Originally Posted by DJ_Iceman
As for elite status, Marriott alone actually seems to reward loyalty. I hear platinum Starwood folks talk about all the suites they get, but as a gold I get crap. Marriott ALWAYS puts me on the executive/concierge floor, and I get suites more often than I probably deserve given the rates I pay. The platinum benefits of a guaranteed room and an arrival gift are quite nice indeed.
As for Number of poperties and points Marriott is great.
As far as elite benefits it is very hit or miss.
Many a thread on this board about upgrades (or lack there of)
Suites are not part of Marriott Platinum benefits (specifically excluded)
but some properties still give them away.
Marriot has the highest hill to climb to get to top level also (75 nights)
I am platinum and rarely see any real upgrades.
48hr reservation Guarantee is only real elite benefit.
Also, Marriott has not won any FF awards in a long while.
That said, if you travel to many places, you will always find some kind Marriott property there. And many of the folks who complain about Marriott elite treatment complain about it every years, so for some reason we keep coming back for the punishment.
I believe Marriott would be a good number 2 program for anyone.