Originally Posted by SanDiego1K

Comments of particular interest:

HM: When the acquisition was announced, SPG members cried foul. Allay their fears.

TM: We heard them loud and clear. The blogosphere lit up with concerns. What has made Starwood so valuable is its brands and loyalty program. We are confident that Marriott would approach it with a due-no-harm approach. We do not want to alienate our most valuable members, who drive about 50 percent of occupancy...Marriott needs to learn about the special sauce.