FlyerTalk Forums - What's the Point?

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)

- Marriott | Marriott Bonvoy (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy-766/)

- - What's the Point? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-marriott-bonvoy/2024770-whats-point.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 32663136)

Just to clarify, my point was a more broad one of hotel chain loyalty, and Marriott being the largest, I posted here.

My main question is what is the point of loyalty, when in reality, you are tied to a small proportion of properties. This is probably why Amex offer their Platinum card holders mid-high level status at a few different chains, rather than just one - which is a great benefit no doubt - however, if you are loyal to just one hotel chain, it does create a significant limit. Is the chasing of top-tier status at a chain (any chain) worth it? And again - it is an honest question purely out of figuring out if it is worth the hassle or not.

When I held Gold with SPG, it was definitely at times useful, however the hotel choices were limited. Now with the addition of marriott and ritz etc, it still feels limited in choice.

1) What did you find useful about Gold status with SPG (especially since the selection was limited)

2) To answer your broader question, depending on how often you stay in hotels, chasing top tier status may not be worth it at all.

If a program with more properties than any other chain in the world is "limited", then no, you probably won't see what you consider to be benefits of any loyalty program. I guarantee you I can cherry pick a large city with fewer than 12 properties for any other program.

It's interesting you champion AmEx Platinum - the "few" different chains in which you receive mid-tier status is actually two, and one is Marriott.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adelphos (Post 32666843)

1) What did you find useful about Gold status with SPG (especially since the selection was limited)

I only held Gold status briefly, before getting bumped up to Plat, but I recall it gave guaranteed late checkout up to 4PM, which is a worthwhile benefit to have.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 32662680)

Hi All,
Now I understand it is a pandemic, but most hotels around Europe have opened up and are desperate for customers now. For example, me and my partner want to go to Rome on the first weekend in October. When I searched through the Marriott Bonvoy website, I find 12 hotels only! 12! When I search through Booking.com - I find over 2,000 4 and 5 star properties.

No matter how much you wave your arms, you're way off with numbers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 32662680)

Hi All,

Am I doing something wrong in the search?

With a choice that is so limited - why do people bother chasing status with Marriott? What is the point? Do the benefits really outweigh the significantly limited options?

According to Hospitality Insights, Marriott is the largest chain in the world with over 5,700 properties (https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/...t-hotel-chains). Are all these properties advertised on the Marriott Bonvoy site?

I believe the benefit of hotel chain's own loyalty program is not hundred of hotels in select cities but few hotels in as much cities as possible to give flexibility of travel for the members.

Ideally a chain will have their luxury, full service, select service, and budget brands in each cities to cover all the members requirements as not everyone willing to stay at Moxies and not everyone can afford St Regises.

Also based on the city own requirements, it will be useless to put a Ritz-Carltons at small city in say Indonesia where the typical visitor can only afford $30 room at Alofts

If you really love to explore plenty of options at each cities then I believe OTA based loyalty program might be the best fit for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HB7 (Post 32663245)

When people have a high status with a hotel chain or airline, my question was would they tend to sway that way and be biased towards that, when other options may be better.

As I had said, I briefly had mid level status with SPG and was swayed that way when better options are available. I genuinely don't know how people act when comparing hotel chains to airline loyalty programs. I, for example am Gold with Qantas, and will do whatever I can to fly one world airlines.

For hotel chain, I believe the benefit is quite valuable until it did sway my selection.
For example, the guaranteed 4 pm late check out, high possibility of upgrades (up to suites), and high chance of hotel allowing early morning check in can make me choose a St Regis instead of a Four Seasons in say Abu Dhabi
Also, SNA that can be used to get much higher suites than usually available for normal elite upgrades.

As for airline loyalty program, I believe it will be more beneficial for people who earn the tier by flying plenty of sectors in economy rather than flying less frequently but using First or Business class.
As the benefit usually already included with these premium class offerings. (like lounge access, priority check in, priority boarding, and extra luggage)