Score8

The only time there is going to be a dearth of data to support a business decision (like reducing the MAGC benefit) is at the outset of the decision when executives are operating on how they think customers will behave rather than with good numbers to go on. That is generally the only time for customers when a reversal is available. So, to suggest that SPG elite members be passive and not object to a policy that directly affects us is very likely misguided. The over-riding theme of legacy MR members telling us to suck-it-up is tiresome. Just because your loyalty program didn't provide a benefit doesn't mean that it was neither a good idea nor something for which we should argue. Further, it also baffles me that the legacy MR folks wouldn't be predisposed to want the better elements of SPG. Rather, the sentiment tends to fall on the side of 'we've already decided we can live without it.' On the point of the Continental merger, you are correct in that droning on about it for years is pointless and that ultimately, when things shake out, there will be ample opportunity to stay or switch. However, it has been shown a few times already that when the legacy top elites from SPG vehemently object to something, there is an audience for change, which will not exist in perpetuity.

So that I understand, you would't choose MAGC even if the points made sense of it simply because of your stance on a specious corporate premise of environmental impact? This 500 point policy was at its core a split of economics between the hotel and the guest. In using it, there were some inconveniences (and times where my DW definitely drew the line), but the points made it worth the economic split (and whatever small incremental environmental impact was felt) and worth the time to chase the points down if not granted. Now...meh.

Boraxo

It is still a split of economics, just a movement of $$ (points) from the customer to the corporation. No different than devaluations with SPG Amex, higher award rates, or any other reduction in benefits to the customer.

I find it pretty laughable that anyone who took the points is now going to reject them out of spite. If you are on board with "being green" or simply like bonus points, then you will continue to do so. If not, then clearly it was just a transaction for you and you've decided that you value the cleaning more than the points. It's no different than Southwest charging more for a higher boarding position, or Hyatt offering points instead of an in-room snack.

GoPhils

frenchft

Same here... she does not play or follow the point and status story and was an argument too when travelling together )))

pdx1M

I certainly wouldn't reject them out of spite. For me it is a value/effort deal. Using MAGC meant not getting my bed made, having to remember to check for out of soap etc., maybe not getting water that I needed. Just annoying stuff given I was paying for a room in a 1st class hotel. But for 500 pts it was worth it, more or less. For a third of that not so much. I'd rather have the service if that's all they are providing. I'll still hang towels to avoid having them needlessly washed but I'' take the maid service. No idea what that costs the hotel but I hope for their economic sake it is less than the old 500 pts since for me they'll now do up the room.

frenchft

Just checked in a Marriott in Europe... they have implemented... but without points )))
Was a card on the bed, "green choice" but with some marketing about being green but no compensation... and what they explain is not being green it's to help them to lower their housekeeping cost more or less with a nice marketing blabla.
So I will not be green and will ask for housekeeping tomorrow.

GVA

Are you sure the card wasn't the one that many hotels in Europe have that if you don't place it on your bed then they won't change the bed linen.

frenchft

nope, it was this one also.
The one I'm talking about what about how good for environment it was to skip housekeeping.
I was first thinking "ah! Marriott has already implemented the MAGC"... they did it... indeed, but the Marriott way !

escape4

Priceless. They know the points offered are peanuts compared to their costs so they want their guests to take the points. If they really wanted to be a green hotel, how about providing lower rates for all guests and advertise that as part of their across the board low rates and green commitment, guests will not get housekeeping? Let's see how that works. I might even go there is the savings are worth it.

If the hotel does not want to be green then don't blame guests' decisions. Not to say that Marriott ZRH did, but just saying...

mecabq

Somewhat off topic, but I don't think that participating in MAGC has any effect on the work of individual housekeepers. Presumably they work 8 (or however many) hours in a day, and clean X number of rooms in that time. If the housekeeping load were lighter, then in theory the hotel would reduce the number of housekeepers on duty. Although it's a lousy job, I am not sure that any of them want to be laid off from it because there are fewer rooms to clean each day on average.

I suppose it's possible that they get to sit in the break room if there aren't enough rooms to clean and/or get a higher salary (or maybe a lower salary of them are now redundant) and/or clean each room more thoroughly, but I wouldn't expect these outcomes.

gcashin

RogerD408

When this first started I asked and many of the staff are paid piecemeal as/for a contractor and bounce from property to property to get as many rooms done as they can. Since it's an industry mostly populated by those on the lower side of the economic scale, there is not much push back for fairer working conditions. I use housekeeping when I feel I need it. If I am in the room when they come knocking, I ask for what I need and tell them to check the room off as having been done. Keeps me green and keeps them employed.

eracerblue

username

For me, this is something that is extra - I don't like to have my room serviced anyway and this is good for the environment.

The 500 SPG points were way too generous. I probably have earned over 150 of them the last few years. I just view it as a "good while it lasted" thing.

StatusChallenged

Ive had 3 different hotel stays since the merger - seems like if you select MAGC during the checkin, it will apply for all of the stay, rather than the nights you select.