Originally Posted by
UpInTheAir
While the OP's question is different from the ones posed in the other two threads, the answers are sounding awfully similar. But then the answer to the OP's question should be very simple. If the OP does not like the current Marriott brands, the OP does not need to stay elsewhere, as the SPG hotels will still be there (unless of course, the post-merger Marriott family becomes so crowded that some former SPG hotel, which the OP likes, decides to leave).
You're right that the SPG hotels I like should still be there. But, if I decide to stick around once the terms of the combined loyalty program are announced there will be towns/cities that don't have a Westin/LeMeridien/Luxury/Tribute Collection Hotel but do have a similar Marriott brand.
I know the Hilton and Hyatt brands very well. I don't know Marriott at all (it's been years (if not a decade or more) since I've stayed at any Marriott hotel. So I figure I'll stay at some higher-end Marriott brands this year.
(I'm not worried about the lower-end.) All the 4pts I've stayed at are complete crap so the Marriott brands must be competitive to the Hilton Family/Hyatt hotels I stay at on the lower end.