Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Programs: MR LT Titanium, IHG Plat.,UA Premier Silver, & PA/OH Turnpike Million Miler
Posts: 2,316
I have seen some points reductions (typically 5K off some nights) for properties I was considering staying at. I believe that corresponds to off peak award rate. Cash prices were normal or close to normal for the properties. So I think it varies a lot depending on where you want to stay. In contrast, IHG does appear to be more generously discounting the award stay rates. Cash rates at their properties are also normal or close to normal. So overall currently IHG is a better value proposition versus Marriott using award stay cost as the metric.
One could also get back into trying to make the argument hotels should be charging minimum rates in their normal range to drive occupancy. That is a different discussion that has been covered ad nauseum. So, I won't get into on this thread.
--Jon