Hi,
Just want to bring this up again, and so far all my stays comparing MR hotels to SPG hotels, it is really a difference of a infinity from elite recognition.
MR - nearly no outstanding recognition or just want is on paper.
SPG - so far all my stays including those no fully SPG hotels, I have been upgraded and given outstanding recognition.
Now I can understand why SPG members are afraid of the program after the merger. I do really hope the SPG standards will be maintained for hotels (especially those outside of US) after the merger which really makes you want to keep your status especially Plat. For me upgrades have been 100% for all SPG hotels that I have booked.
Hope the merger team will keep the SPG standards.
Cheers!