Originally Posted by
lamphs
While there is probably not accurate data available, I am curious as to the extent of the program merger problems. Do the problems appear to be greater than reality in that we FTers generally post the negatives on this forum; not so much the positives? In my case, I have been a loyal MR member for many years with no problems prior to the merger. After the merger, I took the opportunity to try several SPG properties. In many stays since the merger, the worst problem that I had was a reservation that was not e-mailed to me. Upon arrival, my reservation was on file, I received the designated benefits, and my stays/points posted accurately. And my SPG stays/points merged into my MR account without issue. That is what counts for me.
If nothing else, the merger, with all of the FT posts, I received a good refresher of the benefits that are designated for my status.
If you've followed the conference call and 10Q reports from Marriott and several franchisees who operate properties under various programs (IHG/Marriott/Hilton), the data suggests there hasn't been a material problem in the integration. RevPAR is fine. Reservations using the Marriott platform are actually up. Franchisees aren't complaining. I'm not discounting what we're hearing from some on FT (although my account with 125 nights this year has been accurate since early September) but it doesn't appear to be representative.
And ...I'm convinced that there are more Plats or higher now, that there were before .... but every time I say that, I am attacked!