Since last night, speculation about the new Starriott loyalty program has generated quite some buzz in this community (and many other travel related websites).

Although FTer generate significant value from Best Rate Guarantees or Look No Further Guarantees this aspect has not been widely discussed/speculated about yet.

Marriott has recently added the option to choose between a 25% rate reduction or 5,000 MR points, most certainly to match Starwood BRG and its 2,000 point option. The point option is great for low $$$ stays.I have a preference for how Starwood treats multi night stays. It is more transparent and usually results in greater savings than Marriott’s average rate policy which may lead to only a few nights being price-adjusted in the end.

I do not have a clear preference for either Starwood’s “the cheapest rate wins” approach vs. Marriott’s “we need to have (almost) matching T&C to honor a claim”. I have had good and bad experiences with both.

Then there’s the aspect of reply times, comparison site exclusions and what not.

What do you think the new LNF could/should be designed to align Marriott LNF and Starwood BRG?