Originally Posted by NJ Traveler
Marriott's elite levels just aren't competitive.
I'm SPG Plat, HH Diamond, PC Plat, and only MR Silver with 30 nights YTD. If the MR folks can't realize their elite levels are not competitive with the other programs, then all the nights I give to the other 3 major brands are Marriott's loss. It's a no brainer. MR Gold isn't much better than MR Silver anyway, and I hate to call for a comp, preferring my business to speak for itself. Also, Hilton Brands and Starwood Brands are much nicer than RI, CY & SH & FI. Most of my stays at Marriott's economy brands are underwhelming compared to equivalent brands at other chains, including HI Express! Let Marriott keep their Gold, I don't need it.
Thank you. I couldn't have said this better. I am continuing with stays at Marriott right now because of the VISA double points offer otherwise I'd be gone. The chasm between Silver and Gold is just too big and not worth it. My business trips are usually short, so I have lots of stays but not so many nights, so a program with stay vs. night credit would suit me better. For 50 nights, I probably have to make the decision to choose Marriott over Hilton or Starwood about 40 times a year.