Marriott or Ritz program?
 

Is there any benefit between being a Marriott Plat or a Ritz Platinum? I'm lifetime Marriott Platinum and concentrating on getting the same with SPG these days (closing in). I've been staying at the Ritz a bunch (about 50% of my stays) so just wondering if there's an advantage to switching to Lifetime Ritz Platinum. Does it even make a difference?

It makes no difference at all except for the promotional emails you get. If you switch to RC, you'll be getting their emails instead of MR. As far as benefits and points - nothing would change.

I'm only Ritz because my cousin is a SVP @ RC. If you are staying at RC, I think there might be a slightly (read: really small) better chance to get upgrades, but I can't tell if that's because I'm RitzR or a relative. I do see colleagues with MR get shafted while I get upgraded, but it's rare. I still do MR MegaBonus even with RitzR.

My RC stays include Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore (No points, grrr), San Francisco, Atlanta-Buckhead, Marina Del Ray, Philadelphia & Boston (not worth it)

Why no points at the Singapore RC?

because the Singapore RC, and a few other RCs, do not participate in MRs.....
https://www.marriott.com/rewards/terms/default.mi

Yeah, I was really upset about that. Spent 13 nights at that property and had nothing to show for it.

Room was really nice though. Next time I'll stay at the Marriott...the only other MAR property in all of Singapore.

The Singapore RC and Marriott are very different hotels, in very different location. Nevertheless, I'm surprised that there aren't other Marriott family choices, such as Sentosa or a boutique hotel. Foreign hotels chains aren't prominent in the extended stay or serviced apartments categories in Singapore.

I am a Marriott platinum and never stayed at a RC.
Funny that I got birthday greetings from RC, never from Marriott.

So if I switch to RC Lifetime Platinum I can still participate in Marriott Megabonus. Good to know

Will there be any effect in Marriott upgrades? I'm assuming it's a YMMV but curious your experience. The front desk could be wow, a ritz member let's treat him right or it could go the other way and the Marriotts plats get priority.

One front desk clerk told me that unless you show your card, they don't know, it only tells them the level, not which program. Now, she may just not know how to look it up, but for most clerks, I'm guessing it makes little to no difference; published benefits and gurantees are the same.

The levels and terms of the programs are the exact same. It really shouldn't effect how you get upgraded. I've stayed with RC using my MR several times and been upgraded without an issue.

I've had 10 nights over 6 stays so far this year (I know, my life sucks). I'm 2/5 @ MAR/REN and 1/1 @ RC. No suites though.

Upgrades are typically a deluxe room. REN Chicago and REN PHL gave me rooms with dining room tables...unnecessary but cool. I had a Deluxe room w/ Club Access at RC Marina Del Ray, which they promised to give back to me in two weeks. I have a sneaking suspicion they know who my cousin is, so they're being extra nice to me.