Nov 16, 2015, 4:19 am
Last edit by: Schutzee
November 16, 2015
Marriott Shareholder News Release :
http://investor.shareholder.com/mar/...leaseID=942791
Starwood Investor News Release :
https://s1.q4cdn.com/483583335/files...wood-FINAL.pdf
Marriott CEO Linkedin Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marri...-arne-sorenson
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
March 01, 2016
March 14, 2016
Announcement that a consortium including the Chinese company Anbang has made an unsolicited rival bid.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/14/starw...6-a-share.html
March 18, 2016
Starwood determines that the Anbang bid is 'superior' and notifies Marriott of the intention to terminate the merger agreement.
Marriott have until March 28 to make a counter-bid that is as good as or better than Anbang.
Starwood is postponing its stockholder vote, which was scheduled for Monday, March 28th, to a new date to be determined after consultation with Marriott. Starwood’s Board has not changed its recommendation in support of Starwood’s merger with Marriott.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/18/starw...e-in-cash.html
March 21, 2016
Starwood and Marriott sign a revised merger agreement after Marriott submit an increased bid which values Starwood stock at $85.36. This is now the 'superior' proposal.
Under the revised merger agreement Starwood is not allowed to engage in discussions with Anbang. However, Anbang may make another unsolicited offer, up until the time of the Starwood shareholder vote, which is April 8, 2016.
March 28, 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it received a higher takeover offer from a group led by Anbang Insurance Group Co., putting the Chinese company back into battle with Marriott International Inc. for control of the hotel operator.
Starwood said it’s in negotiations with the Anbang group after receiving a nonbinding offer of $82.75 a share in cash, or about $14 billion, according to a statement Monday. That compares with Marriott’s stock-and-cash offer valued at $75.91 a share, or about $12.8 billion, based on March 24th’s closing price. Marriott, in its own statement Monday, reaffirmed its commitment to buy Starwood, saying its proposal offers stockholders greater long-term value.
Shares of Starwood rose 2.4 percent to $84.06 at 10:29 a.m. New York time. Marriott climbed 4 percent to $71.35.
The new offer from Anbang, which is working with J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital, shows the insurer won’t easily back down as it seeks to build its hotel holdings. The Beijing-based company last year purchased Manhattan’s landmark Waldorf Astoria for $1.95 billion, and is in a deal to acquire luxury-property owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for about $6.5 billion. Gaining Starwood would add brands such as Sheraton, W and St. Regis, as well as about $4 billion worth of real estate.
Starwood said it received a non-binding bid of $81 a share on March 26 from the Anbang group, which increased its offer after subsequent discussions. Starwood is negotiating terms of a binding proposal and said it will “carefully consider the outcome of its discussions with the consortium” in order to determine the best course of action for shareholders.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...er-from-anbang
March 31, 2016
China’s Anbang Drops Bid for Starwood Hotels
Operator of Sheraton, other hotels seen returning to Marriott’s previous takeover offer
http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-a...way-1459455942
BETHESDA, Md. and STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will create the world's largest hotel company. The transaction combines Starwood's leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott's strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment, creating a more comprehensive portfolio. The merged company will offer broader choice for guests, greater opportunities for associates and should unlock additional value for Marriott and Starwood shareholders. Combined, the companies operate or franchise more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms worldwide. The combined company's pro forma fee revenue for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015 totals over $2.7 billion.
http://investor.shareholder.com/mar/...leaseID=942791
Starwood Investor News Release :
https://s1.q4cdn.com/483583335/files...wood-FINAL.pdf
Marriott CEO Linkedin Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marri...-arne-sorenson
November 16, 2015
Originally Posted by Official Starwood Announcement on the SPG website
We’re excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the world’s largest hotel company. For our Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries.
We will work to bring you the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards®, two of the most rewarding loyalty programs in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
This is the beginning of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your SPG program status, your Starpoints® or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, as well as bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, we’ll be sure to reach out to you by email, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us — whether in our hotels, at spg.com, on the SPG mobile app or via our Customer Contact Centers.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us.
Chris Holdren
Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest
We will work to bring you the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards®, two of the most rewarding loyalty programs in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
This is the beginning of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your SPG program status, your Starpoints® or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, as well as bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, we’ll be sure to reach out to you by email, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us — whether in our hotels, at spg.com, on the SPG mobile app or via our Customer Contact Centers.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us.
Chris Holdren
Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest
Originally Posted by Official Starwood Announcement to FT members
Dear members,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International to Merge, Creating the World’s Largest Hotel Company, Best Loyalty Program
Today we’re excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the world’s largest hotel company. For our SPG members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels in more than 100 countries.
As we look to bring together the very best of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards, we are confident that together we will create the most rewarding loyalty program in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
Today is the first day of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, and bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which are you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, you’ll continue to be among the first to hear by e-mail, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us—whether in our hotels, at spg.com, the SPG mobile app, or via our Customer Contact Centers.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International to Merge, Creating the World’s Largest Hotel Company, Best Loyalty Program
Today we’re excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the world’s largest hotel company. For our SPG members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels in more than 100 countries.
As we look to bring together the very best of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards, we are confident that together we will create the most rewarding loyalty program in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
Today is the first day of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, and bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which are you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, you’ll continue to be among the first to hear by e-mail, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us—whether in our hotels, at spg.com, the SPG mobile app, or via our Customer Contact Centers.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission will not challenge the proposed merger between Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The waiting period for Marriott's filing with the FTC under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the merger's first regulatory hurdle, expired on Monday, meaning the deal is cleared to proceed. The Competition Bureau of Canada also will not challenge the transaction. According to Marriott, the companies are cooperating with competition authorities in other parts of the world to obtain approval of the deal. Marriott and Starwood will hold separate stockholder meetings on March 28 to vote on the merger.
http://investor.shareholder.com/MAR/...leaseID=958056
http://investor.shareholder.com/MAR/...leaseID=958056
Announcement that a consortium including the Chinese company Anbang has made an unsolicited rival bid.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/14/starw...6-a-share.html
March 18, 2016
Starwood determines that the Anbang bid is 'superior' and notifies Marriott of the intention to terminate the merger agreement.
Marriott have until March 28 to make a counter-bid that is as good as or better than Anbang.
Starwood is postponing its stockholder vote, which was scheduled for Monday, March 28th, to a new date to be determined after consultation with Marriott. Starwood’s Board has not changed its recommendation in support of Starwood’s merger with Marriott.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/18/starw...e-in-cash.html
March 21, 2016
Starwood and Marriott sign a revised merger agreement after Marriott submit an increased bid which values Starwood stock at $85.36. This is now the 'superior' proposal.
Under the revised merger agreement Starwood is not allowed to engage in discussions with Anbang. However, Anbang may make another unsolicited offer, up until the time of the Starwood shareholder vote, which is April 8, 2016.
March 28, 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it received a higher takeover offer from a group led by Anbang Insurance Group Co., putting the Chinese company back into battle with Marriott International Inc. for control of the hotel operator.
Starwood said it’s in negotiations with the Anbang group after receiving a nonbinding offer of $82.75 a share in cash, or about $14 billion, according to a statement Monday. That compares with Marriott’s stock-and-cash offer valued at $75.91 a share, or about $12.8 billion, based on March 24th’s closing price. Marriott, in its own statement Monday, reaffirmed its commitment to buy Starwood, saying its proposal offers stockholders greater long-term value.
Shares of Starwood rose 2.4 percent to $84.06 at 10:29 a.m. New York time. Marriott climbed 4 percent to $71.35.
The new offer from Anbang, which is working with J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital, shows the insurer won’t easily back down as it seeks to build its hotel holdings. The Beijing-based company last year purchased Manhattan’s landmark Waldorf Astoria for $1.95 billion, and is in a deal to acquire luxury-property owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for about $6.5 billion. Gaining Starwood would add brands such as Sheraton, W and St. Regis, as well as about $4 billion worth of real estate.
Starwood said it received a non-binding bid of $81 a share on March 26 from the Anbang group, which increased its offer after subsequent discussions. Starwood is negotiating terms of a binding proposal and said it will “carefully consider the outcome of its discussions with the consortium” in order to determine the best course of action for shareholders.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...er-from-anbang
March 31, 2016
China’s Anbang Drops Bid for Starwood Hotels
Operator of Sheraton, other hotels seen returning to Marriott’s previous takeover offer
http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-a...way-1459455942
Starwood: "Marriott and Starwood stockholders approve merger"
Nov 26, 2015, 4:39 am
#1156
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,771
So you have personal preferences of hotel brands while I use official STR ratings, and I'm the one not using objective data and conclusion ??
The debate is futile if we're all going by personal choices of individual hotels and brands.
Lastly your point about suite awards only applies to top tier elites if I'm not mistaken, making it moot for many travelers including myself.
The debate is futile if we're all going by personal choices of individual hotels and brands.
Lastly your point about suite awards only applies to top tier elites if I'm not mistaken, making it moot for many travelers including myself.
So when any ratings methodology differs significantly from my own personal experience I tend to be suspicious of that methodology. A bit like Skytrax and airline ratings.
However that still doesn't address the question of property footprint. It isn't about the number of brands it is about the footprint of those brands which is why a great chain like Hyatt probably doesn't suit me too well even though I like the properties.
Those of us who have been with SPG for a long time have typically chosen it for a reason. That reason was never really great earn to burn rates or good mid tier benefit, it was decent treatment as a top tier elite with a good but far from ideal property selection backing that up. If that is hacked away to resemble MR then it will make few SPG plats happy long term customers as MR was always an option that many of us eschewed for SPG and others.
Nov 26, 2015, 8:44 am
#1157
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
Quote:
Originally Posted by sethb
I was pointing out that the selection of name wasn't based on who bought whom, but on which name was worth more.
In the US, "Chase" and "Chemical" were about equal. In the rest of the world, "Chase" was a much better brand, so that name survived.
In this case, where two brands are merged, the surviving name might be from either side. The corporate name "Marriott" is a more valuable name than "Starwood".
I agree on all points. My point was that in this case, it was unlikely the "Starwood" name would survive as part of the corporate name. It has very little equity compared to Marriott (though a lot with this forum).
Originally Posted by sethb
I was pointing out that the selection of name wasn't based on who bought whom, but on which name was worth more.
In the US, "Chase" and "Chemical" were about equal. In the rest of the world, "Chase" was a much better brand, so that name survived.
In this case, where two brands are merged, the surviving name might be from either side. The corporate name "Marriott" is a more valuable name than "Starwood".
I agree on all points. My point was that in this case, it was unlikely the "Starwood" name would survive as part of the corporate name. It has very little equity compared to Marriott (though a lot with this forum).
Nov 26, 2015, 11:04 am
#1158
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
yeunganson, only hilton/blackstone could do it, unless marriott fails
http://skift.com/2015/11/17/intervie...mies-of-scale/
http://skift.com/2015/11/17/intervie...mies-of-scale/
Originally Posted by Marriott CEO
Starwood has Aloft, which is 100 or so hotels total. And Element is 18 or 20 or something. So we think we can do a lot with their hotels in that space, and we’ll bring our strength in that segment to their brands.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 26, 2015 at 11:38 am
Nov 26, 2015, 11:27 am
#1159
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
There are objective calculations based on each individual's usage patterns. (E.g. One person stays in downtown hotels on business, OPM, and wants to redeem for family vacations at resorts. Another person stays in suburban hotels on business and wants to redeem for individual/couple vacations in cities. Another person stays only on his own money and wants the best redemption values, for a given pattern of stays. Etc.)
On top of that, there are individual non-quantifiable preferences (e.g. the quality of bedding, lounges, food, etc.)
Nov 26, 2015, 11:42 am
#1160
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
seems odd to lump big/cheap brands with top/small/expensive brands (ritz carlton, st regis, etc)
from the nov 16 investor call >
Marriott CEO did not bring up sheraton brand, a JPMorgan analyst said >
choosing marriott stock deal >
we will hear about other bidders soon >
thinking about it, hotel owners are in same boat as FT SPG Plats, where are they going to go?
and re hilton, marriott has grown to be barely smaller than hilton, with higher revenue.
from the nov 16 investor call >
Originally Posted by Marriott CEO
we believe we can meaningfully accelerate growth in many of Starwood’s brands, particularly in the upscale segment.
SPG skews a little bit younger in some respects
SPG skews a little bit younger in some respects
Originally Posted by Marriott CFO
We expect to choose the best from each company… systems, designs, operations, and talent.
44 percent of the room count is the Sheraton brand
Originally Posted by Starwood Chairman
from our perspective we wanted stock. We wanted as much stock as we could get. It's very important to us. We think the opportunity here is enormous together, putting these two companies together...We think this is a game changer. We think when you look at this stock that it's the go-to stock...in the hospitality business...we're very excited about how these companies think...we think by putting these companies together it's going to be a very, very exciting Company that works for everybody, for our investors and our customers. And we're enthusiastic about it.
Originally Posted by Starwood CEO
we're not selling for cash, we're selling for stock. And we've got 37 percent of the long-term value accretion that comes to the combined Company flowing back to our shareholders and we have such confidence in the Marriott Starwood combined entity, especially in its growth prospects and the revenue synergies and the cost synergies we don't even think it's close that the transaction we signed off on today is the best one for our shareholders and will produce the greatest long-term return for Starwood owners.
Originally Posted by Starwood Chairman
Things will be disclosed in the proxy when we file it which we anticipate to file it by the end of the year, before the end of the year.
and re hilton, marriott has grown to be barely smaller than hilton, with higher revenue.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 26, 2015 at 11:58 am
Nov 26, 2015, 12:16 pm
#1161
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold; AA Lfe Time PLT ; Marriott Titanium, LFT GLD
Posts: 1,276
I make PLT-50 most every year but have only a few non-SPG stays scattered across different programs.
I also have a number of business meetings held at Starwood properties every year (I have 3 booked for next year already totaling 14 nights.
SPG PLT-50 has been a great loyalty sweet spot for me. All these reports on earn to burn ratio seem at best irrelevant to me. My return on investment in terms of free rooms on vacations, suite upgrades, lounge access, free breakfast and free internet has been much, much higher.
I do not see any way forward that will give me anything close to the SPG PLT benefits.
If I go to ME it seems I will get a greatly decreased status with far weaker benefits and my 230,000 SPG points will be significantly devalued.
If I move to Hyatt I now see it will be a struggle to maintain Diamond status.
Although I like many of the Hyatt up-scale properties I now realize that they are so thin on the ground in cities in Asia and Europe that I go to for business (or even vacation destinations that my wife has on her list) I just do not see how I can make Hyatt work for me.
I also did some price comparisons in Cities I have to visit in 2016. The limited number of Hyatt properties in a way means you cannot find lower prices rooms. For example.. in Houston there are two Hyatt hotels versus 4 Westins and a similar number of Sheratons. On the dates I checked I could always find one of the Westins at significantly less than either Hyatt. Often one of the Sheratons were very cheap, but having stayed in them I know they are not comparable to the Hyatt properties.
Bottom line... its easy to diversify if you have 75 stays and 250 nights a year. Its essentially impossible to have elite status and diversify if you have 30 stays and 55 nights a year.
Nov 26, 2015, 1:35 pm
#1162
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: wurtulla,queensland,australia
Programs: hh diamond,Qantas club life,AA EX-explat.SPG plat.
Posts: 1,431
Pretty much the situation for me as well nonesuch flyer.I just make SPG plat with 50 nights.I have 8 years as plat with 401 nights plus 5 more booked for the year.I am hoping They will let me qualify as LTP but doubt it.At the end of 2016 it should be 9 years and ~ 456 nights with about 40 nights booked for 2017.Retired so trips are researched and booked a long way out.
Nov 26, 2015, 7:26 pm
#1163
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
MSC Cruises is offering status matches from other cruise lines and hotel elite statuses.
Nov 26, 2015, 9:23 pm
#1164
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
I do about 75-80 nights a year with elite status in at least 3 programs. SPG gets me late checkouts even as a gold, Marriott Gold gets me lounge access, IHG has the best coverage and pricing within my corporate matrix depending on destination. So I end up mid-status with all of them and it works out fine.
I'd prefer to put all my eggs in the Marriott or SPG basket, but SPG does not have near the footprint geographically that I need, especially in Europe. Marriott's pricing on our corporate account is not what some of the other chains are - and unlike some, this is tracked in my company.
My pecking order is typically Marriott then SPG then IHG unless I'm mapping stays at the end of the year for status renewal.
Nov 27, 2015, 9:55 am
#1165
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
First, nonesuch flyer mentioned 55 nights a year where you state 75-80 nights. Second, nonesuch flyer mentioned Plat 50 quite a few times where your examples are all mid-level statuses. I suspect nonesuch flyer is talking about attaining top level elite status in multiple programs where you are looking at attaining lower level elite statuses.
I would guess it would be hard (though not impossible) to get top level elite status in multiple programs with only 55 nights a year. But I agree that it wouldn't be too hard to get mid-level elite status in multiple programs with 75-80 nights a years. (Especially if you can get a few program specific credit cards.)
Nov 27, 2015, 1:46 pm
#1166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
https://starwood.q4web.com/investor-...s/default.aspx
SEC 425 - twenty four transcripts etc so far, not sure exactly how defined, but >
"Filings of stakeholder question and answer documents regarding the acquisition"
SEC 425 - twenty four transcripts etc so far, not sure exactly how defined, but >
"Filings of stakeholder question and answer documents regarding the acquisition"
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Nov 27, 2015 at 2:02 pm
Nov 27, 2015, 2:19 pm
#1167
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP; BoNVoY Tit LTP
Posts: 1,923
https://starwood.q4web.com/investor-...s/default.aspx
SEC 425 - twenty four transcripts etc so far, not sure exactly how defined, but >
"Filings of stakeholder question and answer documents regarding the acquisition"
SEC 425 - twenty four transcripts etc so far, not sure exactly how defined, but >
"Filings of stakeholder question and answer documents regarding the acquisition"
"To state the obvious, devaluing points or member benefits is
not the way to preserve and strengthen these programs."
I guess it depends on what Arne S. believes devaluing means.
Nov 27, 2015, 3:17 pm
#1168
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold; AA Lfe Time PLT ; Marriott Titanium, LFT GLD
Posts: 1,276
I think you and nonesuch flyer are arguing over 2 different situations.
First, nonesuch flyer mentioned 55 nights a year where you state 75-80 nights. Second, nonesuch flyer mentioned Plat 50 quite a few times where your examples are all mid-level statuses. I suspect nonesuch flyer is talking about attaining top level elite status in multiple programs where you are looking at attaining lower level elite statuses.
I would guess it would be hard (though not impossible) to get top level elite status in multiple programs with only 55 nights a year. But I agree that it wouldn't be too hard to get mid-level elite status in multiple programs with 75-80 nights a years. (Especially if you can get a few program specific credit cards.)
First, nonesuch flyer mentioned 55 nights a year where you state 75-80 nights. Second, nonesuch flyer mentioned Plat 50 quite a few times where your examples are all mid-level statuses. I suspect nonesuch flyer is talking about attaining top level elite status in multiple programs where you are looking at attaining lower level elite statuses.
I would guess it would be hard (though not impossible) to get top level elite status in multiple programs with only 55 nights a year. But I agree that it wouldn't be too hard to get mid-level elite status in multiple programs with 75-80 nights a years. (Especially if you can get a few program specific credit cards.)
SPG was a great fit for me. Hyatt meets those requirements but their "boots on the ground" are so thin I now realize I cannot make them work for my business travel.
If I could get 75 to 80 night like Cargojon and enough cash flow through credit cards It may well be different. Doing another 25 to 30 nights is just impossible for me for a number of reasons.
Nov 27, 2015, 6:10 pm
#1169
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
3 Hyatt Regencies
1 Hyatt
5 Hyatt Places
2 Hyatt Houses
Starwood has 16 properties in Houston.
16 to 11. Starwood has more properties, but Hyatt has plenty of coverage in Houston.
Nov 28, 2015, 1:56 am
#1170
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
The only AX card I have now is Starwood AX. Anticipating its eventual demise or at least the loss of the attractiveness (Giving out the more valuable spg point/$), What would be a desirable AX card to replace it?