Marriott may reduce U.S. Sheraton Footprint
Mar 20, 2017, 2:10 pm
#31
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Vistana Chairman
Posts: 6,178
Mar 20, 2017, 2:16 pm
#32
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Wayne, PA USA
Programs: DL MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, HHonors Gold
Posts: 7,247
One thing I always appreciated with Sheraton toiletries that was was unique in it's class was the little yellow shower sponge. I haven't seen those lately though. I wish they'd bring them back (and expand the concept to other brands).
Mar 20, 2017, 4:31 pm
#33
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Here there everywhere
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, BA Silver, Aegean Gold, Aeroplan 25k, AA EXP
Posts: 2,835
In Europe they are still very much present.
Mar 20, 2017, 6:56 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: United 1K, *wood LT Plat
Posts: 826
While the Sheraton I've been staying at is mostly a dump (and I'd stay elsewhere but for trying to make sure I get to 100 nights this year), they do have the shower sponge as standard in all rooms. W's have something similar by request, and I have also seen them at some Westins (the Westin Phoenix Downtown comes to mind).
Mar 22, 2017, 10:57 am
#35
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,278
I agree.
As for the West Des Moines Sheraton, my guess is that the decision to refurbish/renovate was made before Marriott had a say, probably due to the Starwood Sheraton 2020 plan or even possibly earlier.
Though I imagine the Marriott takeover and more aggressive ability for Marriott to put pressure on owners is going to be helpful. Having so many hotels in proximity in many markets also means there is added pressure to refurbish and renovate.
As for the West Des Moines Sheraton, my guess is that the decision to refurbish/renovate was made before Marriott had a say, probably due to the Starwood Sheraton 2020 plan or even possibly earlier.
Though I imagine the Marriott takeover and more aggressive ability for Marriott to put pressure on owners is going to be helpful. Having so many hotels in proximity in many markets also means there is added pressure to refurbish and renovate.
For loyal SPG members, the West Des Moines Sheraton was the "only game in town" anywhere in the Des Moines area.
With SPG and Marriott Rewards being merged, members also have 17 Marriott Rewards properties in Des Moines, West Des Moines, and nearby.
This includes two full-service Marriotts (Downtown Des Moines and West Des Moines), and the historic Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (currently closed for a massive renovation).
AC Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, and TownePlace Suites are also represented.
Element West Des Moines is scheduled to open June 6, 2017.
Yes, there was "added pressure to refurbish and renovate" for the West Des Moines Sheraton.
Last edited by Horace; Mar 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Mar 22, 2017, 12:33 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
I think the real problem are the franchisees. Whenever there is a sheraton I may have issues in, it is 99% of the time one not corporate operated. I think SPG/Marriott should tighten their grip on franchisees or do more often checkups on them. These operators interpret rules their ways, they don't provide appropriate training for their staff and skimp on services, which all results in the uneven experience across the brand. When you are running a brand that is a real problem.
In hospitality that should be relatively easy to achieve
In hospitality that should be relatively easy to achieve
flyertalk.com/forum/travel-news/1535972-hospitality-magazine-do-we-have-too-many-sub-brands-hotel-group.html#post22529911
service is not easy (actually hardest) to achieve
some well/best regarded are franchises with good management companies/owners
owners vary dramatically, whether they invest in manager and upkeep
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Mar 22, 2017 at 2:20 pm
Mar 22, 2017, 8:48 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 11,024
I have stayed at some pretty bad Sheratons so I can make status with SPG. Sheraton Annapolis, for example, was terrible. It converted to a CP and got all new beds....but closed the lounge.
The one I stayed probably 80 nights in last year wasn't great - biggest problem was the lounge. It has actually drastically improved in the last few months!
The one I stayed probably 80 nights in last year wasn't great - biggest problem was the lounge. It has actually drastically improved in the last few months!