Originally Posted by Keyser (Post 34267873)

Lurkers could do great things in the past. But since Marriott's takeover combined with William's departure, I feel their wings have been clipped.

Originally Posted by ajf87 (Post 34269425)

I'm still Titanium with some free nights and a decent award balance. I'm currently at the JW in Vegas, got weekend space for 40k/night and was able to burn two 35k free nights +10k points. A fine redemption - this is not an aspirational property by any means but it's very clean and well-maintained and the Titanium benefits combined with their regular promotions make it a good value. Still, absolutely zero upgrade. There's no way they're sold out. For comparison, I'm staying at the LXR at Resorts World, on Hilton points plus a free night over Memorial Day weekend. Already about $2k for three nights for a standard room. Last week I got an email from the concierge, asking me if I had any requests or questions. I told them I was capping off a birthday trip at their property and was hoping for a suite upgrade as a Hilton Diamond even though it was a holiday weekend. I had a confirmed comp 1BR suite upgrade within 72 hours - for three nights over a holiday weekend, on a points stay. And their suites are all 100% sold out per the app... And Hilton waives resort fees on award stays too.

How often does Marriott do stuff like that? If I can't find any good award stays by the end of the year or fail to make Platinum for 2023 I'm just going to transfer all of my MR to Alaska. If I really want to stay with Marriott it will be overseas with the Gold status the Amex Platinum gives me. I'm going to end up directing most of my hotel spend to Hyatt/Hilton/even Wyndham and BAAH/Rocketmiles. It's just no longer a good value proposition with what their points are now worth coupled with their earn rates, especially when status doesn't really get you anything special and is now optional for the franchisees.

Originally Posted by EricH (Post 34271425)

The Starwood Lurkers were a great corporate asset. As you probably know, William went to Hilton.

Originally Posted by Radiation Station (Post 34270874)

Yes, but it takes 60 nights in the UK and 75 in a lot of Europe, which is a big difference. So the USA is relatively saturated with Titaniums.

And Marriott was giving away Platinum with an Amex recently in the US, I believe. I may well be wrong there, but thought I had read it on OMAAT.

Originally Posted by Keyser (Post 34272150)

This was just another example of how much SPG valued the Lurkers & the tools they gave them to resolve issues. Williams departure to Hilton was a great loss for Marriott. But given the way Marriott does things, I don't think they realize what they lost.

Originally Posted by clarkef (Post 34272138)

Did you ask for an upgrade at the JW Vegas? I asked and was given a one bedroom suite for a 5 night stay. At most bookings, at nicer properties, I routinely get the welcome e-mail. I simply ask for what I want and usually the hotel will accommodate me. I find that Marriott gives the upgrade to the squeaky wheel.