Originally Posted by
SPN Lifer
To the contrary, it incentivizes those seeking lifetime status to spend money now with Marriott, rather than with Hilton or Hyatt.
And if providing lifetime status is so worthless, why does Marriott provide it for Silver and Gold? Hint: They aren't doing it to lose money, but to keep us "loyal" (hooked in).
I think lifetime Silver/Gold/Platinum are a holdover from the SPG days, and more broadly speaking, to remain at parity with the other hotel chains in offering some form of lifetime status.
So, I don't outright disagree with you, but I do think that as long as customers book based on price, lifetime status is a recognition for past stays, not an incentive for future ones. In capping at LTP, you'd still have to (want to) stay more to reach Titanium every year if that's something of value to the customer. It avoids the free agent trap, especially when benefits are eroding. Lifetime status is only worthwhile if you can actually use it.
Originally Posted by
kb1992
While I agree that HH Diamond benefits are not as good as MB Titanium, the 4PM check-out is still not 100% guaranteed.
Last time staying at JW NY, I had to call the front desk and they only gave me 2PM check out.
JW Essex House is quite bad at honoring the 4pm guarantee, I think it's specific to this property. They also indicated 2pm to me the last time I stayed, but you can always have them call up corporate and have corporate make them honor 4pm. It's usually just not worth the effort.