Nov 16, 2015, 4:19 am
Last edit by: Schutzee
November 16, 2015
Marriott Shareholder News Release :
http://investor.shareholder.com/mar/...leaseID=942791
Starwood Investor News Release :
https://s1.q4cdn.com/483583335/files...wood-FINAL.pdf
Marriott CEO Linkedin Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marri...-arne-sorenson
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
March 01, 2016
March 14, 2016
Announcement that a consortium including the Chinese company Anbang has made an unsolicited rival bid.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/14/starw...6-a-share.html
March 18, 2016
Starwood determines that the Anbang bid is 'superior' and notifies Marriott of the intention to terminate the merger agreement.
Marriott have until March 28 to make a counter-bid that is as good as or better than Anbang.
Starwood is postponing its stockholder vote, which was scheduled for Monday, March 28th, to a new date to be determined after consultation with Marriott. Starwoods Board has not changed its recommendation in support of Starwoods merger with Marriott.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/18/starw...e-in-cash.html
March 21, 2016
Starwood and Marriott sign a revised merger agreement after Marriott submit an increased bid which values Starwood stock at $85.36. This is now the 'superior' proposal.
Under the revised merger agreement Starwood is not allowed to engage in discussions with Anbang. However, Anbang may make another unsolicited offer, up until the time of the Starwood shareholder vote, which is April 8, 2016.
March 28, 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it received a higher takeover offer from a group led by Anbang Insurance Group Co., putting the Chinese company back into battle with Marriott International Inc. for control of the hotel operator.
Starwood said its in negotiations with the Anbang group after receiving a nonbinding offer of $82.75 a share in cash, or about $14 billion, according to a statement Monday. That compares with Marriotts stock-and-cash offer valued at $75.91 a share, or about $12.8 billion, based on March 24ths closing price. Marriott, in its own statement Monday, reaffirmed its commitment to buy Starwood, saying its proposal offers stockholders greater long-term value.
Shares of Starwood rose 2.4 percent to $84.06 at 10:29 a.m. New York time. Marriott climbed 4 percent to $71.35.
The new offer from Anbang, which is working with J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital, shows the insurer wont easily back down as it seeks to build its hotel holdings. The Beijing-based company last year purchased Manhattans landmark Waldorf Astoria for $1.95 billion, and is in a deal to acquire luxury-property owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for about $6.5 billion. Gaining Starwood would add brands such as Sheraton, W and St. Regis, as well as about $4 billion worth of real estate.
Starwood said it received a non-binding bid of $81 a share on March 26 from the Anbang group, which increased its offer after subsequent discussions. Starwood is negotiating terms of a binding proposal and said it will carefully consider the outcome of its discussions with the consortium in order to determine the best course of action for shareholders.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...er-from-anbang
March 31, 2016
Chinas Anbang Drops Bid for Starwood Hotels
Operator of Sheraton, other hotels seen returning to Marriotts previous takeover offer
http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-a...way-1459455942
BETHESDA, Md. and STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will create the world's largest hotel company. The transaction combines Starwood's leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott's strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment, creating a more comprehensive portfolio. The merged company will offer broader choice for guests, greater opportunities for associates and should unlock additional value for Marriott and Starwood shareholders. Combined, the companies operate or franchise more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms worldwide. The combined company's pro forma fee revenue for the 12 months ended September 30, 2015 totals over $2.7 billion.
http://investor.shareholder.com/mar/...leaseID=942791
Starwood Investor News Release :
https://s1.q4cdn.com/483583335/files...wood-FINAL.pdf
Marriott CEO Linkedin Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/marri...-arne-sorenson
November 16, 2015
Originally Posted by Official Starwood Announcement on the SPG website
Were excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the worlds largest hotel company. For our Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries.
We will work to bring you the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards, two of the most rewarding loyalty programs in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
This is the beginning of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your SPG program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, as well as bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, well be sure to reach out to you by email, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us whether in our hotels, at spg.com, on the SPG mobile app or via our Customer Contact Centers.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us.
Chris Holdren
Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest
We will work to bring you the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards, two of the most rewarding loyalty programs in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
This is the beginning of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your SPG program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, as well as bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, well be sure to reach out to you by email, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need us whether in our hotels, at spg.com, on the SPG mobile app or via our Customer Contact Centers.
Thank you for sharing your travels with us.
Chris Holdren
Senior Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest
Originally Posted by Official Starwood Announcement to FT members
Dear members,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International to Merge, Creating the Worlds Largest Hotel Company, Best Loyalty Program
Today were excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the worlds largest hotel company. For our SPG members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels in more than 100 countries.
As we look to bring together the very best of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards, we are confident that together we will create the most rewarding loyalty program in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
Today is the first day of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, and bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which are you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, youll continue to be among the first to hear by e-mail, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need uswhether in our hotels, at spg.com, the SPG mobile app, or via our Customer Contact Centers.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International to Merge, Creating the Worlds Largest Hotel Company, Best Loyalty Program
Today were excited to share the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts will join together with Marriott International to create the worlds largest hotel company. For our SPG members, this will mean even more choices in even more places, giving you access to 1.1 million rooms across 5,500 hotels in more than 100 countries.
As we look to bring together the very best of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards, we are confident that together we will create the most rewarding loyalty program in our industry. Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change.
Today is the first day of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program status, your Starpoints or your existing reservations. You will continue to earn Starpoints and elite stay/night credit for your stays, and bonus Starpoints for any promotions in which are you are participating. There is no change to how you manage your SPG account or book reservations.
Over the coming months, as we have more to share, youll continue to be among the first to hear by e-mail, at spg.com and via twitter (@spg). In the meantime, we remain at your service wherever you need uswhether in our hotels, at spg.com, the SPG mobile app, or via our Customer Contact Centers.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission will not challenge the proposed merger between Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The waiting period for Marriott's filing with the FTC under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the merger's first regulatory hurdle, expired on Monday, meaning the deal is cleared to proceed. The Competition Bureau of Canada also will not challenge the transaction. According to Marriott, the companies are cooperating with competition authorities in other parts of the world to obtain approval of the deal. Marriott and Starwood will hold separate stockholder meetings on March 28 to vote on the merger.
http://investor.shareholder.com/MAR/...leaseID=958056
http://investor.shareholder.com/MAR/...leaseID=958056
Announcement that a consortium including the Chinese company Anbang has made an unsolicited rival bid.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/14/starw...6-a-share.html
March 18, 2016
Starwood determines that the Anbang bid is 'superior' and notifies Marriott of the intention to terminate the merger agreement.
Marriott have until March 28 to make a counter-bid that is as good as or better than Anbang.
Starwood is postponing its stockholder vote, which was scheduled for Monday, March 28th, to a new date to be determined after consultation with Marriott. Starwoods Board has not changed its recommendation in support of Starwoods merger with Marriott.
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/18/starw...e-in-cash.html
March 21, 2016
Starwood and Marriott sign a revised merger agreement after Marriott submit an increased bid which values Starwood stock at $85.36. This is now the 'superior' proposal.
Under the revised merger agreement Starwood is not allowed to engage in discussions with Anbang. However, Anbang may make another unsolicited offer, up until the time of the Starwood shareholder vote, which is April 8, 2016.
March 28, 2016
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. said it received a higher takeover offer from a group led by Anbang Insurance Group Co., putting the Chinese company back into battle with Marriott International Inc. for control of the hotel operator.
Starwood said its in negotiations with the Anbang group after receiving a nonbinding offer of $82.75 a share in cash, or about $14 billion, according to a statement Monday. That compares with Marriotts stock-and-cash offer valued at $75.91 a share, or about $12.8 billion, based on March 24ths closing price. Marriott, in its own statement Monday, reaffirmed its commitment to buy Starwood, saying its proposal offers stockholders greater long-term value.
Shares of Starwood rose 2.4 percent to $84.06 at 10:29 a.m. New York time. Marriott climbed 4 percent to $71.35.
The new offer from Anbang, which is working with J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital, shows the insurer wont easily back down as it seeks to build its hotel holdings. The Beijing-based company last year purchased Manhattans landmark Waldorf Astoria for $1.95 billion, and is in a deal to acquire luxury-property owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for about $6.5 billion. Gaining Starwood would add brands such as Sheraton, W and St. Regis, as well as about $4 billion worth of real estate.
Starwood said it received a non-binding bid of $81 a share on March 26 from the Anbang group, which increased its offer after subsequent discussions. Starwood is negotiating terms of a binding proposal and said it will carefully consider the outcome of its discussions with the consortium in order to determine the best course of action for shareholders.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...er-from-anbang
March 31, 2016
Chinas Anbang Drops Bid for Starwood Hotels
Operator of Sheraton, other hotels seen returning to Marriotts previous takeover offer
http://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-a...way-1459455942
Starwood: "Marriott and Starwood stockholders approve merger"
Jan 13, 2016, 4:44 pm
#1666
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA - 1K 1MM; Hyatt - Explorist; Marriott - Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,586
I agree; I suspect status earned this year for next year will hold. New criteria announced in Q4 2016 or Q1 2017 so everyone knows the "rules" for qualifying in 2018 and a truly combined program (by that I mean everyone in the program having qualified for levels using a common criteria) in Q1 2018.
Jan 13, 2016, 7:16 pm
#1667
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
The Great Hyatt Migration of 2016 is already underway;
Welcome to the Hyatt program, where you may have luxuries such as;
- confirmed suite upgrades
- up to 28 days of confirmed suite upgrades
- free United lounge passes with Diamond status
Just do it. SPG points are worthless at this point unless you are converting them to airline miles, and if you are not - they are at best worth 3 cents each on a hotel redemption.
SPG taught me how to hate standard award rooms, and to never trust a vacation upgrades with a SNA.
Hyatt has been wonderful. Your points are safely going to be valued at 3c or more with Hyatt
Welcome to the Hyatt program, where you may have luxuries such as;
- confirmed suite upgrades
- up to 28 days of confirmed suite upgrades
- free United lounge passes with Diamond status
Just do it. SPG points are worthless at this point unless you are converting them to airline miles, and if you are not - they are at best worth 3 cents each on a hotel redemption.
SPG taught me how to hate standard award rooms, and to never trust a vacation upgrades with a SNA.
Hyatt has been wonderful. Your points are safely going to be valued at 3c or more with Hyatt
Assuming the UA/Marriott partnership remains unchanged, I'm wondering if
there is any point in crediting more nights to the new Marriott. I spend about 60 nights/year to maintain SPG platinum and have been enjoying the benefits so far.
I'm assuming the status levels remain about the same. 60 nights with the current Marriott would only give me Marriott Elite Gold status, which I already get "for free" as a UA 1K. There would be little incentive status wise, maybe LT, but not much else. I'd miss out on the current SNAs, although it's unclear if they stay around after the merger.
On the other hand, if I switched to Hyatt, 50+ nights would give me Hyatt Diamond status. I'd end up on the 50+ night/year status level with both Hyatt and the new Marriott.
there is any point in crediting more nights to the new Marriott. I spend about 60 nights/year to maintain SPG platinum and have been enjoying the benefits so far.
I'm assuming the status levels remain about the same. 60 nights with the current Marriott would only give me Marriott Elite Gold status, which I already get "for free" as a UA 1K. There would be little incentive status wise, maybe LT, but not much else. I'd miss out on the current SNAs, although it's unclear if they stay around after the merger.
On the other hand, if I switched to Hyatt, 50+ nights would give me Hyatt Diamond status. I'd end up on the 50+ night/year status level with both Hyatt and the new Marriott.
Jan 13, 2016, 9:13 pm
#1668
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
I'm sorry but I'm mid-tier elite with Marriott, SPG, and IGH, and Marriott hotels > IHG. The only reason I have and maintain IHG status is because of their footprint in Europe. The average Holiday Inn is a dump, HIX and Crowne Plaza are decent properties for what they are.
Jan 13, 2016, 10:12 pm
#1669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
The Great Hyatt Migration of 2016 is already underway;
Welcome to the Hyatt program, where you may have luxuries such as;
- confirmed suite upgrades
- up to 28 days of confirmed suite upgrades
- free United lounge passes with Diamond status
Just do it. SPG points are worthless at this point unless you are converting them to airline miles, and if you are not - they are at best worth 3 cents each on a hotel redemption.
SPG taught me how to hate standard award rooms, and to never trust a vacation upgrades with a SNA.
Hyatt has been wonderful. Your points are safely going to be valued at 3c or more with Hyatt
Welcome to the Hyatt program, where you may have luxuries such as;
- confirmed suite upgrades
- up to 28 days of confirmed suite upgrades
- free United lounge passes with Diamond status
Just do it. SPG points are worthless at this point unless you are converting them to airline miles, and if you are not - they are at best worth 3 cents each on a hotel redemption.
SPG taught me how to hate standard award rooms, and to never trust a vacation upgrades with a SNA.
Hyatt has been wonderful. Your points are safely going to be valued at 3c or more with Hyatt
Maybe 1.5-1.6 each would be closer to fair...
Jan 13, 2016, 10:17 pm
#1670
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
I have kind of come to that realization as well; the only thing keeping me to the brand are some Intercontinental locations and the credit card with the free night
The bulk of their portfolio are either low end, or old, and I've only been wowed by the CP in Times Square in the CP brand.
The bulk of their portfolio are either low end, or old, and I've only been wowed by the CP in Times Square in the CP brand.
I'm sorry but I'm mid-tier elite with Marriott, SPG, and IGH, and Marriott hotels > IHG. The only reason I have and maintain IHG status is because of their footprint in Europe. The average Holiday Inn is a dump, HIX and Crowne Plaza are decent properties for what they are.
Jan 15, 2016, 8:51 pm
#1671
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,037
Hope that among all the conjecture about the end being near... everyone noticed the new SPG50 choices that were rolled out.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...ht-elites.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...ht-elites.html
Jan 16, 2016, 12:08 am
#1672
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,747
Hope that among all the conjecture about the end being near... everyone noticed the new SPG50 choices that were rolled out.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...ht-elites.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...ht-elites.html
Jan 16, 2016, 7:49 am
#1673
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Atlanta but Washington DC will always be home.
Programs: Marriott LTP, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold, Hyatt Explorist,, Delta Plat,
Posts: 2,079
I see all the Pro-Hyatt posts, but I'm not ready to jump just yet. I'm not going to panic and I'll be waiting until Marriott announces the combined program terms before I decide whether/where to jump.
My biggest problem with SPG is the lack of coverage. I'm fine in big cities and in major vacation destinations, but second/third tier cities and interstate towns/exits have very little coverage, which has me staying at Hilton and IHG (HI Express). Hyatt's coverage is even worse than SPG. That said, they do have the most comparable frequent guest program.
Hilton has enough coverage that I wouldn't have to stay anywhere else. That said, they don't have alot of hotels in the upscale/luxury categories that I prefer. HHonors is ok, but points are relatively worthless and I can't figure out any rational basis on the category assignments. (Full Disclosure: I was a Diamond with Hilton through 2010. I switched the majority of my stays to SPG in 2010-2011.)
IHG doesn't work for me on so many levels. I find Intercontinentals too stuffy. Holiday Inns and Crowne Plaza are way too variable in quality. The only chain within IHG that I like is HI Express - which is great when I'm road-tripping or have a business trip to the middle of nowhere.
Marriott + SPG will be perfect if the integration doesn't destroy SPG benefits. Plenty of higher-end choices. Coverage absolutely everywhere I will conceivably travel. That said, the current version of MR is quite possibly the worst loyalty program in the industry.
In conclusion, I'll wait...and hope that someone will still match my status after Marriott announces the combined program should I decide I need to jump.
My biggest problem with SPG is the lack of coverage. I'm fine in big cities and in major vacation destinations, but second/third tier cities and interstate towns/exits have very little coverage, which has me staying at Hilton and IHG (HI Express). Hyatt's coverage is even worse than SPG. That said, they do have the most comparable frequent guest program.
Hilton has enough coverage that I wouldn't have to stay anywhere else. That said, they don't have alot of hotels in the upscale/luxury categories that I prefer. HHonors is ok, but points are relatively worthless and I can't figure out any rational basis on the category assignments. (Full Disclosure: I was a Diamond with Hilton through 2010. I switched the majority of my stays to SPG in 2010-2011.)
IHG doesn't work for me on so many levels. I find Intercontinentals too stuffy. Holiday Inns and Crowne Plaza are way too variable in quality. The only chain within IHG that I like is HI Express - which is great when I'm road-tripping or have a business trip to the middle of nowhere.
Marriott + SPG will be perfect if the integration doesn't destroy SPG benefits. Plenty of higher-end choices. Coverage absolutely everywhere I will conceivably travel. That said, the current version of MR is quite possibly the worst loyalty program in the industry.
In conclusion, I'll wait...and hope that someone will still match my status after Marriott announces the combined program should I decide I need to jump.
Jan 17, 2016, 9:20 am
#1674
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
For me; I absolutely have to have Hyatt Diamond status. I will forego SPG stays, to earn Diamond status even. I will forego SPG promos even - to earn Diamond status.
Hyatt's footprint is becoming increasingly competitive though for me. Look at Columbus, Ohio - there is something like a 3 to 1 ratio of Hyatt to SPG hotels there. And Hyatt is opening hotels in smaller cities everywhere, thankfully. Places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Omaha, etc....all have Hyatt's to work with now. Big kudos to Hyatt's commitment to North American travelers.
I totally agree about IHG lacking in overall aspirational properties; although there are a handful in the brand that make them worthwhile. Places like the IC Monterey, IC Times Square, CP Times Square, Indigo Rome, etc. The free credit card night and status make them my defacto "big brand" to stay at.
Hilton just sucks. Redemptions cost up to 100k HHonors points, which they try and make more tolerable by allowing you to earn up to 20-30x/$. Like you mention, they have no properties worth staying at outside of business stays.
For me, SPG and Hyatt have the same footprint basically. I say this because SPG claims to have something like 1200 hotel properties, but if you subtract all of the properties in Asia I will never stay at; all of a sudden Hyatt is nearly the same size as SPG.
The lack of commitment to the North American brand is really alienating me though. The amount of crappy hotels in SPG's North America portfolio is so overwhelming that when you take out places like the Sheraton Silver Springs, MD and Westin LAX - Hyatt may even be bigger haha.
Maybe that is a realization I have come to in 2016; why do I want to stay at a brand that has an aging and underwhelming North American presence - combined with very little commitment to do anything about them? If I look at upcoming SPG hotel openings; it is obvious where all the focus (still) is; Asia.
If I look at this from an outsiders perspective; SPG wants to keep their numbers strong until the sale to Marriott. What better way for SPG to keep their numbers strong in their otherwise unappealing North American properties? Offer a generous and lengthy promo.....(and what do we have in Q1? A generous and lengthy promo........)
All SPG needs to do is keep this merger alive; so they can kick all their crappy North American properties off to Marriott. I think that will be the most interesting thing to come from all of this; Marriott will have a chance to downgrade all the crappy North American hotels into a hotel brand that matches them. When I think of say...the Sheraton Bellevue, WA and a Holiday Inn - there isn't a whole lot differentiating them.
On the flip side, I am totally convinced that SPG is being purchased for their abnormally large presence and strategy surrounding Asia; as it makes them the largest US hotel brand there. It is the easiest way for Marriott to bolster their strategy surrounding Asia...
Hyatt's footprint is becoming increasingly competitive though for me. Look at Columbus, Ohio - there is something like a 3 to 1 ratio of Hyatt to SPG hotels there. And Hyatt is opening hotels in smaller cities everywhere, thankfully. Places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Omaha, etc....all have Hyatt's to work with now. Big kudos to Hyatt's commitment to North American travelers.
I totally agree about IHG lacking in overall aspirational properties; although there are a handful in the brand that make them worthwhile. Places like the IC Monterey, IC Times Square, CP Times Square, Indigo Rome, etc. The free credit card night and status make them my defacto "big brand" to stay at.
Hilton just sucks. Redemptions cost up to 100k HHonors points, which they try and make more tolerable by allowing you to earn up to 20-30x/$. Like you mention, they have no properties worth staying at outside of business stays.
For me, SPG and Hyatt have the same footprint basically. I say this because SPG claims to have something like 1200 hotel properties, but if you subtract all of the properties in Asia I will never stay at; all of a sudden Hyatt is nearly the same size as SPG.
The lack of commitment to the North American brand is really alienating me though. The amount of crappy hotels in SPG's North America portfolio is so overwhelming that when you take out places like the Sheraton Silver Springs, MD and Westin LAX - Hyatt may even be bigger haha.
Maybe that is a realization I have come to in 2016; why do I want to stay at a brand that has an aging and underwhelming North American presence - combined with very little commitment to do anything about them? If I look at upcoming SPG hotel openings; it is obvious where all the focus (still) is; Asia.
If I look at this from an outsiders perspective; SPG wants to keep their numbers strong until the sale to Marriott. What better way for SPG to keep their numbers strong in their otherwise unappealing North American properties? Offer a generous and lengthy promo.....(and what do we have in Q1? A generous and lengthy promo........)
All SPG needs to do is keep this merger alive; so they can kick all their crappy North American properties off to Marriott. I think that will be the most interesting thing to come from all of this; Marriott will have a chance to downgrade all the crappy North American hotels into a hotel brand that matches them. When I think of say...the Sheraton Bellevue, WA and a Holiday Inn - there isn't a whole lot differentiating them.
On the flip side, I am totally convinced that SPG is being purchased for their abnormally large presence and strategy surrounding Asia; as it makes them the largest US hotel brand there. It is the easiest way for Marriott to bolster their strategy surrounding Asia...
I see all the Pro-Hyatt posts, but I'm not ready to jump just yet. I'm not going to panic and I'll be waiting until Marriott announces the combined program terms before I decide whether/where to jump.
My biggest problem with SPG is the lack of coverage. I'm fine in big cities and in major vacation destinations, but second/third tier cities and interstate towns/exits have very little coverage, which has me staying at Hilton and IHG (HI Express). Hyatt's coverage is even worse than SPG. That said, they do have the most comparable frequent guest program.
Hilton has enough coverage that I wouldn't have to stay anywhere else. That said, they don't have alot of hotels in the upscale/luxury categories that I prefer. HHonors is ok, but points are relatively worthless and I can't figure out any rational basis on the category assignments. (Full Disclosure: I was a Diamond with Hilton through 2010. I switched the majority of my stays to SPG in 2010-2011.)
IHG doesn't work for me on so many levels. I find Intercontinentals too stuffy. Holiday Inns and Crowne Plaza are way too variable in quality. The only chain within IHG that I like is HI Express - which is great when I'm road-tripping or have a business trip to the middle of nowhere.
Marriott + SPG will be perfect if the integration doesn't destroy SPG benefits. Plenty of higher-end choices. Coverage absolutely everywhere I will conceivably travel. That said, the current version of MR is quite possibly the worst loyalty program in the industry.
In conclusion, I'll wait...and hope that someone will still match my status after Marriott announces the combined program should I decide I need to jump.
My biggest problem with SPG is the lack of coverage. I'm fine in big cities and in major vacation destinations, but second/third tier cities and interstate towns/exits have very little coverage, which has me staying at Hilton and IHG (HI Express). Hyatt's coverage is even worse than SPG. That said, they do have the most comparable frequent guest program.
Hilton has enough coverage that I wouldn't have to stay anywhere else. That said, they don't have alot of hotels in the upscale/luxury categories that I prefer. HHonors is ok, but points are relatively worthless and I can't figure out any rational basis on the category assignments. (Full Disclosure: I was a Diamond with Hilton through 2010. I switched the majority of my stays to SPG in 2010-2011.)
IHG doesn't work for me on so many levels. I find Intercontinentals too stuffy. Holiday Inns and Crowne Plaza are way too variable in quality. The only chain within IHG that I like is HI Express - which is great when I'm road-tripping or have a business trip to the middle of nowhere.
Marriott + SPG will be perfect if the integration doesn't destroy SPG benefits. Plenty of higher-end choices. Coverage absolutely everywhere I will conceivably travel. That said, the current version of MR is quite possibly the worst loyalty program in the industry.
In conclusion, I'll wait...and hope that someone will still match my status after Marriott announces the combined program should I decide I need to jump.
Jan 17, 2016, 9:42 am
#1675
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
You gave good support for your opinions regarding other programs in your post, but I would like to know why you would make this assertion without any reasoning provided?
Jan 17, 2016, 11:02 am
#1676
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,460
You don't think the Conrad Maldives or the Conrad Koh Samui are worth staying at for personal stays?
Jan 17, 2016, 11:53 am
#1677
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
I wouldn't get my hopes up about the combined Marriott/SPG program being much different than the current Marriott program. I'd only expect very minor tweaks to the program.
As far as Marriott being the worst program among the remaining major hotel chains (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott), my vote would go to IHG. The only defined benefit for higher status is more points.
Jan 17, 2016, 12:59 pm
#1678
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,226
Places like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Omaha, etc....all have Hyatt's to work with now.
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For me, SPG and Hyatt have the same footprint basically. I say this because SPG claims to have something like 1200 hotel properties, but if you subtract all of the properties in Asia I will never stay at; all of a sudden Hyatt is nearly the same size as SPG.
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For me, SPG and Hyatt have the same footprint basically. I say this because SPG claims to have something like 1200 hotel properties, but if you subtract all of the properties in Asia I will never stay at; all of a sudden Hyatt is nearly the same size as SPG.
Different programs work for different people. Everyone just has to approach it rationally from their own personal travel patterns.
Total value for me = close to zero. And don't forget the luxury of never having a BRG claim accepted. So far, I have never been more disappointed in any program than Hyatt.
Last edited by mahasamatman; Jan 17, 2016 at 1:04 pm
Jan 17, 2016, 1:56 pm
#1679
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CDG
Programs: SK Gold, AF Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,767