I've just completed several stays with the Marriott chain in Asia and I was upgraded to the Executive Floor at Renaissance Harbour View in Hong Kong as a lowly Silver (three times in December). I've also been upgraded to Executive Floor ocean view rooms at the JW Marriott Hong Kong (all times in December-February). Similarly, the Conrad Hong Kong upgraded me to an ocean view Executive Floor room every time I stayed there.

I've also stayed at the Marriott Shanghai and the Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai and had absolutely no recognition of my Silver status (not even late check out was granted). I was also at the Renaissance Harbour Side Vancouver and was upgraded to an junior suite on a weekend rate.

All in all, if it were not for the lack of Starwood properties in Hong Kong I would not even consider staying with MR. I simply get more elite recognition with SPG. I also consistently find their customer service superior to that of MR.