When Marriott and Starwood combine, and there's eventually a single loyalty/recognition program, I hope the Elite benefits, including the breakfast benefit, become less complicated, not more complicated.

Perhaps, instead of separate Elite benefits for each of the 30 brands (with exceptions within each brand), the new Marriott could categorize its brands into a few categories -- such as select-service, upscale select-service, extended stay, full-service, deluxe full-service, and luxury -- with consistent, well-defined benefits within each category. I'd rather keep track of six loyalty categories than 30 brands. (And, for that matter, four categories would be better than six.)

Yeah, I know that's harder than it sounds, because Marriott and Starwood each have long-term agreements in place with franchisees.

But if it's already difficult for Gold Elite and Platinum Elite guests to know when and how various benefits do and don't apply, imagine what it will be like when there are 30 brands and the loyalty program members are accustomed to two different programs.