Originally Posted by
sophiegirl
All true.
So I am starting to choose the hotel that is best for me on the specific trip - without worrying about points, bonuses, or a complicated mental evaluation of whether a free breakfast is worth more to us than suite upgrade!
One of the best hotel stays recently? OMNI. The program as a whole s*cks - but the great part is bennies start on the first stay. So free Internet, free clothes pressing, and yep....coffee delivered to the room as my wake up call. Tiny chain footprint...but there was one where I needed to be.
Early days yet, but so far? Amazingly freeing.
+1. I too am starting to take a more level-headed and reasonable approach.
Before, Marriott pretty much received all my hotel money except on rare occasions where Marriott was not a feasible choice. I'm now opening up my criteria to include SPG and Hyatt more. NOT because I think their programs are so much better, rather, I've had good stays there and being a top-tier MR has lost some value for me.
BTW, I agree with the OMNI post. Their program is not so good for frequent travelers, but you are dead on with the "starter bennies". My best hotel stay in the past 3 years was at the San Diego Omni. Loved everything about the hotel and the service.