Originally Posted by
escapefromphl
This is not aimed at the OP in particular but I've come to the conclusion that some of those complaining are or where "over engaged" in the program and perhaps even "over entitled". (Partly Marriott's fault, this is what happens when you call your top tier Ambassador) The hard truth is you're just not as important to them as you think you are. I've stayed in many Hilton and IHG properties, the grass is definitely not greener. Hyatt just doesn't have the footprint, this has been discussed many times.
I actually don't think I'm important to Marriott at all. But the recent self-sabotaging statement by the CEO merely confirmed what many of us already knew: that Marriott isn't that important to us either.
Once you free yourself from the "gotta get status" thinking, you realize there are lots of options that are far better than Marriott in almost every location, even if you're a Marriott Titanium. Would you rather stay at the London W (Tripadvisor #471) for $350 a night or Hyatt's Great Scotland Yard (#5) for $295 (+ free breakfast and 4pm checkout if you book through Prive)? For a bit more you could stay at the Langham (#37) or the Savoy (#27) and get breakfast and a $100 credit through FHR. These all blow past any of Marriott's properties.