Can you truly imagine that line in their advertising? "We're taking a month of promos away but at least you get to choose which month?"
Let's face it, other than Flyertalkers, Milepointers and possibly some select bloggers most SPG members probably don't keep track of how many months out of the year for which a promo is offered. Also, given every promo doesn't work for everyone (for instance most of my work travel is 1 night, 2 at most so night based promos don't work for me), most SPG members, even those on Flyertalk probably can't take advantage of every promo every time one is available.
At least this way, assuming there are nights options and stay based options everyone will be able to take advantage of this promo no matter their general travel pattern. That's pretty cool and good thinking!
Finally, I imagine that SPG is seeing higher room revenue and higher occupancy so doesn't see the need to promo the heck out of themselves to fill rooms.
<stepping off my soapbox>
Originally Posted by
lkar
I like SPG. I like promos. I think their product and their elite benefits are great. I have no complaint about any of that nor do I want to stay somewhere else.
What I don't like is making a decision and using marketing to spin it. I think giving one the appearance of a "choice," which is actually taking something away is a bit disappointing. I would much prefer they just take it away. Heck, even just being honest -- "we're going to give you one less months worth of promos than last year, but the good news is we'll let you choose the month" would be nice. Starwood would probably be my chain of choice with zero month of promos, so I think you're misreading what I'm saying.