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Originally Posted by pvn
(Post 30078376)
I mean, if we're just going on bare speculation and don't have to provide any data... Usually that particular objection is specifically brought up when it comes to lounges. SPG grants lounge access with a much smaller level of effort from the guest (as few as 25 nights!) so I would think a higher percentage of SPG crossovers would be sampling lounges than the opposite.
(And let's not get into "levels of effort" to reach Plat, given what we have seen w/Marriott CC spend, Rewarding Events, Rollover nights, etc.) |
Originally Posted by HeadInTheClouds
(Post 30078676)
I was lifetime plat in both SPG & MR. SPG always had such a distasteful element of status flaunting that it always left me feeling icky watching those around me checking in. It figures those kind of people would be 'terrified'. Marriott was always much more predictable, comfortable and dependable. I don't care for or even desire suites unless I am traveling with someone, which is almost assuredly the time I won't be getting one (longer stays, popular properties, etc.). Who needs that suite on a one night stay by yourself in Omaha? That's why most of my stays in the long run went to Marriott.
You version of dependable, predictable, comfortable I have to say may apply in North American but in Asia and many parts of Europe I find Marriott to be frankly boring and uninspiring with varied service levels and very poor customer service when you call the Platinum line when compared to SPG. Everyone has different needs and likes / dislikes and to some Marriott fit that but to many others it didn't SPG did, as for status flaunting sorry you see that in all elite programs hotels, Airlines it really doesn't matter, it's just there but generally the more desirable the program the more you see It as it attracts more people. |
Originally Posted by UKTraveller4Fun
(Post 30080137)
Not everyone travels alone and Spg actually was pretty good at upgrading longer stays to suites and as such some people do desire / value them.
Originally Posted by UKTraveller4Fun
(Post 30080137)
You version of dependable, predictable, comfortable I have to say may apply in North American but in Asia and many parts of Europe I find Marriott to be frankly boring and uninspiring with varied service levels and very poor customer service when you call the Platinum line when compared to SPG.
Originally Posted by UKTraveller4Fun
(Post 30080137)
Everyone has different needs and likes / dislikes and to some Marriott fit that but to many others it didn't SPG did, as for status flaunting sorry you see that in all elite programs hotels, Airlines it really doesn't matter, it's just there but generally the more desirable the program the more you see It as it attracts more people.
SPG promises a 10, delivers a random number above 6, but arms you with the T&C to fight your way up to an 8 or 9 or even that occasional “10” stay. Marriott promises a 7 and delivers a 7, and doesn’t leave you with any higher expectations. Maybe I accept a lower level of benefits consistently executed in a dependable fashion. I’m ok with that, and hence I’m not “terrified” of losing my negotiating sword. Clearly, YMMV, and that is in fact the entire point of the article we are discussing :cool:. |
Originally Posted by HeadInTheClouds
(Post 30081234)
SPG promises a 10, delivers a random number above 6, but arms you with the T&C to fight your way up to an 8 or 9 or even that occasional “10” stay. Marriott promises a 7 and delivers a 7, and doesn’t leave you with any higher expectations. Maybe I accept a lower level of benefits consistently executed in a dependable fashion. I’m ok with that, and hence I’m not “terrified” of losing my negotiating sword. Clearly, YMMV, and that is in fact the entire point of the article we are discussing :cool:. But with 70 actual nights at MR properties so far in 2018 and 25 actual night at SPG properties so far in 2018, its clear to me that Marriott delivers more consistently and my suite upgrade rate at legacy MR properties in 2018 that is far higher than in legacy SPG properties (40 percent vs 20 percent). I attribute that difference to (a) many -- but not all -- Marriott properties recognize that Plat Premier guests get priority and (b) many SPG properties don't prioritize. Other than that, both programs deliver the breakfast/lounge - plat gift, benefits exactly as planned. And, except at a recent LC stay, I've always gotten the 4 PM checkout at both. That being said, I've had excellent stays at both and I think things will continue to be just fine.I tend to think the issues will actually be at the extremes -- there were those who stayed 25 times and were used to plat benefits that they won't get any more and those of us who spend 125-150 nights a year and will now be in the same boat as those who spend half that. |
Originally Posted by C17PSGR
(Post 30081766)
But with 70 actual nights at MR properties so far in 2018 and 25 actual night at SPG properties so far in 2018, its clear to me that Marriott delivers more consistently and my suite upgrade rate at legacy MR properties in 2018 that is far higher than in legacy SPG properties (40 percent vs 20 percent). I attribute that difference to (a) many -- but not all -- Marriott properties recognize that Plat Premier guests get priority and (b) many SPG properties don't prioritize.
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Originally Posted by HeadInTheClouds
(Post 30081234)
SPG promises a 10, delivers a random number above 6, but arms you with the T&C to fight your way up to an 8 or 9 or even that occasional “10” stay. Marriott promises a 7 and delivers a 7, and doesn’t leave you with any higher expectations. Maybe I accept a lower level of benefits consistently executed in a dependable fashion. I’m ok with that, and hence I’m not “terrified” of losing my negotiating sword. Clearly, YMMV, and that is in fact the entire point of the article we are discussing :cool:.
I have long thought SPG to have an Avis-like "we try harder" mentality as it's not some behemoth with a property on every corner. People choose Starwood - they don't just default to it. |
Originally Posted by phltraveler
(Post 30081908)
Just to be clear due to the confusing rename of gold 50 nights in Marriott to Plat and 75 nights from Plat to Plat Premier, are you talking about the new Merged Plat Premier level (75 nights, published) or the legacy plat premier level in MR (unpublished, invite only)? That suite upgrade percentage might vary on location, property, etc. but I'm curious as I've heard a lot of (legacy invite only) Plat Premiers complaining it gave no benefit at all.
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Originally Posted by UA-NYC
(Post 30082280)
YMMV. 800+ nights at SPG (9 years Plat) and I rarely get below an 8, and am usually at a 9 or 10. I can count on one hand the times I've had to "fight" for anything. Less of a need for any fighting when you have a robust set of base benefits to work with.
I have long thought SPG to have an Avis-like "we try harder" mentality as it's not some behemoth with a property on every corner. People choose Starwood - they don't just default to it. the ONLY time I have had to negotiate over anything with an spg property is those times when I want to show up and check in at 5am and the property is still on the night before meaning they might want me to pay for a full day while only officially getting a room for a few hours. 9 times out of 10 their response is 'platinum member?' sure, we can work something out.... But in terms of benefits that i'm entitled to per the T&Cs? Never had to fight for one of those. not ever. |
I've had to fight for suite upgrades and the 4 pm guaranteed late checkout at SPG properties, but I still very much prefer Starwood over Marriott. I've also had more suite upgrades in a typical six month period at SPG than I've had lifetime with MR. |
Originally Posted by phltraveler
(Post 30081908)
Just to be clear due to the confusing rename of gold 50 nights in Marriott to Plat and 75 nights from Plat to Plat Premier, are you talking about the new Merged Plat Premier level (75 nights, published) or the legacy plat premier level in MR (unpublished, invite only)? That suite upgrade percentage might vary on location, property, etc. but I'm curious as I've heard a lot of (legacy invite only) Plat Premiers complaining it gave no benefit at all.
Originally Posted by UA-NYC
(Post 30082289)
Said poster and I have had many a back and forth on this, and (again no offense) he seems to be an outlier with a better UG percentage w/MR than SPG. Whereas I've seen many more posters IMO, long-time MR folks, who are amazed at the amount of suite upgrades they have gotten w/SPG in a very short time-frame.
In contrast, I've had multiple more suite upgrades in Marriott properties just in July and August alone. Perhaps its attributable to the legacy Plat Premier status on the Marriott side. But ... if all I was giving up was two suite upgrades in 25 nights, I wouldn't be two worried about my loss of "perks." That's not to say Marriott is perfect ... The reality is these are all functions of effective general managers who want to drive business from repeat customers, not the program per se. |
I have 60% suite upgrades this year with stays in Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA (NYC, SFO). I just don't see that happening in the new programme.
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Originally Posted by MSPeconomist
(Post 30082442)
I've had to fight for suite upgrades and the 4 pm guaranteed late checkout at SPG properties, but I still very much prefer Starwood over Marriott. I've also had more suite upgrades in a typical six month period at SPG than I've had lifetime with MR. |
Originally Posted by remymartin
(Post 30083262)
I have 60% suite upgrades this year with stays in Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA (NYC, SFO). I just don't see that happening in the new programme.
Do you think Marriott corporate is going to rap knuckles at your local Le Meridien if they upgrade you? |
Originally Posted by pvn
(Post 30083521)
Why not? It's almost entirely at the discretion of individual hotels.
Do you think Marriott corporate is going to rap knuckles at your local Le Meridien if they upgrade you? 1) Because the amount of suites is constant at the brand / properties I plan to stay at whereas in a new combined programme the amount of upgrade eligible elites will drastically increase 2) Because the "leaked" T&C already suggests language on upgrade exclusion / priority based on tier level |
Originally Posted by remymartin
(Post 30084152)
Two reasons:
1) Because the amount of suites is constant at the brand / properties I plan to stay at whereas in a new combined programme the amount of upgrade eligible elites will drastically increase 2) Because the "leaked" T&C already suggests language on upgrade exclusion / priority based on tier level |
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