Originally Posted by
Fanjet
I'm not sure how this would benefit either. A better option would be for IHG or Starwood to purchase the Rezidor Group (Club Carlson). As they have a weak presence in North and South America (unlike IHG and Starwood), but a good presence in Europe/Asia/ME.
But apparently the other program that Starwood is currently eyeing is WyndhamRewards. Earning SPG Plat status with 50 nights at $40 Super 8 motels, that sounds like a winner to me!
See, Starwood is desperate to have midscale hotels, and Club Carlson doesn't give it much (only a relatively modest number of Country Inns & Suites), while IHG would give it HI and HIX, and WyndhamRewards would give it Wingate by Wyndham and Microtel and Baymont Inn & Suites, and that's probably still not the whole list of WR midscale brands. (WR also has many budget bradns, of course.)