Yes, membership is voluntary and free. However, SPG chooses to offer additional benefits to citizens of one country while denying them to others...and this IS a choice. AAA Rates, for example, could easily be extended on a reciprocal basis to members of equivalent bodies. It chooses not to do so. The rate difference is often 10 or 15%. I don't see any counterpoint to this or any of the other discounts offered on a country-specific basis....and there are several.
The credit card matter has been argued sufficiently .
I find it odd that an internationally focussed company does not see this as an issue.
The second highest number of SPG members are citizens of China . Starwood is opening dozens of new hotels in China. Is it anticipated that Americans will be filling those rooms?
The ultimate in poor planning is reflected in the way the 10 suite upgrades were introduced. No-one likes to see the rules change mid-game ( other than those benefitting directly from the change). The sensible and logical thing to have done : introduce the changes from 2013, with notice. That would have seen a leap in revenue as those with an interest in 'guarenteed' suites booked starwood rather than other chains to achieve that threshold
Originally Posted by
RichardKopf
The relevance is that whether you meant it or not, you complained that US Starwood Amex holders get 10 nights thrown in and UK holders don't. I responded that some others (Centurion) used to get the whole plat level thrown in and now they don't. Some were not even eligible to maintain the card and were locked out of that benefit.
Complain all you want, but it is what it is. We participate in a free program which benefits the chain and rewards it's members in a very obvious manner. Unfortunately for you, and those who feel the same, there are others who are pleased with the situation, so there's no point of squabbling over it.
It's not possible to please everyone and for every complaint one way, there is a counterpoint. The simple fact is that not all members can be made happy by any change, or any promotion. We just use what they offer at any given time.