What I've learned about this business is somewhere down the road everybody borrows (to be polite) from everybody at some point.
The trick in marketing is being first at something and being remembered for being the first (hopefully the best) at what ever it is.
Even if your really not first or best!

Let us not forget with all of Marriotts negatives or positives ......
I believe they were first hotel loyalty program out there.
They still rolled out the blue print and did a great job.
And to this day still do a satisfactory one with an astounding amount of membership base.
I'll admit to not being a big fan of the MR program in this era.
Yet I still admire them in some areas of business that my favorite hotel companies have not still yet fully delivered.
Marriott has over 2000 properties.........

According to who you speak to the name Marriott and its reputation for being first in consumers minds on many levels is still paying off big for them all these years later.
Can they continue on as they always have perhaps not........
According to surveys though Marriott still remains the Most Trusted brand amongst consumers.

I believe many that flocked to Starwood over the years are more discerning and more travel savy.
Many were seeking a change from sterile blandness in lodging and the more common frequent stay program.
For that its competition has stolen the show from Marriott.
Yet Marriott is still in the game and perhaps will always be.
Marriott like every hotel company has to keep re inventing itself each and every day.

Many of us have all learned from Starwood if we choose to admit it.
Yet Starwood has borrowed from everybody at some point.
Not mentioning any names here.
Including those that created the program or consulted on it.
But they all know who they are and from who they borrowed



------------------
AA & Starwood,Marriott Platinum
Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
Swissotel Club Gold
U/A 1k