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"
Apr 1, 2016, 5:21 pm
#3286
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
Pardon the interruption into this thread, but officially beltway has this right. If the suite is not available to occupy when you arrive, the hotel is no way obligated to give it to you at a later time.
Now, you can ask politely if they will and you can threaten to go over their heads if they don't, but it's very much a YMMV situation that they have the final say on.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Now, you can ask politely if they will and you can threaten to go over their heads if they don't, but it's very much a YMMV situation that they have the final say on.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Apr 1, 2016, 5:24 pm
#3287
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
I'm glad I got out of SVO years ago (and with a slight profit surprisingly). I also invested over $200k in SVO but never exchanged through SVN or II, nor exchanged SO to SP. If SPG is eliminated, that's a huge impact to the SVO program; new and resales (and the requal process/SPG Plat if that is still allowed). Hoping for the best for you.
I'm sure glad I never succumbed to temptation. Back when I really valued spg I almost got to thinking their timeshare program wasn't a scam like all the others.
Close call.
Apr 1, 2016, 5:38 pm
#3288
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,476
That's the point. Marriott seems to say that anything that the hotel calls an upgrade (including the enhanced rooms in the same category that Starwood gives to Golds and others) is OK, while SPG specifies an upgrade to the best available room, up to and including select standard suites.
Apr 1, 2016, 5:49 pm
#3289
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,279
My understanding (and my experience, after over 1600 SPG nights) is that an upgrade at SPG means any room better than the one you paid for, which includes rooms with better views, on higher floors, corner rooms, rooms on "concierge levels" (where they exist) and, of course, "standard" suites, which can be as underwhelming as larger rooms with a sofa in front of the TV or as grand as "Presidential suites", the latter of which I have been upgraded to quite a few times.
Apr 1, 2016, 5:56 pm
#3290
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
But spg does know what's available, and they will enforce the policy on our behalf and know all the tricks. With mar the properties can do whatever they want.
This is the main reason I know there's no way in hades that mar will keep any significant portion of spg benefits. It would require a complete 180 from letting the properties do what they want to giving members entitlements that are enforced. That's why we have been so loyal, and why we are so dismayed.
This is the main reason I know there's no way in hades that mar will keep any significant portion of spg benefits. It would require a complete 180 from letting the properties do what they want to giving members entitlements that are enforced. That's why we have been so loyal, and why we are so dismayed.
That being said, I've gotten a much higher percentage of suites at Starwood properties than Marriott properties.
Apr 1, 2016, 6:21 pm
#3291
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Programs: Etihad Guest
Posts: 1,550
So to summarise where this thread currently stands:
Marriott Loyalists: "SPG Platinums are spoiled brats who feel entitled to upgrades and late checkouts that they are not entitled to".
Starwood Loyalists: "But we are entitled - it's in the Terms and Conditions and that's why we choose Starwood".
Marriott Loyalists: "But you won't leave anyway, even after Marriott removes those benefits."
Starwood Loyalists: " We are already starting to. Whether it's Hyatt or AMEX FHR, there are plenty of options which still guarantee a 4pm checkout and upgrade."
Marriott Loyalists: "Ah yes, but they don't have a footprint in small US towns like Marriott, so you will stay."
Starwood Loyalists: "Neither do Starwood. We don't need a 2 star hotel in Terre Haute, Indiana. If we cared about that footprint in small towns we wouldn't be SPG Platinums, we would be Marriott Platinums."
Marriott Loyalists: "SPG Platinums are spoiled brats who feel entitled to upgrades and late checkouts that they are not entitled to".
Starwood Loyalists: "But we are entitled - it's in the Terms and Conditions and that's why we choose Starwood".
Marriott Loyalists: "But you won't leave anyway, even after Marriott removes those benefits."
Starwood Loyalists: " We are already starting to. Whether it's Hyatt or AMEX FHR, there are plenty of options which still guarantee a 4pm checkout and upgrade."
Marriott Loyalists: "Ah yes, but they don't have a footprint in small US towns like Marriott, so you will stay."
Starwood Loyalists: "Neither do Starwood. We don't need a 2 star hotel in Terre Haute, Indiana. If we cared about that footprint in small towns we wouldn't be SPG Platinums, we would be Marriott Platinums."
Apr 1, 2016, 6:23 pm
#3292
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,176
Yup
It's like the UA / CO post-merger forum all over again 
Apr 1, 2016, 6:35 pm
#3293
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,279
The way I see it, Marriott is more like a rewards program..The more you stay with us, the more points you get for free nights or package deals or whatever they have there.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
Apr 1, 2016, 6:42 pm
#3294
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
A few comments:
Interesting discussion about the suite policy, but people are correct that the two policies are written quite differently. The important part, IMO, of Marriott's policy is: "Upgrades are ...identified by each hotel." The properties can determine what their upgrade policy is, whether they want to upgrade elite members to just enhanced rooms, or suites. SPG's policy does not give the hotels this flexibility. If a standard suite is available when an SPG Plat member arrives, they are obligated to give this room to them as the policy is written as "upgrades to the BEST AVAILABLE room at check-in, including standard suites."
Also note that Marriott's benefits are even MORE restricted at Ritz Carlton properties...room upgrade T&C state: "Upgrade at time of check‐in based on availability at no extra charge; Suites, Club rooms and Club suites are excluded." (Source: http://www.marriott.com/marriott/hot...carlton/faq.mi)
Regarding SVO, I am a bit worried about how the merger will affect things, but there are agreements in place btw Interval and SPG that state the continuation of elite status and starpoint conversions. There is also a clause stating that this must remain even if the loyalty program changes, although I would guess this is where things will now get a bit foggy. I am worried about the conversion rates that Marriott will give, considering Starwood's conversion rates are so bad already, as well as what the elite status will coorelate to. If Marriott maintains its current tier structure, I assume 5 star elites would retain at least Marriott Gold, being that it has the same night requirement and similar benefits as SPG Plat. However, I worry that the SPG Gold enrollment will translate to Silver, which has extremely little value and benefits, and can be earned simply by getting the Marriott credit card. See below for the wording of the SPG Affiliation Agreements:
Note that Section 4(a) deals with 6 year expiration of starpoints, and 6(a) deals with elite status offerings:
Interesting discussion about the suite policy, but people are correct that the two policies are written quite differently. The important part, IMO, of Marriott's policy is: "Upgrades are ...identified by each hotel." The properties can determine what their upgrade policy is, whether they want to upgrade elite members to just enhanced rooms, or suites. SPG's policy does not give the hotels this flexibility. If a standard suite is available when an SPG Plat member arrives, they are obligated to give this room to them as the policy is written as "upgrades to the BEST AVAILABLE room at check-in, including standard suites."
Also note that Marriott's benefits are even MORE restricted at Ritz Carlton properties...room upgrade T&C state: "Upgrade at time of check‐in based on availability at no extra charge; Suites, Club rooms and Club suites are excluded." (Source: http://www.marriott.com/marriott/hot...carlton/faq.mi)
Regarding SVO, I am a bit worried about how the merger will affect things, but there are agreements in place btw Interval and SPG that state the continuation of elite status and starpoint conversions. There is also a clause stating that this must remain even if the loyalty program changes, although I would guess this is where things will now get a bit foggy. I am worried about the conversion rates that Marriott will give, considering Starwood's conversion rates are so bad already, as well as what the elite status will coorelate to. If Marriott maintains its current tier structure, I assume 5 star elites would retain at least Marriott Gold, being that it has the same night requirement and similar benefits as SPG Plat. However, I worry that the SPG Gold enrollment will translate to Silver, which has extremely little value and benefits, and can be earned simply by getting the Marriott credit card. See below for the wording of the SPG Affiliation Agreements:
The SPG Affiliation Agreement permits Vistana and its affiliates to offer Starpoints to SPG Members as an incentive upon purchase of a Vistana vacation ownership property, for conversion of a licensed vacation ownership interest or property, to resolve certain customer service issues or otherwise as a gesture of goodwill, and for certain promotional purposes.
In the event the SPG Program is combined with or becomes part of another Loyalty Program, Starwood shall treat Owners who hold Starpoints in a manner consistent with other SPG Members other than with respect to the rights described in Sections 4(a) and 6(a).
(a)Elite Offerings. Vistana may provide (i) Gold Preferred Guest status in the SPG Program to any Owner of a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property...and (iii) Platinum Preferred Guest status in the SPG Program to any Owner who is a Five Star Elite member...
Apr 1, 2016, 6:46 pm
#3295
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,460
The way I see it, Marriott is more like a rewards program..The more you stay with us, the more points you get for free nights or package deals or whatever they have there.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
Apr 1, 2016, 6:58 pm
#3296
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YYZ
Posts: 1,669
Here's one of the reasons why Anbang didn't finalize its second offer:
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/a1901...#axzz44ct5Jnc6
Possible that HOT asked Anbang to bear the risk on not obtaining regulatory approvals. Also, I had read elsewhere that Anbang couldn't provide the guarantees of financing that HOT was looking to obtain, both of which factored in determining whether their offer was a "Superior Proposal".
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/a1901...#axzz44ct5Jnc6
Possible that HOT asked Anbang to bear the risk on not obtaining regulatory approvals. Also, I had read elsewhere that Anbang couldn't provide the guarantees of financing that HOT was looking to obtain, both of which factored in determining whether their offer was a "Superior Proposal".
Apr 1, 2016, 7:15 pm
#3297
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,749
The way I see it, Marriott is more like a rewards program..The more you stay with us, the more points you get for free nights or package deals or whatever they have there.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
SPG on the other hand is more like a loyalty program, the more you stay with them, the more/better benefits you get.
Marriott folks don't same to get that. Loyalty program and rewards program are two different things
My observation is that Marriott elite folks are after free nights/packages. Starwood elite folks are after benefits.
+1
Apr 1, 2016, 7:22 pm
#3298
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: 52,224
Is anyone reassured by Arne Sorenson's comments?
http://fortune.com/2016/04/01/marrio...-not-to-worry/
Dont worry Starwood customers, your loyalty points are intact, says Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson.
I think we can make sure the benefits stay the same or get better, but offer them a broader selection, Sorenson told CNBC Friday in an attempt to calm a major fear among Starwood investors: that their loyalty points could be worth less after Marriott buys its rival in a $13.6 billion deal.
I think we can make sure the benefits stay the same or get better, but offer them a broader selection, Sorenson told CNBC Friday in an attempt to calm a major fear among Starwood investors: that their loyalty points could be worth less after Marriott buys its rival in a $13.6 billion deal.
Apr 1, 2016, 7:29 pm
#3299
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,476
Intact could mean that one Starpoint is converted to one MR point.
The comment about same or better benefits but a broader selection could reflect Marriott's emphasize on awards versus SPG's focus on benefits during paid (or award) stays.
The comment about same or better benefits but a broader selection could reflect Marriott's emphasize on awards versus SPG's focus on benefits during paid (or award) stays.
Apr 1, 2016, 7:30 pm
#3300
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
Transcript of today's conference call for those interested: http://seekingalpha.com/article/3962...or?part=single