Originally Posted by
Polytonic
I imagine hotel brand development is following overall economic (class) trends. It's no secret wealth inequality is growing, and the choices hotel operators are making widely reflect that. On one hand, there's a rapidly expanding limited-service footprint (e.g. Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, HGIs) for people on a tight budget, and then on the other, very high end luxury property development where some of the "expected" business frills (e.g. club lounges, breakfast) aren't really relevant to someone dropping $1k/night on a hotel room (EDITION comes to mind).
I think developers are just realizing limited service properties are commanding similar rates to full service properties without the hassle of labor and rampant wage inflation. As we continue to see labor shortages in the service sector, I expect the trend for weaker performing chains like Hyatt toward limited service properties to continue. To be fair, this was already happening pre pandemic.
Originally Posted by
Polytonic
The 85k FNC farm is probably the ideal way to redeem for short stays, but working around Marriott's 24 month restrictions means it'll take you 3-4 years to accrue enough cards to make it a viable redemption strategy, and who knows where Bonvoy will be in 4 years?
You could theoretically get an 85K farm going quickly but the opportunity cost is high. Marriott Bonvoy cards are some of the few that Chase will allow you acquire even if you don’t qualify for the SUB. You can also begin stacking Brilliants immediately and add on a Boundless every year. This costs you 5/24 slots and an Amex credit card slot so I’m not sure how worthwhile it is. However, it could be worthwhile for someone fully committed to Marriott at this point. A 35K FNC farm would be much easier/simpler to create but there is still an Amex credit card opportunity cost there.
I really hope Amex/Marriott consider revamping the business card with a 50K FNC eventually. Even making it match the Hilton Business card with $15K spend -> 85K FNC would be great. I am putting so much spend onto Hilton Business Cards every month when I’d gladly swap it out for Marriott spend in a heartbeat.