C17PSGR

Don't believe there there is a thread on this but, with some trepidation, it might be worthwhile to have a mostly objective list of differences of program differences at full service properties for those who are Plats or above.

1. Lounge access plus $10 voucher at JW/Ren/Marriott/Autograph properties vs. breakfast voucher at W/Westin/Sheraton/Tribute properties
2. Breakfast benefit at SPG resort properties vs. no benefit at MR properties
3. $100 room type guarantee at MR properties vs. no guarantee at SPG properties
4. Breakfast benefit at St. Regis/LC vs. no benefit at RC/Edition
5. A more defined suite benefit at SPG properties compared to MR properties
6. SNA for 100+ night SPG members
7. Points on all purchases at St. Regis/LC vs RC/Edition room rates only

I'm sure I'm missing some.

Of course, there will be properties that fail to deliver or exceed program wide benefits ...

Kacee

Actually not much different. Like RC, Starwood properties do not give points for most non-room charges. Excluded items include spa, car service, and often restaurant.

The big win here is for the non-RC/Edition Marriott properties which in most cases give points for all these items.

mahasamatman

For restaurants, it only happens with those rare properties where the restaurant is run by a third party.

If there's a lounge (at least at Sheraton and Westin), you get access. The breakfast voucher is only for properties that don't have lounges, or if the lounge is closed.

Kacee

Then I must just have bad luck, because I'm now two in a row on this (most recently Milan Excelsior Gallia - where they didn't even credit me the full room rate). And I've also had room service not credited.

Jimgotkp

No breakfast at Editions either for Plats?

zoqfotpik

I really like the elite guarantee on MR. In fact it is included in the terms and conditions of the program..not sure if SPG has something similar. In addition to room type, elites are also guaranteed on breakfast (select brands), 48-hour availability, and PAG. MR also has walk-out policy for where you will be re-accommodated to a similar hotel and paid US$100-200 plus up to 140k MR points.

Sadly, no.

hockeyinsider

Don't forget that Marriott also has Club Marriott in Asia, which I believe is the only loyalty program (at least for now) that spans both legacy Marriott and legacy Starwood properties:

https://myclubmarriott.com

It seems to be primarily dining-based.

C17PSGR

Good catch. I added that.

C17PSGR

Is there a form of a guarantee at SPG? I was surprised to see a thread on the SPG forum where a member booked a suite, didn't get it, and was only offered the difference in room rates.

mediator

Also no breakfast at Courtyard, Bulgari , Moxy and MVC.

C17PSGR

I was trying to capture the full service properties. I don't have enough experience to distinguish between Aloft/Element/Courtyard/Four Points.

Not much benefit at all from Bulgari ..

hockeyinsider

I didn't know Bulgari was still around. I haven't heard anything about it in years.

zoqfotpik

None that I'm aware of.

margarita girl

SPG gives 10 SNAs after 50 nights.
At 75 nights, you get Your24 and extra point/$ spent.
At 100 nights, you get an Ambassador with varying degrees of satisfaction.

MSPeconomist

Some lower end Marriott properties only award points at half of the usual rate. With SPG, the amenity points option (if selected) is 250 at lower brands versus 500 points.

Marriott lounges are more likely to be closed on weekends. When this happens, some hotels (often large convention properties) are exceptions to the breakfast benefit.

It's not specific to Plats, but many Starwoods participate in Make a Green Choice and you can get 500 or 250 points per night (excluding the last night and sometimes with restrictions for long stays) for declining housekeeping.

You get limited elite benefits at Design Hotels, but some go above and beyond what is required. AFAIK some Design Hotels still don't participate in SPG at all.