Originally Posted by
tashi
Just an update post stay.
I asked the front desk that I would like lounge access as I linked my Marriott Gold status, and the nice rep included in my stay. I understand this was a courtesy and in future I will stay at the Marriott side to keep the benefit. Once the two programs have merged then I will stay at SPG.
You seem to be making an assumption here that the merged program will retain the SPG Gold requirement of 10 stays or 25 nights and not adopt the Marriott requirement of 50 nights. My guess is that full service Starwood hotels will be forced to bring their lounges up to the Marriott standard (which some already are) and that lounge access will be a perk for 50+ nights, whatever that level winds up being. 10 stays gets Marriott Silver, and I don't see Marriott flooding already crowded lounges by including Silvers, nor do I see giving such an expensive perk to those who stay as few as 10 nights. Enjoy lounge access for now while it's available through the crossover from SPG Gold to Marriott Gold, but I wouldn't plan on it for after this year.