Originally Posted by iahphx
While I generally agree with your assessment of the value of SPG points (I also weigh their use versus what I could get a comparable room for on priceline for), I think you're being very unfair in your assessment of Starwood's int'l properties. Many (probably most) of their overseas properties do NOT feel like American hotels. Rather, they tend to feel rather local (in a luxurious way, of course). Indeed, I think the managers of their new "Le Meridien" properties would gasp in horror if you told them their properties felt like Tulsa.
Okay, perhaps the Tulsa blast was piling on a bit. It's just that when I go to Europe, I like to leave my usual world of Starwoods, Marriotts, and Hiltons behind in favor of truly local guest houses. I guess I'm attracted to them in part because they are represent the absolute opposite of the rest of my domestic U.S. travels where I'm always out for the best points promos, elite perks, upgrades, etc. Plus, the owners of those guest houses are usually very interesting people who care a lot about their guests and know a great deal about their city.
No disrespect intended to all of the big brands - I know they all have nice hotels all over Europe.