Originally Posted by
8420PR
The $100 credit is the reason to book via Marriott Stars program. Everything else (e.g. upgrade, welcome amenity) is largely down to the hotel - for example I have had (at different hotels) either a bottle of Champagne or a plate of fruit as the welcome amenity.
Where there is little difference in price I would book via the Stars program.
You need to weigh the $100 statement credit relative to the cost of booking under a different rate (e.g. member rate, etc.) as most of these programs are priced off the "standard rate" which is often higher than other rates available. You can often find a better rate that leads to an overall lower cost that swamps the $100 statement credit.
Regards