips
* 68% of SPG members wish they had access to aspects of Starwood or the SPG Program at independent hotels

I can definitely agree with that last point when on a country retreat at some fine hotel but I have zero status whatsoever!

zerolife

I agree LC hotels can be a hit or miss. However I think the new brand is a positive move, and it may be time to move some of the lower end LCs to the new brand.

zerolife

Thanks for the update. A bit concerned about that as I'm staying at a Starwood property because I know their is a minimum standard.

Btw I'm very curious how did you get invited to the launch event?

Johnny Rocket

I guess whatever the standard is 'proprietary'

I was invited by email on Monday. A nice surprise!

There were a few giveaways including 3 x 10,000 spg point, a stay at the Royal Palm and a 10-night stay of the winners choice.

mahasamatman

Not any more. We now know the actual minimum standard is. Apparently, it's a pulse and an interest:

uxb

I'll also chime in about the launch event. The target demo was definitely my age bracket (28-36); travellers who want a chain hotel without the chain experience. I had some face time w/ SVP David Marr (before giving him hell for slipping brand standards at many of the US properties).

In re: Tribute, they are looking at having 200 hotels by 2020, and are actively soliciting ideas for properties that SPG should actively pursue to include in this brand. I, for one, cannot remember the last time I stayed at a non-chain hotel. Actually, I take that back. The last time I stayed at a non-chain hotel was that time I was in Pyongyang. The only room I was allowed was at the Yanggakdo, which would likely be a Four Points Casuarina Resort and Casino on a good day. Perhaps, SPG will be the first western chain w/ a presence in the (un-)Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea. Hmm...

Anyway, thanks for the invite.

bhrubin

Where can I submit my ideas? I certainly know of many independent/boutique or small chain properties that I'd love to see folded into SPG!

Chains of some sort are almost ubiquitous now for most travelers. But the key to success is having a chain hotel without the negatives of a chain experience-since the positives are why so many people stick with chains they know and like. There is something to be said for consistency and the value of expectations usually being met.

bhrubin

^

mahasamatman

Almost, but not quite. There are still great places to visit with no chains at all.

EuropeanPete

Maybe SPG could sign up that hotel and we'd all have two places to have a chance at getting those promotion bonus points

EuropeanPete

Being 5* isn't a matter of opinion, it's about the services and facilities offered. I certainly can't think of any 4* Luxury Collection hotels...

Keyser

hoping for some to open up in asia as well....

Okto

You're absolutely right... from a European perspective. The number of stars a hotel receives in European countries is objectively determined by a set of parameters clearly outlined in the relevant legislation, and prominently displayed in the signage and stationary.

In the US, the "star" rating is subjectively derived from guest opinions submitted to Tripadvisor and other OTAs.

I very much like the European approach for setting a clear baseline.