I echo much (if not all) of what HappyCheesehead said. I travel for business about 150-180 nights a year and have complete control over my own hotel expenditures. When I first started traveling, I opted for Marriott due to the great rewards program, consistency of product across the different brands, and great worldwide footprint, etc.

The recent gutting of the MR program is what pushed me out the door to SPG, though. Cat 7 travel packages being 270k now going to 360k? Excuse me? A 33% increase in award cost? Right... Before the change went into effect, I booked some expensive hotels under the old scheme. I will enjoy my stay at the JW Capri this summer and then it's goodbye Marriott - at least until they get their act together.

I continue to keep an eye on the program and on comments here. However, the evident drop in service levels you are all reporting has only bolstered my confidence in my decision to drop Marriott. YTD I've only done 30 nights or so, but SPG has gotten them all. The particular Westin property where I spend my weeks has an awesome lounge with free booze - contrasted with Marriott's nickel and dime "honor bar" and lackluster or infrequently restocked lounge offerings.

It's too bad we couldn't make this relationship last, Marriott. We had some good times together.