They've been playing catchup ever since SPG revamped and learned how to cater to its best customers. But their product, by and large, still stinks. The main reasons I moved from Marriott to SPG in 1999 were:

1.) more diverse selection of properties in more international cities with MUCH more comfortable amenities than the average Marriott/Renaissance

2.) Ability to redeem one night awards any day of the week. Marriott only had multi-day week day redemptions, and weekend redemptions. I couldn't just redeem a single Wednesday night if needed. Blah!

3.) Capacity controls. 'nuff said.

4.) the W hotel concept, followed by the Westin "heavenly" products. Nothing in the Marriott family comes close. Same w/Luxury Collection and St. Regis properties.

The one thing they have, albeit overpriced, is the wide selection of merchandise. For the road warrior, it's nice to be able to get a Sony 32" Wega for 250,000 points that he/she didn't spend a penny to earn. Still a waste of point, value, IMHO.