Originally Posted by
RogerD408
To me, picking the program that gives you the best service makes sense. We have no idea when or what the merger will look like. Keeping status up for matching so should the other program offer a better option you can swap out for a stay or two.
Agreed. I have 25 nights with Marriott this year - although like the poster before you I still strongly lean towards Starwood when possible. Marriott has now become my backup chain and I've even chosen it in cities where both exist to try the new product. May mean I am only Plat 75 this year vs Plat 100 (assuming they don't combine the stays this year) but to me that is no big deal. I do agree however that I ensured I hit Plat 50 no matter what.