Great discussion.

I'll make two additional points.

1. I often frequent a specific hotel in the starwood chain. I am treated very well because they (as a hotel, whether starwood or not) value my repeat business. They make sure that I get treated well each time (suites, free amenities, etc) so that I will continue to make that choice. It's a business decision, but it's also a smart business decision to throw a few extras my way since I'm a valuable customer. I'm happy with that arrangement - I want them to make money, and I want to earn a little something extra for not constantly splitting my stays across various other hotels. My point is that there is the global brand and there are individual hotels/management groups. I don't think everyone is soulless .

2. Starwood has gotten a bit smarter/stingier (whichever you prefer) about points in promos - I'm getting nothing extra in Q4 and I don't really need/want the FRNs I earned (does not fit my vacation schedules) in Q2. I'd prefer points. At the time I started traveling, I chose the program because it was the best for what I wanted. It could be that, at some point, that equation doesn't work out as well anymore. If Starwood does their homework, they will balance the need to incentivize net new hotel visits vs. what their competition is doing and vs. whether it is worth the effort of individuals to remain loyal to the program (prevent net loss of hotel visits). I'm sure they have got some people who work on this. If they do it well, they minimize their promotional costs.

I don't begrudge anyone for doing what is in their best interest. I wish the hotel chain didn't have non-participating properties in promos, as it reduces the value of the brand (significantly, for me). I think the brand is more valuable overall if they get more hotels to participate. Time will tell whether this (and the net reduction in the promotions each quarter) is annoying enough to change people's spending habits. Absent the extra points I will miss, SPG still treats me very, very well.

I am getting more educated on the other programs, however, and I think everyone should do the same to maximize what they get out of their travel.