Trying to select from some interesting properties in Asia and some of the Alila properties are high in my list. These are a Design Hotels brand... and the trip is in April. I'm assuming there's no SPG opportunities (wife is Platinum), but I figured I'd ask if there's any rumblings of more hotels being announced?

Come on. What did the Lurker say?

When design hotels announced they'd team up with SPG I signed up to their newsletter and I received the following email:

"Hotels should be unique and surprising, but not the benefits you get for staying in those hotels. At Design Hotels™ consistency counts. That’s why, for being a Design Hotels™ Community Member, you will now get consistent VIP treatment at every one of our hotels. Book a stay at any Design Hotels™ property and you will receive complimentary WiFi, an upgrade at check-in (upon availability), a late check-out (upon availability), and a complimentary bottle of water each day for each guest. Yes, at every one of our hotels. Enjoy benefits that are consistent – and unique to Design Hotels™."

A bit annoying to see that one can book a rate which includes benefits which SPG should have ensured would be offered to platinum guests.

I hope we see additional properties joining SPG soon, it has been a while since the last one's were added.

The Grand Central (Barcelona) and The Principal Madrid are due to join in on January 13th.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

I just received an email from Design Hotels that said:

"Design Hotels™ Community
presents

A Welcome Reward
Introducing a new loyalty program

We hope you’ve had fun making the most of our Miles & More promotion. But now with the New Year at hand, we’re in the mood for change. As of Jan. 1, 2016, instead of offering you Miles & More award miles when you book a room, we invite you to earn, redeem, and enjoy Starwood Preferred Guest benefits with select Design Hotels™ around the globe. But Miles & More fans fear not—for stays through Dec. 31, 2015, Miles & More award miles will still be rewarded (Note: The miles can take up to eight weeks from your stay to be credited to your account). Stay tuned for more info about SPG, and keep your eye out as more and more of our member hotels are joining the program."

ION Luxury Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, Iceland, joined today.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

great news....this property is definitely on top of my list of places i want to visit....hopefully at some point next year....

Three new Design Hotels are coming on board soon:

G-Rough, Rome
Les Bains, Paris
PalazzinaG, Venice

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Trigger happy waiting to be one of the first to make an SPG booking at Les Bains. It's been on my list. Thanks

Now live at spg.com. :)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

OMG what a coincidence I was just looking at this property a couple weeks ago as a destination in Iceland...... GREAT NEWS as this makes me want to go there even more. Nice experience this location offers.

Thanks William, booked on the day it became available.

During the Design hotels soft launch game, there were two design hotels properties in Singapore joining SPG, New Majestic Hotel and Wonderlust.

I am just wondering when will it become available since I am planning to go to Singapore early March and wanted to experience those hotel

Thanks

There was also a hotel in London and one in Sydney. These are I believe the four hotels that haven't gone live yet.

Things have really slowed down, hopefully many more will continue to join.

Hoteliers at these independent Design Hotels perhaps think that Marriott Rewards may taint their brand.