Originally Posted by
Keyser
there is a great many number of people who care a lot more about the lower categories than the higher ones....not everyone redeems their points only at category 6, 7 & 8 properties....some people forget that the marriott (or past spg) program is made up of members who redeem points at all category hotels, not just the higher ones....
Not only this, but they've designed the program such that the value is at the high and low ends, with the middle often being the worst value of all.
I'd also suggest that there are a *lot* of Bonvoy Cat 6's now that wouldn't have been worthy of anything above a SPG Cat 3 or maybe a 4 on a good day. There are a lot of rather run-of-the-mill 6's out there now.
Former Starwood 5's and up were nearly always excellent hotels. Occasional dud in a high-cost city but not as many as there are boring/bland Bonvoy 6's.