Marriott buys Starwood for $12bn
Nov 16, 2015, 2:56 pm
#91
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 2,842
Globally I do not know how these two brands compare to what else is out there. However, when I was in Big 4 consulting, domestically you were either a MR loyalist, SPG loyalist, or gunned for both. You seldom stayed at any of the others unless you had no choice. If these two become one, I question if MR will feel the need to really step up their "offerings" or enhance their program after eliminating a major competitor in the US market.
Nov 16, 2015, 3:25 pm
#94
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
I agree. The new Marriott will own the decision. There's also the matter of the existing Marriott-Chase and Starwood-AmEx contracts. I have no idea how long each contract runs and what the exit clauses are.
With the loss of its Costco business, American Express has an incentive to negotiate aggressively with the new Marriott.
There's also the matter of all the existing Marriott Chase Visa and SPG American Express accounts.
Nov 16, 2015, 3:39 pm
#95
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PHL
Posts: 2,842
Chase likely paid dearly for all of the UA Chase Club cards it gave away with 1 year free as well as the millions of points it purchased from MR to give away in the 140K Ritz Card deal (Was that really MR or was it Ritz, or does it not really matter). Something tells me they are willing to unload deep pockets to maintain their partnerships.
Nov 16, 2015, 4:17 pm
#96
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
AirBnB was recently valued at over $25 bn. You are seriously underestimating the impact they've had on the industry, particularly in leisure destinations.
Nov 16, 2015, 4:37 pm
#97
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
Regarding Amex: I think that Amex is perceived to be higher end/classier, etc than other cards. The same is true of the Starwood brand. This boutique/luxury/lifestyle brand is something that Starwood did a fantastic job building. Marriott will need to be extremely careful to not tarnish this if it wants to maintain the loyalty of a certain subset of customers. Branding with Amex over Chase might be one piece of this.
Nov 16, 2015, 4:37 pm
#98
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,214
Definitely made a great choice to stick with Marriott. Will get some more upgrades with Starwood properties. Very close to LT GLD. In a year or two, it will be LT PLT, and like others who already achieved the milestone, I would be all set.
Nov 16, 2015, 4:39 pm
#99
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 814
Oh Wonderful! After a thorough study, I decide that the SPG hotels are best for me and now they are being sold. Barely, three months have gone by since that decision.
Nov 16, 2015, 4:43 pm
#100
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: A City near you, at least for right now.
Programs: LT Platinum Marriott/Starwood; Exec Plat AA; LT Plat AA
Posts: 368
Yippie!!! I wonder if they will have double platinum status? Since I'm LT Plat on Marriott and Starwood... Well I know they won't because I'm double LT Plat on Marriott (1754 Nights). the only think I worry about is my 1M SPG points might become worthless.
Nov 16, 2015, 5:03 pm
#101
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,414
If I were you, I would book a fantastic trip at a St. Regis or LC hotel someplace in the world now.
Nov 16, 2015, 5:33 pm
#102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,706
Technically, all these reward points are worthless until redeemed. @:-)
Nov 16, 2015, 5:47 pm
#103
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
At least 3 months isn't too deep of an investment yet, to change your mind!
Nov 16, 2015, 5:55 pm
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,083
I tend to agree this is bad news for customers. We'll see when/how this transpires and how that is going to work out w/ LT status and other items. I sure hope they keep the Marriott LNF program
Nov 16, 2015, 5:58 pm
#105
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
I hope this doesn't effect the United/Marriott relationship. I enjoy having United Silver from my Marriott Plat. With an influx of Marriott Plats I don't know how crazy United will be about having that many more silvers.