Originally Posted by
stargold
Comparing property to property, I do think JWM is a step above the Sheraton in most respects as you have observed (except harbour views from the higher floors of the Sheraton). The paid rates probably reflect the relative difference in quality.
In terms of points redemptions, it is heavily skewed by the 3:1 ratio. In certain notoriously expensive locations such as London, NY and HK, Marriott Category 9 is an absolute steal at 15k Starpoints per night. It beggared belief that the Marriott Park Lane, for example, was less expensive on points (45k=15k) than the Great Northern Hotel (20k) (notwithstanding it being a great little hotel) - the two just aren't comparable.
Given that the JWM points rate is more or less identical to the Towers points rate at SHK, I think the JWM is more or less a no-brainer for a Marriott Plat/Gold. I certainly wouldn't be choosing SHK over JWM in these circumstances.
(Unless being on Kowloon side was the overriding factor of course)
I totally agree with you on this assessment. It is not even the same class of hotel and the cash rates do reflect that. I would say the SPG to Marriott ratio has created some high value arbitration opportunities such as in Hong Kong as well as in London. In fact in South Africa too.