Originally Posted by C17PSGR

Here's an easy example

Last month, I stayed at a legacy Marriott property (Marriott Waikiki) where I have probably spent 100-150 nights over the years. On almost every stay, they have upgraded me to the ocean front junior suite as a legacy Plat Premier. This time they didn't and apologetically explained that the SNA program makes it harder to upgrade Ambassadors since they clear several days in advance and they had given the suites away to the SNA requesters.

So here is a hotel that follows the rules, treats repeat guests/top elites very well, but already gave away the suites to SNA's. For someone who spends 125 nights a year on the road, that's a clear downgrade. Before SNA's, I would have had a suite. Now I lose out unless I use an SNA. I had a similar experience with an APEC legacy property that normally upgrades me to suites as a repeat guest/legacy Plat Premier where I was initially told they would give a suite if I used an SNA. I said I didn't want to use an SNA and said I wanted the suite upgrade provided under the Marriott APEC policy -- and they provided it.

But that's consistent with the legacy SPG approach which was more egalitarian and just had a very low threshold for its top tier. I realize the SNA program is a positive thing for someone who hits the 50 nights and wants to take the family on vacation. It's a negative thing, however, for those of us who are on the road 100+ nights a year. I'd be happy if SNA's were dropped.