Originally Posted by
Kalboz
This is a Hua Hin exception and not the rule. Plus Marriott has the better location, hands down. Sheraton and Hyatt are a bit distance from town, while Marriott has the best of two worlds, seclusion but very close to town. Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort is a good alternative with rooms pricing at 35K IHG per night in-between Hyatt and Marriott location wise.
I got the Matching SPG Platinum status and it is worthless for me here in Thailand. What's being offered here at Marriott properties can hardly be matched by SPG. Got 2 suites plus Platinum benefits on both at the new Marriott Marquis Queen's Park. One booked one using Marriott's lucrative Hotel+Air package and the second room for $113++ per night. With SPG better properties (SGS) pricing at $150++ per night and up, would like to see SPG compete with that!!!
Agree SPG has reduced its Thai offerings in Thailand, but Marriotts Phuket vacation clubs are all near the airport, and the new Merlin Beach looks horrible.
ok Meridien is a bit dated but has fabulous beach, surely the reason to go to Phuket. Spg has Naka Island and theNaka which are great properties with W Phang Nga coming soon. Don't forget Meridien in Chiang Mai and Rai , The only Marriott of interest to me in Thailand would be RC KRABI, But no inclusion in the Marriott programme Ok these are not cheap properties but if I am going all the way to the Far East I don't want to stay in some cheap vacation club. Also living in Europe I don't believe we have any use for the 'travel packages' that Marriott offer, also no branded credit cards so this is another reason I have no use for Marriott as they are too US focused, they need to wake up to the fact not everyone travels from US! You had a nice upgrade in Bkk but think that is exception, cities are ok, am even chancing Renaissance Hong Kong for a couple of nights, but it is the resorts that lack any elite recognition, sorry guess we were just spoiled which was the reason I conitinue to stay with SPG. If these benefits are brought in line with Marriott I will not have any desire to remain as loyal.
Btw I believe Sheraton Hua Hin is the better property, ok you have to take a 10 minute shuttle into town but that is good,plus we have club lounge open all day for snacks, cocktails in the evening, pretty much guaranteed a suite (we always have paid stays instead of points so this could factor). Have also read Marriott rooms are small and very dark.