Indeed, we eat at Starwoods all the time even when we are not staying at property -- it is nice to get plat discount and points. I hit a Sheraton Grand near my home about once a week. We have never gotten any points at any Marriott we also frequent for meals. Discounts yes most of the time, but points no. I actually cut down dining at a Marriott near my home because after the merger they institutionalized the discounting they said. Before they gave me 50% discount on Sunday buffet since I was a long-time regular customer which was an incredible deal... now only 20%