I was speaking to a representative of the Sheraton on the Park Sydney last week, and asked him why the hotel had "dropped out" of the Luxury Collection (I'd perceived the hotel had dropped in quality).

He said they didn't drop out, but refused to pay the US$150000pa to remain part of the collection.

This does beg the question - given the disparate levels of quality and service found at Luxury Collection Hotels - are there any specific quality criteria for admission or can any decent Sheraton hotel pay the price to become part of the Luxury Collection?