Why one chooses a Marriott..??
Apr 8, 2010 | 11:30 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,267
My choice of a primary hotel chain is based on locations first, then price range, consistency, and redemption value for points.
Location is really important because the hotel needs to have properties in the places I need to visit for business as well as the places I'd like to visit for leisure. Marriott scores really well because they have properties all over the US as well as in major Asian cities. A few years ago I spent more nights at Hiltons, which also have great coverage in the US, but I shifted away from them because their numbers in Asia aren't so good.
Price range is self explanatory. The really high end chains are beyond my budget, either for business or leisure. Even Hyatt is priced out of my range much of the time, otherwise I might consider them more seriously. Marriott does well on this criterion because they offer several discount brands in addition to full service brands.
Consistency is important to me as a business traveler. I need to know that I can count on a certain level of features, comfort, and service at the hotels I visit. I tried SPG and Radisson for a while but moved away from them because while certain properties of theirs were really nice, overall they were hit-or-miss.
Redemption value is a bit of a trump card. If a brand offers a really strong loyalty program or a lucrative promotion, I'll switch to it at least temporarily to capture some of the value. For long term loyalty, a brand needs to offer a program that's at least competitive with what the others in its market offer.
Location is really important because the hotel needs to have properties in the places I need to visit for business as well as the places I'd like to visit for leisure. Marriott scores really well because they have properties all over the US as well as in major Asian cities. A few years ago I spent more nights at Hiltons, which also have great coverage in the US, but I shifted away from them because their numbers in Asia aren't so good.
Price range is self explanatory. The really high end chains are beyond my budget, either for business or leisure. Even Hyatt is priced out of my range much of the time, otherwise I might consider them more seriously. Marriott does well on this criterion because they offer several discount brands in addition to full service brands.
Consistency is important to me as a business traveler. I need to know that I can count on a certain level of features, comfort, and service at the hotels I visit. I tried SPG and Radisson for a while but moved away from them because while certain properties of theirs were really nice, overall they were hit-or-miss.
Redemption value is a bit of a trump card. If a brand offers a really strong loyalty program or a lucrative promotion, I'll switch to it at least temporarily to capture some of the value. For long term loyalty, a brand needs to offer a program that's at least competitive with what the others in its market offer.
Apr 9, 2010 | 9:37 am
#17
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 2,015
Apr 11, 2010 | 11:39 pm
#18
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Plt 3MM; UA 1K 2 MM; MR Lifetime Plat; HH Lifetime Diamond; HH Diamond; IGH Spire Ambas; SPG Gold
Posts: 2,149
Complex question I will try to make simple:
1. Free nights with points, with a reasonable rate of redemption relative to spend. For me, that is by far the #1 reason to participate in hotel loyalty programs.
2. Marriott is very strong on the upper end. So I stay for business in mid-level (FS or Courtyard) and vacation in JWs or Ritz, using my points.
3. Potential for upgrades once achieve Gold or Platinum. Marriott does an average job in this regard. Better than Hilton, worse than Hyatt.
4. Free breakfast--except at resorts and Courtyards in the case of Marriott Rewards (Marriott Rewards' biggest weakness).
5. In the case of Marriott--they are arguably the most consitent of the major chains. Walk into a FS Marriott and you will get a clean, green carpet in your room. Guaranteed. Etc.
6. Lifetime elite status. It's a biggie (hullo Hillton HHonors!).
7. Very good likelihood of a Marriot family of brands hotel wherever I need to be, and often several. Only Hilton does better in this regard.
8. Marriott Rewards customer service is very good at all levels. Contrast that to the Hilton Diamond Desk--pathetic on a good day.
9. Also own a Marriott Timeshare--we've had great expereinces, successfully exchanging within the Marriott system every time (have never used our native property).
10. Did I mention free nights with points?!!!!!....
1. Free nights with points, with a reasonable rate of redemption relative to spend. For me, that is by far the #1 reason to participate in hotel loyalty programs.
2. Marriott is very strong on the upper end. So I stay for business in mid-level (FS or Courtyard) and vacation in JWs or Ritz, using my points.
3. Potential for upgrades once achieve Gold or Platinum. Marriott does an average job in this regard. Better than Hilton, worse than Hyatt.
4. Free breakfast--except at resorts and Courtyards in the case of Marriott Rewards (Marriott Rewards' biggest weakness).
5. In the case of Marriott--they are arguably the most consitent of the major chains. Walk into a FS Marriott and you will get a clean, green carpet in your room. Guaranteed. Etc.
6. Lifetime elite status. It's a biggie (hullo Hillton HHonors!).
7. Very good likelihood of a Marriot family of brands hotel wherever I need to be, and often several. Only Hilton does better in this regard.
8. Marriott Rewards customer service is very good at all levels. Contrast that to the Hilton Diamond Desk--pathetic on a good day.
9. Also own a Marriott Timeshare--we've had great expereinces, successfully exchanging within the Marriott system every time (have never used our native property).
10. Did I mention free nights with points?!!!!!....
Last edited by travelexpert; Apr 11, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Apr 12, 2010 | 4:09 am
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 2,015
After 12 years in the program, if you have enough nights and points and have made elite status, you could get lifetime status. The details can be found in this thread.