Look, we understand that Starwood had a higher percentage of luxury and upper upscale hotels than Marriott. That's why Starwood was put up for sale -- the board didn't think the business was viable in the long term without a critical mass of mid-tier hotels and that they were going to be able to build it. The numbers of Marriott properties that are in the luxury and upper upscale are probably more actual properties than SPG. But ... IMHO, SPG has more dream destination properties than Marriott. And as Vicki noted, may of us expect the same consistent treatment across the FS properties -- Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance and (hopefully) Autograph -- upgrades, recognition, lounge access, etc. Having stayed at Westins and W's, I think most well-run Renn's give better treatment and have nicer space.

But ... on the topic of my concierge, I'm still not sure what I should expect. I stay 150 nights a year (or more) and most are not dream destinations ... I want the desk to know I'm a Plat Premier rather than a plat, I like suite upgrades when available, I expect hotels to have a lounge with offerings that meet brand standards, and I like getting cards and messages from the GM's. All those things show me that the GM is engaged and the staff is trained so I can feel at home during the next 10-12 hours. When I get to the Seattle Airport Marriott, the JW Miami, the Chicago Renaissance, the JW Chicago, the Marriott Waikiki, the Waikiki Courtyard, the San Diego Marquis, the Budapest Ritz, the Santiago Marriott, and the Atlanta Renaissance, I know the GM's there are engaged. In contrast, several others -- and particularly CY managers are not.

For people like me in the SPG world, what does the Ambassador do that people want? Seems like most of the issues I care about are really GM issues not something I expect from my concierge. Next week, I'm at two FS's and a CY. What should I ask for?