I tried several SPG properties and found them disappointing, so yes I continued to choose Marriott when I could have picked a nearby SPG property.

SPG Gold received breakfast and lounge access at Marriott when they were not entitled to similar benefits at a SPG property. SPG elites have recently been whining about Lifetime Platinum Premier eligibility in the new program despite SPG never offering an equivalent top tier lifetime status in their program. If they wanted a program with three tiers of lifetime status, including top tier, they could have pursued Marriott status. 😏

Marriott elites did not take to the streets and create petitions about how “unfair” it was for Marriott elites being required to meet a spend threshold in the new program while legacy SPG elites could earn it on nights alone for another two years.

In the past SPG elites bemoaned on FT about having to share the possibility of an upgrade chance and “their” hotels with “the deplorables” from Marriott. So yes I hope they follow through on their threats and go to Hyatt or elsewhere. It will make Marriott stays more enjoyable when I don’t have to listen to their screams of outrage from the lobby. (or heavens forbid the next room!)

But just like those that threatened to leave the country after US elections they remain among us. My patience and grace in dealing with SPG elites during this transition is wearing thin. (It’s bad when I’m feeling empathy with UA position on over entitled elites)