Originally Posted by
mahasamatman
Based on the examples you've given, price is obviously of no concern to you. When you have money to burn, your options are much greater.
Price is of a HUGE concern to me, considering I'm a 28 year old (Ex) student who just got done with school 2 weeks ago, don't have a regularly paying job, and who may have trouble making rent this month
. Being a Virtuoso agent doesn't pay the bills, yet...
I picked hotels that are similar in price - I didn't pick them because I expect people to spring for those options just because they're there.
My point remains the same: if you're in a town with multiple legacy properties, i.e. Rome, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, etc, hell, even a San Jose Costa Rica, and you're there for leisure, why spring for the SPG property if it's not the best in town? [Caveat: there are other options in town there are priced in the same category]
I'm NOT bashing the SPG program - it's my go-to program, without a doubt. Especially in cities like Madrid (Westin Palace), NYC (a few options), AMS (Pulitzer), etc.
Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
Because
Maybe I need or want the room until 4pm without paying more. Sometimes even until 6pm.
Maybe I want to not pay a usurious internet rate
Maybe I want the chance of a nice upgraded room/suite
Maybe I want to not have to pay for breakfast or go elsewhere for breakfast as to not pay a usurious hotel breakfast rate
Maybe I want to take a vacation with my hotel points and have my hotel bill be $0 instead of $3000.
Most of what you said is 100% compatible with non-SPG hotels. These aren't unique perks, at all.
Example: I just paid less for the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok then I would have paid for either the SGS or StR.
That rate included upgrade, free breakfast for 2, free internet, and a guaranteed late check out @ 4 pm with a request for 6.
Also, FWIW: Free internet is becoming the norm, and the fact you need status to get it is kind of ridiculous.
I just don't get being on a leisure trip and looking for an aloft, Sheraton, 4P, element, etc.
That said, I do get staying at a Westin when it's a top-5 in town (i.e., Madrid), or a Luxury Collection/StR, because they're usually awesome.