Originally Posted by
sammyindc
Absolutely!!
- Guaranteed room when hotel sold out - used this benefit several time and it is very convenient when booking at the last minute.
- Lounge access and free breakfast - very convinient in US properties but especially in properties overseas as their breakfast is much better. Also, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the evening (some times even a full dinner buffet).
- 50% points bonus
- amenity gift
These are some of the benefits I really enjoy.
Yep. Not to beat a dead horse (and I do like Starwood in a lot of cases on a property-by-property basis), but the lack of guaranteed lounge access and free breakfast easily tip the scales when I have a choice of either Marriott FS or Sheraton/Westin. Downscale (Fairfield/Courtyard versus 4-Points) the difference isn't as great.
And so far as actual room upgrades are concerned, my percentage with Marriott as a Platinum is much higher than my percentage with Starwood as a Gold.