As someone that vacations in PS yearly for for several years now (we actually just got back from 10 days in the area), I think the hotel was smart in joining up with SPG. Anyone that has been to PS over the last several years has seen the redevelopment that has been going on there and the Riviera was part of that redevelopment. With at least two high profile hotel openings still to come within the next 2 years (a Kimpton Palomar and a Hyatt Andaz) I think it is wise for the hotel to open itself up to a larger booking pool with an SPG membership before these two large scale properties open. So far the Parker was the only SPG option close to PS (unless you considered the Westin in Rancho Mirage as an option). The Parker's Category 6 classification was ridiculous so now the Riviera at a Category 4 will be a nice option....I personally think we will see the Parker move back down to a Category 5 once they see a drop off in award bookings with the Riviera coming on board.