Oh so you've checked in a lot of people who couldn't afford the houses they bought?
I am sick about this merger. Sad for Starwood -- who I've been a loyal VIP/Platinum member for years. As I always say ... if I want to go camping, I check into a Marriott. This merger may have me move to Hilton or Hyatt!
I am a member of Marriott and Starwood reward programs and like them both for different reasons. Perhaps they can keep both programs going and allow a member to exchange points as needed. The exchange would not necessarily be one Starwood Point One one Marriott point. The exchange rate would have to be determined. And, what happens to points earned from Starwood and Marrriot Timeshare Programs?
Well, there goes the neighborhood.
As an SPG member, I'm sad.
I've had many happy times in Starwood hotels on business (in Houston of all places -- the words happy, business, and Houston used in a sentence un-ironically is a rare thing) and for pleasure.
But now it's gone, all gone. The smell of hospitality still lingered in the air...
...well, I'm off to decapitate a duck.
Ho, ho, ho !
As an SPG member, I'm sad.
I've had many happy times in Starwood hotels on business (in Houston of all places -- the words happy, business, and Houston used in a sentence un-ironically is a rare thing) and for pleasure.
But now it's gone, all gone. The smell of hospitality still lingered in the air...
...well, I'm off to decapitate a duck.
Ho, ho, ho !
1
All the brands mentioned are mostly mid range business hotels. This is not where one finds real luxury. Regardless, with hotels as with airlines, the points games are drawing to a close. Time to cash in one's chips with all of them, and stop chasing "elite" tiers that offer very little.
1
I'm signed up for both Starwood and Marriott, but in the end I stayed with Marriott as my go to place. There are wide ranges in hotels offered through both chains, but the bottom in Marriott is far higher than the bottom in Starwood. You don't always get to upscale when you travel, but when you find your self with only the bottom of the heap to pick from, I found Marriott always offers a good nights rest in a comfortable room. Starwood, sometimes, meh?
Marriott's upper tier is superlative. Looking forward to my Marriott signature hotel vacation this year, on Hawaii.
Marriott's upper tier is superlative. Looking forward to my Marriott signature hotel vacation this year, on Hawaii.
Perhaps the merger will ensure the availability of hitherto unavailable falcon-flavored mousse? Now that would give the whiners real bragging rights...
1
My concern is the points program. My Starwood AMEX earns one point per dollar spent, just like the Marriott card does. The difference is that I can get an equivalent Starwood hotel for fewer points than I can a Marriott. It used to take twice as many points at Marriott, but the gap has closed in recent years.
Will I my Starwood card still be a good deal?
Will I my Starwood card still be a good deal?
I've stayed more than 400 nights at Sheraton in the last 5 years. I live near the Great Lakes. One night, I arrived in my room to a framed photo of a lighthouse located near my home with a note, "Just to make you feel more at home." Signed by the staff. Plus, I've received a holiday card signed by the staff for years. They know me. They call me by name. Marriott, I hope you can deliver!
1
That over-the-top attention is not the job of a hotel. It is their job to deliver a clean and comfortable room; something that has always been true for me at Marriott properties but not Sheraton.
5
This sort of sounds like when flight attendants are there for your safety and not your comfort
Starwood is great on marketing... but terrible on delivery. Yes, I know Starwood has some unique properties and promises a lot, but aside of the frills their regular properties don't deliver anything more than Marriott's. I have been in the New York hospitality market for 18 years, and I can tell from first-hand experience that Starwood management has many operational challenges here in the city. Their managerial turnover is staggering, and they are incompetent when it comes to union labor relations. I hope that Marriott completely turns-over their housekeeping, front office, and F&B banquet management operations and can stabilize the Starwood properties from a constant managerial merry-go-round.
As a business traveler I've stayed in a few Starwoods and came to realize that many of their employees, at least the ones you see behind the counter or in the restaurants, have been with them a very long time, ten or twenty years, and same with Hilton. But every time I stay at a Marriott (which is far more often including several re-visits each year to a handful of their brands, there are always new people, lots of turnover.
A Hilton airport-shuttle driver told me he'd been at that hotel for eight years. It seems to me that Hilton and Starwood must treat their employees far more generously and respectfully.
A Hilton airport-shuttle driver told me he'd been at that hotel for eight years. It seems to me that Hilton and Starwood must treat their employees far more generously and respectfully.
2
I have been a concierge with Marriott for 17 years - of the 13 concierge on staff, the least senior has put in 9 years with the company. I can assure you that Marriott is phenomenal to it's employees. The benefits are outstanding, from free health care insurance (not only to me but to my same-sex partner at no charge to myself) to top of the line salaries and an atmosphere of genuine caring. All I ask is you give us a shot - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
2
I did not know what a Marriott was until my company booked me there for two years (yes two years) when working in California. After the generous breakfast and the free shopping service (delivered to my refrigerator) the maid picked up after me (every day). At night after the (free draft beer) I would light the fireplace and me and the (cat) would settle in. After two years I had earned enough points to fly to the U.K and return, get a D70 Nikon camera with enough points to fly pretty much anywhere left over. Warmly greeting now at over 200 properties (sure there are exceptions) I learned about hospitality from a company I never knew. Now, Marriott provides a safe home for me and my children who studied in the concierge suites going to college...why? Because I knew I could trust the Marriott to take care of them. Day and night. I rate that 5 stars....plus I'm not much for birds on chains.
1
I'm glad that so many people have good experiences at Starwood hotels. I went to one once, and I never will again. Breakfast tray still in the room at 9 p.m,, really scary parking garage - I could go on.
One thing I haven't seen posted: Kimpton is lovely, matched my SPG Platinum status earlier this year, has panache and unique attributes to each property, and comes with that handy wine happy hour every evening. Now, the geographic reach is limited but for most consulting or industry travelers there are Kimpton properties in every major US city. Haven't looked back.
2
Ironic, given that Kimpton was eaten by IHG 12/31/14.
You poor, pampered infants. We peons can only imagine your pain...
26
It's amazing how many road warriors are crying about devalued perks paid for by their employer. And further, how many are criticizing "big companies". I wonder how many of y'all work for multinational corporations yourself.
I'm a self employed road warrior - I pay for my own travel in other words. It's just a hotel people. Someplace to lay your weary head and get a good night's sleep after a hard day of work. If you expect a castle staffed with surfs then you've got issues.
Loyalty programs are marketing tools to hook you into a specific brand and then, hopefully, lock you there. Even though the rewards seem like getting something for free, its similar to over paying your taxes and then celebrating when the IRS returns your own money as a refund.
I'm a self employed road warrior - I pay for my own travel in other words. It's just a hotel people. Someplace to lay your weary head and get a good night's sleep after a hard day of work. If you expect a castle staffed with surfs then you've got issues.
Loyalty programs are marketing tools to hook you into a specific brand and then, hopefully, lock you there. Even though the rewards seem like getting something for free, its similar to over paying your taxes and then celebrating when the IRS returns your own money as a refund.
9
If you have resigned yourself to a degree of lowered expectations, you are welcomed to "reside" there. "...expect a castle to be staffed by serfs than you've got issues..."? I wonder about the "serfs" that manage to change and clean your room. I think you manage to snooze where "you" can afford.
Do not even entertain the thought that I frequent the "castles" I am like you. Just a safe and clean place. But, I certainly do not denigrate those that aspire to more comfort and well being.
Do not even entertain the thought that I frequent the "castles" I am like you. Just a safe and clean place. But, I certainly do not denigrate those that aspire to more comfort and well being.
2
This really shouldn't be a surprise. Very rarely does financial engineering "create value". What usually happens is that one group wins because another group loses in a zero sum game. Consider, for example, tax inversions to defraud the U.S Treasury, corporate debt downgrades as leverage increases, exploitation of workers by reneging on pensions and benefit packages, and devaluations of customer loyalty programs. So forget all the blown smoke about efficiencies, synergies, alignment, maximizing shareholder value, etc. Those slogans are usually just pretty words so that the few can take advantage of the many. But you can count on corporate insiders, management consultants, and investment bankers to keep making these pitches because they are rewarded so handsomely for doing so.
5
I sure hope these suffering elites can avoid staying at the same hotels as the merely affluent. Because if they did, what would the world have come to?
9
I know this article wasn't intended to be humorous, but I laughed several times anyway. Having a life that keeps you on the road 100+ nights a year doesn't make you a special person. It makes you a good customer.
That said, I would expect special treatment, too, were I loyal to a brand and unfortunate enough to have to spend a third of my life in hotels.
That said, I would expect special treatment, too, were I loyal to a brand and unfortunate enough to have to spend a third of my life in hotels.
11
As a Starwood 100 night+ Platinum this year I have appreciated very much SPG properties and varieties. I have stayed at most of their brands regularly. I've also upgraded a Marriott membership accidentally last year, didn't realize I had enough stays to qualify. My wife is a Hyatt platinum. At the end of the day each property influences as much as the brand. I've had amazing experiences in each, and terrible in each. But, my SPG Ambassador has been very helpful in resolving challenges. Still, I had no idea I could get a chocolate raspberry mouse at any of the hotels. My only "entitled" issue is if the program indicates I can have a late checkout then I'd really like to have that amenity for the few times I can even use it. Normally I'm out the door by 7 am and don't look back.
1
I always disliked dealing with frequent travelers during my years in the industry not because I begrudged them their privileges, but because so many of them seem to have internalized their status to the point that they think they are actually a better, more deserving kind of human than those lower class types with whom they must rub shoulders as they pass through an airport, or rent a car, or use a hotel. You can see that in many of these comments. If they could just drop that attitude and recognize that their benefits are an impersonal commercial transaction based on travel frequency, not who they are, and that no one gets everything they want all of the time, the travel world would revolve much more smoothly.
31
An enthusiastic two thumbs up for your comment David! While I enjoy the perks that my frequent travels earn me, acting like I'm the Queen of Sheba is just plain uncalled for. You are absolutely spot-on that these things are marketing strategies and not personal - although the companies would like you to think that. Further, the cost of those strategies is built into the cost of the room/airline ticket/car rental. I've paid for the perks I've earned and I should expect the company to make good on my investment but no more than that.
I often wonder why people get so attached to their "special" treatment. Could it be they feel invisible and insignificant in the world?
I often wonder why people get so attached to their "special" treatment. Could it be they feel invisible and insignificant in the world?
11
I'm a Marriott Rewards member. I've stayed about 150 nights at hotels this year but none at the Marriott. I'm also a Hilton Honors member and have been staying at Hilton properties exclusively. It started because Hilton locations were much more convenient for me but I quickly found that the Hilton Honors program was far better than Marriott Rewards. Easier to get upgrades, better points + cash options and they have a double the points option you can select for a few extra dollars. They have been running a triple the points promotion on weekends for the last few months. Also if you are short on points and need just a few thousand to book a rewards night, Marriott forces you to purchase those points 8 days in advance. Hilton instantly credits your account. That sucks if you are trying to plan a last minute trip. Good luck Starwood customers.
1
So where is the U.S. Department of Justice, which is supposed to protect U.S. citizens from such monopolies? As usual, after lawyers representing Marriott rack up obscene legal fees doing nonsensical gymnastics with DOJ bureaucratic idiots that are being paid by tax-payer dollars, the merger will go through and the consumer will once again be the loser. Whether the airlines, pharmaceuticals, financial, telecommunications or any other industry sector, the result is always the same: lobbyists, corporate lawyers and the large corporations win and the consumer loses. While I favor free enterprise, I am against allowing poor run monopolies to be created that make profit through high prices, mediocre products and shoddy customer service due to few remaining competitors of size or scale.
8
@Tim
Well said. It is more than perplexing that in the past decade the DOJ has relentlessly pursued various cartel activities among competitors while seemingly indifferent to mergers that result in monopolies or duopolies. In the latter, mergers just replace cartels in their anti-competitive harm to consumers but with reduced risk of prosecution or civil suits. Enough! Consumers need to direct their anger and disapproval about these mergers toward the Department of Justice rather than wasting energy complaining to the winning party in the mergers. This particular merger is bad for the hotel industry.
Well said. It is more than perplexing that in the past decade the DOJ has relentlessly pursued various cartel activities among competitors while seemingly indifferent to mergers that result in monopolies or duopolies. In the latter, mergers just replace cartels in their anti-competitive harm to consumers but with reduced risk of prosecution or civil suits. Enough! Consumers need to direct their anger and disapproval about these mergers toward the Department of Justice rather than wasting energy complaining to the winning party in the mergers. This particular merger is bad for the hotel industry.
3
Hyatt looks like the clear winner in this merger. And they too offer late check-out.
2
I've traveled a lot for work and have over 350 nights with SPG over the past 5 years. I don't care at all about the ambassador service. I do like that all Starwood properties meet a high standard and I'm treated well as a guest. The biggest issue for me is that Marriott is a terrible company that I have no interest in doing business with. They supported Prop 8 in California and they don't reflect my values as a consumer. I will not stay at a Marriott and I am going to burn my existing points before the merger closes and never look back.
18
Exactly right, and completely ignored in this article. Many would say that Marriot's well known political views are mysogynist.
9
I have over 550 lifetime nights with Starwood and I agree with Jonah; Marriott is NOT a company that has respect for my values and thus I have zero respect for the company. This was the WORSE possible company for the Starwood board to have chosen as their suitor. Isn't well known that Marriott is not only the least gay friendly large hotel chain but is also one of the least gay friendly corporations based in America? I'm lifetime Platinum, however, I as well will be using up my Starpoints and switching loyalties next year. Most likely to Hyatt (the company that SHOULD have purchased Starwood as it is the more ideological fit). This is literally a nightmare that I never expected and words can't contain my outrage!
4
I use to travel a lot (up to 200 nights in a year) back in the days before post-9/11 security.
But, seriously, someone else is paying for the trip (and most places that consultants stay at are not dumps) and you get the rewards. I now have to travel on my own dime (if I get the chance at all) and believe me, you have it good! Stop complaining and just enjoy what you do get.
But, seriously, someone else is paying for the trip (and most places that consultants stay at are not dumps) and you get the rewards. I now have to travel on my own dime (if I get the chance at all) and believe me, you have it good! Stop complaining and just enjoy what you do get.
6
Another failure of antitrust regulation is that nearly all hotel booking channels are now owned by that awful company, Expedia.
5
This merger is frightening for me. I am a loyal Starwood member and only stay at competitor hotels when my company books for trips which so some strange reason tends to be some form of a Marriott property. Im sure the no frills of a midwest traveler may suit some, but my tastes for amenities and service yearn for more for my dollar spent. I can only hope that the minimum stays and exclusive offerings dont change much or I will definitely land in the arms of a loving Hyatt property or boutique spots that know the value of heavenly beds and thread counts over 1,000.
1
For those people who don't understand the concept of business travel, go on a trip for six months to dirty hotels along a string of smelly rental cars and struggle with the bad internet connections, poor food and lack of privacy and a sea of strangers who have to replace all your friends and family. It is a poor existence and if I need to have a better space inline of preferential treatment I consider this taking a defensive posture during travel. Marriotts money grubbing chemical soap hotel service is not a pleasant way to live; sort of like a cleanedup jail cell. Its not whining its more like trying to have a small space pop pleasantness in a very unpleasant existence.
Live this life before you accuse people of being whiners.
Live this life before you accuse people of being whiners.
10
Too many people have accepted a pedestrian lifestyle in this country. Too many accept low standards.
Whether it's the public schools, business conduct, molesting priests, lying politicians, or corporate bureaucrats all we hear is "This will be better for you." "It's new and improved "(though it's the same old soap) . And "you will have more choice"( but the cost or points needed are higher, or they expire). It's all designed to sell you down and make you settle for less.
You don't merge Tiffany's with Zales to give people more choice. You build a new upscale resort.
Did anyone ever think of swapping hotel properties like kind with marriott to let them focus on their less demanding customer base and allow Starwood to personalize the sterile St Regis experience? Strategic alternatives anyone??
I wonder how much in bonuses will be paid out on this deal to Starwood management.
Whether it's the public schools, business conduct, molesting priests, lying politicians, or corporate bureaucrats all we hear is "This will be better for you." "It's new and improved "(though it's the same old soap) . And "you will have more choice"( but the cost or points needed are higher, or they expire). It's all designed to sell you down and make you settle for less.
You don't merge Tiffany's with Zales to give people more choice. You build a new upscale resort.
Did anyone ever think of swapping hotel properties like kind with marriott to let them focus on their less demanding customer base and allow Starwood to personalize the sterile St Regis experience? Strategic alternatives anyone??
I wonder how much in bonuses will be paid out on this deal to Starwood management.
1
Anyone that has to travel 100 to 200 nights a year to make a living is clearly an unwise person. And therefore unqualified to provide advice on hotel mergers or mousse presentation frequency.
6
Yes Chris, we should give up our pursuit of a better life for our families and just quit our oppressive employers.
6
Marriott acquisitions are seamless and painless (see: Ritz Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn brands before Marriott bought them). If I were a betting man, I'd venture a guess that Marriott would offer a favorable conversion rate from SW points to Marriott Rewards points or comp night vouchers for room categories above the typical 1-5 hotels. SW members would have more to gain than loose.
4
We don't want to stay in their hotels though. If you don't want fish, it's not a dealing you want me to trade my steak.
Lot's of people are enjoying mocking these poor frequent travelers.
But - if you're spending over 100 nights a year in a hotel, then these perks are pretty important, not just for you, but for your spouse and family when you take them on vacation.
But - if you're spending over 100 nights a year in a hotel, then these perks are pretty important, not just for you, but for your spouse and family when you take them on vacation.
14
For all you SPG members, stop crying. Marriott Rewards is the best says recent Wall Street Journal study:
"The study found 54% higher loyalty-program payback on average from a stay at a Marriott hotel than from a stay at a Starwood property such as Sheraton."
chk it out: http://www.wsj.com/articles/hotel-rewards-programs-the-best-and-the-rest...
"The study found 54% higher loyalty-program payback on average from a stay at a Marriott hotel than from a stay at a Starwood property such as Sheraton."
chk it out: http://www.wsj.com/articles/hotel-rewards-programs-the-best-and-the-rest...
2
Sheraton stays trump Marriott by leaps for business travelers and families seeking value stays. I consider Sheratons the Marriott of the Starwood chain.
2
Sure, and the people who write these articles about hotels etc get their hotels and food etc comped. Yeah. We trust that bias a lot.
2
As usual, reality doesn't represent what's printed in the WSJ.
The Marriott program is not even close to being on par with SPG. SPG is, by far, the best hotel program in existence.
Have you been to a Marriott vs a Westin? *Shudder*.
The Marriott program is not even close to being on par with SPG. SPG is, by far, the best hotel program in existence.
Have you been to a Marriott vs a Westin? *Shudder*.
1
The issue isn't falconry or chocolate parfaits and stuff like that. The issue is less competition, lower levels of service -- whenever I check into a Marriott, whether it is in Arizona, Maryland or elsewhere -- I know there is a high probability the internet will stink and the bathrooms will be old and ratty -- and the likely loss of the best rewards program in the country. It is simply easier to get free and better rooms with Starwood than any other chain.
By the way, where are US antitrust regulators. We will soon have four phone companies, four cable companies, four airlines and four hotel chains, not to mention one dominant search engine, one dominant social media company, and one dominant online retailer. This cannot be good for America in the long-term.
By the way, where are US antitrust regulators. We will soon have four phone companies, four cable companies, four airlines and four hotel chains, not to mention one dominant search engine, one dominant social media company, and one dominant online retailer. This cannot be good for America in the long-term.
16
Four large providers is probably the number that keeps the anti-trust regulators out when you consider market share required to be a monopoly.
I don't know what Marriotts - and I'm talking Marriott brand, not Courtyards or Fairfields - you stay in, but I have not had the same experience as you describe.
As to antitrust issues, Marriott locations are almost all franchises and so are not subject to the same laws as communication companies or airlines.
As to antitrust issues, Marriott locations are almost all franchises and so are not subject to the same laws as communication companies or airlines.
How many travelers spend 200+ nights a year for travel? Presuming that most are business-funded, that is somewhat ignoring new, HD video communications available in many "flavors". If it's for personal travel, then we return to a conversation about the anxieties of the "1%". As a regular Marriott customer at a far lower amount of nights used, I like the utter lack of surprise each property offers and high level of privacy. I suppose the need for personal attention is another one-percenter trait, then? ;)
3
No it's a trait that achievers don't "settle".
1
Are you really arguing that hotels should not strive to offer better service ? I don't think you need to be a 1% to want good service
Even for those of us who are not frequent travelers Starwood has the best rewards plan: more free nights for fewer points. And the Starwood AmEx card has been the #1 recommendation of many travel writers because of that. Now we'll have to find the #2 choice. Goodbye to all that.
6
The big question is why is this merger going through unopposed. In the late 90's, Hilton attempted to acquire Starwood, but regulators grumbles about one company owning so much of the hotel market. Now, not a grimace to such a deal can be seen. Marriott is a decent company, don't get me wrong. But the merger in this case doesn't serve either the Starwood or Marriott customers in ANY way.
10
Despite the sarcastic comments about the "privileged few" losing their "chocolate-raspberry mousse upon check in", those of us who spend over 100 nights a year on the road, away from our homes and families, do actually deserve and appreciate the respect and, yes, sometimes pampering, that SPG elite membership provides. So until you have walked a mile (or a hundred thousand miles a year) in our shoes, try to keep the snarky comments to yourselves.
18
I'm Starwood Lifetime Platinum. I earned it by being a loyal customer and going out of my way to stay Starwood. I guess this will go the way of my lifetime membership in the TWA Ambassador Club.
Bummer.
Bummer.
10
In "corporate speak, Marriott is going to make your benefits more meaningful to you."
1
I travel a lot, but these days with too many airlines and hotels to qualify for anything remarkable. I've seen perks come and go. Most are simply a means to shift the cost of your vacation travel onto your company expense account, since the airlines and hotels ultimately have to be paid for what they "give away". Nothing is free.
It looks like the Starwood fiddle is coming to an end. Just try to look back and be glad you took advantage when you could.
It looks like the Starwood fiddle is coming to an end. Just try to look back and be glad you took advantage when you could.
1
Darn! I'm gonna miss my falconry.
7
OMG! Is there really a possibility of losing the chocolate-raspberry mousse upon check in? And the 5th!!! row from the beach at a Ritz? What is the world coming to when the privileged few can no longer have their narcissism stoked on every occasion?
27
What Starwood offers that others dont is true variety in stays. The upscale St. Regis to the Four Points no frills airport experience. Ive stayed at them all depending on my needs and value for reward point conversion travel, which by the way is second to none for Starwood airlines. Im a Platinum member thats never asked for a mousse in my life, so please understand that many of the Elite in the group are just like you --- Variety, Convenience, Flexibility and Value drive loyalty.
4
I really dislike Marriott and try to avoid its hotels whenever possible. Back in 2005, I had a long-term stay in a Marriott property in London and was looking forward to at least receiving points for the stay after many 18-hour days of difficult work. But alas, despite numerous pleas to Marriott, the company never issued a single point to me or my co-workers, allegedly because our rooms had been booked under a corporate contract. I have not forgiven Marriott to this day. Compounding my ill-will is the disgusting bigotry and prejudice of the Mormon Church, which is a direct beneficiary of large amounts of Marriott family lucre.
I have always liked Starwood (particularly the Westin brand), and I try to book Starwood for the 4 p.m. late checkout privilege that I receive as a Gold Member, which is really a great benefit. I suspect that in the future this benefit will go the way of the dinosaur, or be obtainable only Marriott super-elites.
I have always liked Starwood (particularly the Westin brand), and I try to book Starwood for the 4 p.m. late checkout privilege that I receive as a Gold Member, which is really a great benefit. I suspect that in the future this benefit will go the way of the dinosaur, or be obtainable only Marriott super-elites.
12
I will say, it's fairly standard practice for all hotel chains to not award points to individuals for a corporate room block. Don't be mad at the hotel - be mad at the coordinator who signed the contract - he or she is the one who got all the points for everyone's stay.
7
Frankly, I suspected that this may have been the case, although if the site coordinator got all the points then Marriott simply could have said as much. The site coordinator denied it, and Marriott never confirmed that she got the points. So I continue to blame Marriott.
Marriott's strong ties to the Mormon Church have subsequently served to deepen my loathing of the company.
Marriott's strong ties to the Mormon Church have subsequently served to deepen my loathing of the company.
1
The big push towards "bigness" began in the 1980s when mergers and acquisitions became the favored way for businesses to grow. Eventually, we will see a world like that in "Rollerball" (the 1975 good version, not the other one) in which there are no more individual businesses but only multinational sectors: energy, transportation, luxury, housing, communication, and food that control everything. At that point it is not going to matter who has the most Platinum loyalty points.
2
"Speaking of unique, Mr. Leff noted he is looking forward to a planned stay at Al Maha, a Starwood Luxury Collection resort in Dubai, in part because it offers falconry."
Seriously?
Spare me!
Seriously?
Spare me!
12
Starwood frequent stay members sound like a bunch of whiny brats! I have been a loyal Marriott member for a number of years and can assure you that Marriott takes very good care of their Marriott rewards customers. Time for Starwood people to chill out a bit.
4
Not all of us are whiny brats. I am a regular guy who pays for economy all the time even though I flew 300,000 miles this past year. I am over 100 nights at Starwood (Ambassador) and I am loyal because I get upgrades most of the time (although some NYC properties can have as many as 125 Ambassador level people for 14 upgraded rooms so good luck there) and there is more variety of nicer properties at reasonable prices vs. Marriott. So I am not whining at all about anything like Falconry since I don't worry about that, but I am very very disappointed by this news - too many people in a program means less benefits if you have earned them. Witness my Diamond status at Delta - doesn't mean much most of the time - too many people in the program and as I said, I don't pay for biz class, so I am a lesser class since I pay too little in their new scheme. The same drop in benefits will happen with SPG. A sad day. Maybe it is back to Hyatt for me.
14
Falconry asside, Marriott points are worth about 1/4 of a Starwood point. As it's unlikely that Marriott will recognize this fact, people like me that have a couple hundred thousand points accrued will likely be screwed.
4
It's not about being "whiny brats".
It's about losing a the best brand/service/program to one that is second rate at best.
If you were a SPG member you'd understand. Staying at a Westin (or splurging on a St Regis/LC hotel) is like staying with family.
It's about losing a the best brand/service/program to one that is second rate at best.
If you were a SPG member you'd understand. Staying at a Westin (or splurging on a St Regis/LC hotel) is like staying with family.
1
Wow.
What a terrible problem.
What a terrible problem.
10
White-people problems. Syrian refugees also lament the lack of falconry in their hosts' accommodations!!
Sigh, sigh.
Sigh, sigh.
3
For the disgruntled SPGers, don't go to Hilton! :-) Yes, I'm one of those frequent travelers who has seen too many hotel rooms and too many flights. Just as the airlines have contracted their frequent flyer programs, the hotel loyalty programs are no different. Hilton redeemable point values are the worst, i.e., you blow just about all of your points earned in a year in a 4 or 5 night stay over the holidays. And while I've "spread the wealth" across my hotel programs over the last several years, I can't say any hotel program is better than the other. They all have trade-offs, but given our governments allowance of monopolies, it's certain that SPG will be less than it once was. Remember: The big guy (Marriott) is buying the smaller guy (SPG).
3
If these people cry over what is really a triviality, what happens when something real and major happens?
"Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand." F. Scott Fitzgerald "The Rich Boy", 1926
"Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand." F. Scott Fitzgerald "The Rich Boy", 1926
12
It seems likely that the better rewards program will be effectively downgraded, but shouldn't there also be a hint of concern over how many employees of both hotel companies will be let go to net the expected 'savings' that are being touted as likely due to the merger? It seems no one in the media is talking about that, for some reason.
7
That is because the number is actually pretty small since it only affect the Corporate offices where there is overlap. Nothing changes at the hotels themselves.
Starwood's loyalty program obviously succeeded in inspiring loyalty from guests; unfortunately that loyalty did not result in the profit performance desired by decision-makers. This situation offers a good illustration showing how an organization's excellent performance in guest/client satisfaction is always a means to an end and never an end in itself: a basic rule rarely grasped by those outside senior management or the board room and never understood by those guests/clients fooled into thinking for-profit organizations care about them.
The moral: never fall in love with an organization.
The moral: never fall in love with an organization.
30
No, the profit was just right to get the owners a good return and cash out. They are getting good value for the brand they created. I do not begrudge them that, but Marriott will get less than they bargained for if they do not treat high value customers as well as SPG did.
1
Egad, the whining of the entitled.
In a few days I shall attend a meeting at a multi-billion dollar institution, participating as an adviser in discussions that will affect its future course. I shall stay in adequate comfort at a Microtel, and will not burden the taxpayers with my expenses.
In a few days I shall attend a meeting at a multi-billion dollar institution, participating as an adviser in discussions that will affect its future course. I shall stay in adequate comfort at a Microtel, and will not burden the taxpayers with my expenses.
12
Such a big company should have provided you with better treatment.
Maybe the IRS should consider retroactively taxing all the business traveler freebies and perks not available to most of us commoners. That would certainly raise the volume of this discussion.
9
Bite your tongue.
They already reviewed it. Talk to a tax lawyer.
1
That would be double taxation as the benefit is already paid for as part of the transaction(s) and taxes have been collected on that transaction. Ever looked at all the added taxes on a hotel bill?
1
We should all have such worries.
13
I'm not familiar with the Mariott brand and it's rewards programs; since it's owned by Mormons I avoid it due to the church's anti-gay and anti-woman policies. I'd simply prefer not to contribute to church coffers via my consumer choices.
30
William Marriott is a Mormon, but Marriott International is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ Exchange. The Catholic church owns billions of shares in corporations such as Gulf Oil, GM, GE, IBM and is the largest landowner in Manhattan. That hardly makes those companies Catholic, nor Manhattan a Catholic entity.
1
Ironic that you imply narrow mindedness of a church (who has nothing to do with Marriott) influencing your purchasing decisions and yet you are so narrow minded to not even know what Mormons really believe, who actually owns Marriott (public company), or that you are not actually familiar with the brand (per your own words) that you are supposedly staying away from. Do you actually know a Mormon? Go find one and talk to them. And for all those that clicked "like" you have just supported the same bigotry this person is citing. Ironic, isn't it?
6
I know Mormons and I know the Church of LDS. I usually have no issues with Mormons as people until they start talking about their church. There's the difference. They think they are the chosen ones and the rest of us are dirty, not worthy, heathens. So, yeah, I avoid giving my hard earned dollars to that type of thinking. The Mormon Church gave plenty of to supporting Prop8 in CA. Again, I will not support organiztions that do those types of things. AND, just to inform you, J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. is still Chairman of Marriott International.
2
This, along with the airlines, is just another example of the legally approved development of monopolies and multinational conglomerates. Anyone else here old enough to remember the movie where AT&T controlled everything?
7
Beethoven wrote 32 piano sonatas. After reading this article (with all due respect to the author), one in particular comes to mind. Care to venture a guess?
7
Pathétique?
9
Le Pathétique.
7
Unfortunately what you see here (and in other places where frequent travelers, ahem, frequent) is the sense of entitlement more than anything else, and I say this as someone who frequents these places and has earned top level status with my airline of necessity and both Hilton and Starwood. These programs are all about getting people to fly or stay at one location vs. another, and they will give things when they need to, and won't when they don't.
Starwood had put itself up for sale because its revenues and profits were lower than its peers. Loyalty programs are pretty low on the considerations here, and as pointed out in the article - the companies legally couldn't share this information ahead of time.
Everyone needs to remember these are businesses, and they are only giving something because they have to (and in the end, we are still paying for these with our airline tickets and costs per stay - nothing is free). If this merger reduces competition (and it will), then they won't need to give as much away. Nobody likes losing a benefit they have received, but we need to all understand the game and that the companies make the rules.
Starwood had put itself up for sale because its revenues and profits were lower than its peers. Loyalty programs are pretty low on the considerations here, and as pointed out in the article - the companies legally couldn't share this information ahead of time.
Everyone needs to remember these are businesses, and they are only giving something because they have to (and in the end, we are still paying for these with our airline tickets and costs per stay - nothing is free). If this merger reduces competition (and it will), then they won't need to give as much away. Nobody likes losing a benefit they have received, but we need to all understand the game and that the companies make the rules.
7
I'm glad about this merger. I think SPG is over-rated and the people that stay there are a bunch of prima donna's. Like the other poster said check me in/out and let me be on my way. You need a chocolate raspberry slice of cake at check in to be happy? If you are looking for fulfillment in life through a hotel your beyond help anyway. I'm sorry that your friends consist of the guy that carried your bag, the girl that gave you the slice of cake and your ambassador but maybe this change will be good for you. If a business merger is so life altering to you and your not an employee maybe it's time to step back and reevaluate.
21
Must be nice to be "glad" for things that don't affect you at all, but are detrimental to people you think are "prima donna's".
To some people, life is about small details and experiences. That's why there's a wide variety of choices on where people can stay, what programs they can join, etc.
And it's perfectly reasonable for people to be sad that that's going away.
Life isn't a zero sum game. People are entitled to express feelings about things that may seem trivial to you.
If you, personally, are not interested in the service/product, no one's forcing you to buy into it. That doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
To some people, life is about small details and experiences. That's why there's a wide variety of choices on where people can stay, what programs they can join, etc.
And it's perfectly reasonable for people to be sad that that's going away.
Life isn't a zero sum game. People are entitled to express feelings about things that may seem trivial to you.
If you, personally, are not interested in the service/product, no one's forcing you to buy into it. That doesn't mean it shouldn't exist.
1
Barro was the perfect person to write this story. Just the right amount of substance and side-eye. Oddly, though, it does make me want to become a "Starwood fanatic."
7
I am not a Starwood person, but very loyal to Marriott and Hilton, but must say the people on here calling business travelers "whiners" or "babies" just shows their own ignorance. My job, as many of the "whiners" you are speaking of, requires much travel and I can't exactly switch careers at 45 years of age.
Business travel has taken me away from my kids, my wife and my home for 20 years, but it is the career I chose and my family loves the free vacation perks. However, don't talk about us "whiny business travelers" being babies or snobs until you spend 150-200 nights a year in hotels. Sure, there are some nice places we travel to, but most seem like the same city over and over again. Yes, we do get to travel on "someone else's money" to glorious places like Cleveland or Detroit in January, sliding a rental car through the snow for 2 hours to arrive at some nasty, overcrowded airport just to find out that your cramped flight, with the subcontracted airline flown by under-experienced pilots, has been cancelled.... Then you call home and have your wife say "not again" and the kids crying in the background. Yea, we live like kings out here, us road warriors! To our critics: go spend 150 nights a year flying and staying in different hotels and then come back and tell us what "whiners" we are! But until then, just be quiet because you sound like idiots to those of us who know better.
Business travel has taken me away from my kids, my wife and my home for 20 years, but it is the career I chose and my family loves the free vacation perks. However, don't talk about us "whiny business travelers" being babies or snobs until you spend 150-200 nights a year in hotels. Sure, there are some nice places we travel to, but most seem like the same city over and over again. Yes, we do get to travel on "someone else's money" to glorious places like Cleveland or Detroit in January, sliding a rental car through the snow for 2 hours to arrive at some nasty, overcrowded airport just to find out that your cramped flight, with the subcontracted airline flown by under-experienced pilots, has been cancelled.... Then you call home and have your wife say "not again" and the kids crying in the background. Yea, we live like kings out here, us road warriors! To our critics: go spend 150 nights a year flying and staying in different hotels and then come back and tell us what "whiners" we are! But until then, just be quiet because you sound like idiots to those of us who know better.
64
Well said. Business travel is generally rather burdensome and not luxurious. Even when staying in more luxurious hotels, after you have been in a hotel room for weeks it's decidedly less comfortable than being at home with family, friends and your stuff. It is usually these perks accorded to frequent travelers that make a stay more tolerable and the reason why many business travelers favor the Starwood brands. Some of the examples mentioned in the article give the wrong impression, not all of us are expecting raspberry mousse, front row beach chairs or falconry, we are just wanting to have our lives made a little less hectic and stressful when on the road.
1
I'm 68 years old and have loyally directed my business to Starwood and United. If what happens to Starwood is the same as United, it will make all of those years of loyalty worthless. Thanks big companies. I remember when we had anti-trust laws that would at least review these transactions to be sure they were in the public's interest. NO more. So I hope everyone will be happy with 3 airlines, banks, hotel chains, oil companies, etc. Maybe fewer so there can be no competition. Where's Teddy Roosevelt when you need him. Isn't 5,000 hotels enough!
27
I am a Marriott Platinum Elite lifetime member which means that I'm in the top 3% of people in their rewards program. All of my points have been garnered from stays at their Fairfield Inn properties. I cannot begin to tell you how anxious I am to use my plethora of points to camp out at the Starwood properties and hang out with the hoity toity such as Mr. Walters. Note to my ambassador: I like chocolate pudding cups, sweet tea and an extra ice tray in my mini fridge.
22
Only upside here is if Marriott learns a few things about loyalty programs and serving -- and rewarding -- the frequent business traveler. I've been a Starwood member for 20 years and enjoy their properties, particularly Westin, W, Le Meridien and St. Regis. The Sheraton brand needs work and the budget Four Points line seems in disarray (most are franchised, I believe).
I think the article overstates the fears a bit -- a 4pm checkout after all is only available to the tiny portion of members who hit the platinum level. The worst thing would be for those of us with hundreds of thousands of SPG points to suddenly find that their "currency" has been severely devalued. Again, if Marriott were smart, they'd build and enhance their own loyalty program with the basics of the SPG program and not the other way around.
I think the article overstates the fears a bit -- a 4pm checkout after all is only available to the tiny portion of members who hit the platinum level. The worst thing would be for those of us with hundreds of thousands of SPG points to suddenly find that their "currency" has been severely devalued. Again, if Marriott were smart, they'd build and enhance their own loyalty program with the basics of the SPG program and not the other way around.
8
Interesting. I just got my notification of the merger from Marriott today along with email of this article in The Upshot. The email from Arne Sorenson, Marriott President and CEO, indicates that there might be future notifications in the coming months. From the email:
"This is the start of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Marriott Rewards program status, your Rewards points or your existing reservations."
As a Marriott rewards member, I, it appears, will receive a net positive, but I support the concerns of SPG members. There is some "anti-elitist" diatribe in posts here, but to them I'll note that SPG is a product in this business of competitors that offers more in the way of amenities. We're not like the old Soviet Union where most everything on restaurant menus was unavailable. We have choice. We like choice, which means possibly having some options that we can't afford or don't want to pay for.
That being said, it is a challenge for companies to merge cultures and retain the best products. From the email I got from Marriott, one could infer that there is a bit of effort here for Marriott to preserve the quality that is currently in a customer's relationship with SPG. The success of this is dependent on the vision of management. It's an exciting opportunity to build a better business.
"This is the start of a long journey as we combine our two companies. For now, we remain separate, and there is no change to your Marriott Rewards program status, your Rewards points or your existing reservations."
As a Marriott rewards member, I, it appears, will receive a net positive, but I support the concerns of SPG members. There is some "anti-elitist" diatribe in posts here, but to them I'll note that SPG is a product in this business of competitors that offers more in the way of amenities. We're not like the old Soviet Union where most everything on restaurant menus was unavailable. We have choice. We like choice, which means possibly having some options that we can't afford or don't want to pay for.
That being said, it is a challenge for companies to merge cultures and retain the best products. From the email I got from Marriott, one could infer that there is a bit of effort here for Marriott to preserve the quality that is currently in a customer's relationship with SPG. The success of this is dependent on the vision of management. It's an exciting opportunity to build a better business.
3
Ask a typical Delta Hotels customer about their loyalty migration experience following the Marriott acquisition. In short, the loyalty points from Delta Privilege were marginalized for the average customer because the points could not be aggregated going forward, and had to be used within an unreasonably short time frame. Delta personnel find themselves having to do a lot of one on one apologizing for how their customers were treated. I suspect this is a reflection of how these staff were treated as well.
It would be great if this were only a free dessert issue but it is not. It is about the care for the loyal road weary traveller.
These acquisitions are driven by greedy financiers seeking market domination and their squinty eyed bean counters. In other words, don't expect it the Starwood experience to be any different, either for the customers or the staff.
It would be great if this were only a free dessert issue but it is not. It is about the care for the loyal road weary traveller.
These acquisitions are driven by greedy financiers seeking market domination and their squinty eyed bean counters. In other words, don't expect it the Starwood experience to be any different, either for the customers or the staff.
7
As a frequent traveler, mindful of expenses even though paid for by my company, I always look for a combination of value/convenience/safety. It is not about the chocolate or the personal calls but it is about a property being able to hold my room until 11pm because the plane/train are unreliable and do not arrive at a destination when the schedule says they should, or the travel schedule that allows me to book the cheaper ticket. Also, waking up and facing a chain of meetings, it is convenient to have the check out at a later time. As we all become more mindful of expenses at work, it is nice to know that the points I accumulate during my frequent travels can be used towards future bookings that would allow three people from my staff to attend a work event as opposed to just one.
It's not about the chocolate. It is sad that the author of this article failed to write a serious piece about mergers aiming to tilt the odds in favor of corporations and away from consumers. Kiss those SPG points goodbye!
It's not about the chocolate. It is sad that the author of this article failed to write a serious piece about mergers aiming to tilt the odds in favor of corporations and away from consumers. Kiss those SPG points goodbye!
12
This might be the longest article I've ever read on a decidedly first-world problem. If you can't get your chocolate-raspberry mousse upon check-in, it just ruins your whole day. Sheesh!
39
And my chocolate-raspberry mousse has to be brought to me at the beach. At my first-row beach chair. By a falcon.
65
Mergers are not meant to benefit the public. They are meant to benefit companies by cutting costs -- and reducing competition. So the worries are justified.
The sliver lining is this: Mergers may create slow and unfriendly behemoth-companies, but mergers also open the door for nimble entrepreneurs that can provide superior service. Think Microsoft vs. Apple (10 years ago), Uber vs. taxi, and -- yes -- hotel chains vs. Airbnb.
The sliver lining is this: Mergers may create slow and unfriendly behemoth-companies, but mergers also open the door for nimble entrepreneurs that can provide superior service. Think Microsoft vs. Apple (10 years ago), Uber vs. taxi, and -- yes -- hotel chains vs. Airbnb.
6
Yes, we are all crying for the Masters of the Universe.
38
if these people knew how dopey the sound... (!)
9
I loved the article about the Marriott and Starwood merger these people come off as snobs who like to complain and think they are better because they use Starwood. Marriott has numerous luxury properties that beat the "hipness" of a W. The best part of the article was Mr. Walters complaining that he wasn't informed ahead of time of the merger, we couldn't stop laughing in our office. Is he part of the executive committee. Thank God he has never been a member of true luxury hotels like the Mandarin Oriental or the Burj Al Arab he would have a fit if they did something without informing him. Being a member of both programs I find Marriott to be more flexible with a wider range of hotels. Hope the cry babies don't ruin the Marriott program.
10
It occurs to me that these might not be the best days for the 1% to be whining about their possible loss of complimentary chocolate-raspberry mousse.
47
People who travel a lot for work are not necessarily part of the 1%. In most cases it's their employer who is footing the bill.
2
Here's a different perspective...
I'm a devoted Marriott person. Marriott has convenient locations for my out-the-way adventures and is predictable, comfortable and staffed with conversational people who, while certainly not greeting me with my favorite dessert, are pleasant and knowledgeable. I also pay a bit less than at a Starwood.
I have no axe to grind with those who want all the frills, personal ambassadors and falconry. You've paid for those things with your room charge, after all. My husband is away from home 2/3 of the year and a member of elite programs, so I get it. Everybody loves those perks, right? As a small business person, I agree that small equates to superior customer service and that the Starwood chain may suffer as a result of this buyout. I'm sorry you may lose that which you love.
But look at the buyout from my perspective. Remember that MY rewards program will also be affected. Reward rooms will likely become more costly and upgrades will be harder to come by even at Marriott, due to the purchase of a more upscale chain. C'est la vie.
So, you 100% Starwooders, keep it perspective. If you find yourself booking into a "pedestrian" Marriott please don't hassle the staff about not being a Starwood.
Besides, aren't there larger concerns in the world than stressing over posh hotels?
I'm a devoted Marriott person. Marriott has convenient locations for my out-the-way adventures and is predictable, comfortable and staffed with conversational people who, while certainly not greeting me with my favorite dessert, are pleasant and knowledgeable. I also pay a bit less than at a Starwood.
I have no axe to grind with those who want all the frills, personal ambassadors and falconry. You've paid for those things with your room charge, after all. My husband is away from home 2/3 of the year and a member of elite programs, so I get it. Everybody loves those perks, right? As a small business person, I agree that small equates to superior customer service and that the Starwood chain may suffer as a result of this buyout. I'm sorry you may lose that which you love.
But look at the buyout from my perspective. Remember that MY rewards program will also be affected. Reward rooms will likely become more costly and upgrades will be harder to come by even at Marriott, due to the purchase of a more upscale chain. C'est la vie.
So, you 100% Starwooders, keep it perspective. If you find yourself booking into a "pedestrian" Marriott please don't hassle the staff about not being a Starwood.
Besides, aren't there larger concerns in the world than stressing over posh hotels?
4
This sounds very similar to the United / Continental merger. If it plays out as such, SPG loyalists (as Continental loyalists did) are going to see a significant decrease in service and value.
10
As a Continental loyalist I know exactly how this one is going to turn out.
I'm pleased my "pedestrian" comment irritated so many too. This dialogue is not about whether there are greater problems in the world to deal with, though some of the commentators want to make a political statement and moralize, it's about Starwood's disregard for customers that patronized and supported their brand. Regardless of the political viewpoints of some on here or even the lament about treats, we paid for the rewards and the better experience we received. There still are some in this society that believe we shouldn't all be treated as homogenized cattle and forced to settle.
I'm pleased my "pedestrian" comment irritated so many too. This dialogue is not about whether there are greater problems in the world to deal with, though some of the commentators want to make a political statement and moralize, it's about Starwood's disregard for customers that patronized and supported their brand. Regardless of the political viewpoints of some on here or even the lament about treats, we paid for the rewards and the better experience we received. There still are some in this society that believe we shouldn't all be treated as homogenized cattle and forced to settle.
5
The amusing thing about elite status perk complaints is that people are complaining about the perks to which they feel entitled, despite not spending their own money. Elite-level travelers are business travelers, they're not shelling out huge amounts of money to gain status, apart from the occasional, absurd status trips that some people make when their business travel for a year falls just short of the mark for one level or another.
14
Nothing is sadder than to see a bunch of working stiffs who travel on someone else's dime going ape bonkers because they might see a small dip in their great bennies.
Sad does not begin to describe how bad I feel for these poor folks who are still treated 10,000 times better than the rest of us who use our own money to stay somewhere.
Sad does not begin to describe how bad I feel for these poor folks who are still treated 10,000 times better than the rest of us who use our own money to stay somewhere.
44
You obviously don't travel for work for a living. Because we business travelers are traveling on "company money" you think it's just wine, grapes and chocolate every day, eh? Well, Alpha Doc, go spend 200 nights a year in hotels and you will realize how ridiculous you sound.
10
When people bring up the "company money" issue, they're not assuming that you're wining and dining at the finest establishments and going to bed at the grandest hotels every night -- that's irrelevant.
The point is that business travelers ought not feel such a strong sense of entitlement for points that are earned with, say, Deloitte company money. That is, aggrieved elites would have a far more sympathetic case if they stood to get screwed out of the benefits they've diligently earned with personal funds.
The point is that business travelers ought not feel such a strong sense of entitlement for points that are earned with, say, Deloitte company money. That is, aggrieved elites would have a far more sympathetic case if they stood to get screwed out of the benefits they've diligently earned with personal funds.
4
And some of are small business owners who do use our own funds when we have to travel.
2
Starwood properties are always at the top of my priority list when I travel for work or personal time. Marriott, well only in a pinch. And that pinch needs to be very pronounced.
5
Forget about personal service; I've studiously avoided Marriotts and favored Starwood since the whole Prop 8 thing:
Though the Marriott Corporation is very good on diversity and inclusion efforts, Marriott profits accrue to the Marriott Family, which gives 10% in tithes to the LDS Church, which supported Prop 8, posthumously baptizes Jews, yet now refuses to baptize the children of Gay parents, etc., etc. etc.
Though the Marriott Corporation is very good on diversity and inclusion efforts, Marriott profits accrue to the Marriott Family, which gives 10% in tithes to the LDS Church, which supported Prop 8, posthumously baptizes Jews, yet now refuses to baptize the children of Gay parents, etc., etc. etc.
67
Agree; we won't patronize the Marriott brand because of its connection to Mormon bigotry.
7
As to whether the family themselves donate to the church - hey, it's a free country. But Bill Marriott himself was against prop 8, and Marriott was the first major company to call for a repeal of Doma. To hold an entire company responsible for every aspect of the religious doctrines of a church the founder is a member of is a pretty big leap.
Also, I have been a concierge for Marriott for 17 years. I get free health insurance in a fantastic plan, and so does my same sex partner - also at no cost to me. Marriott has also received a 100% rating from the HRC for diversity and inclusion of lgbtq employees for several years. I can assure you that as a gay man, I have never felt discriminated against in any way by this company - quite the opposite. You might want to check Marriott's 'Love Travels' campaign. It's pretty enlightening. Anyway, had to jump in - thanks for listening.
Also, I have been a concierge for Marriott for 17 years. I get free health insurance in a fantastic plan, and so does my same sex partner - also at no cost to me. Marriott has also received a 100% rating from the HRC for diversity and inclusion of lgbtq employees for several years. I can assure you that as a gay man, I have never felt discriminated against in any way by this company - quite the opposite. You might want to check Marriott's 'Love Travels' campaign. It's pretty enlightening. Anyway, had to jump in - thanks for listening.
When I read articles on here about the airline industry, commenters lament the death of customer service. Now that there is an article about a company known for its service and recognition of customer loyalty, people are ranting about it coming across as elitist. There really is no pleasing the NYT readership base, is there?
36
It's easy to be loyal to a brand when your employer picks up the tab.
7
No, if you're successful and publicly enjoy some of the privileges that come with it prepare to be shamed
2
You do not get it. I can pick among every brand, and have the complete discretion to stay at the same or closely priced hotel in whatever city I am traveling to. Starwood is such that I will stay at a less expensive hotel and a little further away from my destination because they recognize that I am sacrificing by being away and that when I do get to travel with my family, they go out of their way to make sure my family enjoys the experience. That my employer is picking up the tab is irrelevant.
I love Starwood and loathe Marriott. Their hotels are totally impersonal, generic and tasteless. I too may need to find another chain to be loyal to. Of all the chains that could have bought Starwood, Marriott is the worst.
17
Boutique hotels probably have an ambassador that cross-refer other boutique hotels throughout the nation and world. Large, recognizable brand names are for convenience and price. Boutiques can only compete on quality and service.
...is this a reality TV show review? I sense some very insecure babies being pampered.
I am in both programs but really don't think of this as 'the quality of life to which I aspire'. There are more important and more beautiful things in life than an elite hotel.
Enjoy if you can, but get a real life ! You don't need rewards points for that.
I am in both programs but really don't think of this as 'the quality of life to which I aspire'. There are more important and more beautiful things in life than an elite hotel.
Enjoy if you can, but get a real life ! You don't need rewards points for that.
15
I've been a member of both programs for more years than I care to admit. I 'chose sides' many years ago, and look out for Marriotts when I have a choice. On the low end, a Fairfield is consistently nicer, cleaner, and staffed with more competent people than any other chain at that price. I find the same to be true as you scale up through their properties. I don't think I've ever had a Marriott hotel room that I regretted staying in. I can't say the same for most other hotel chains. And if Ritz Carlton's are too banal for you, well, count yourself fortunate indeed. Beulah, peel me a grape.
18
Just another huge merger that will hurt the consumer. Just look at banking, airlines, pharmaceuticals and healthcare to name a few. What's happened to the Sherman Anti-trust act? Congress is asleep at the wheel while they collect huge donations from lobbyists to the detriment of the consumers.
21
Not an elite traveler by any stretch of the imagination, and even I try to avoid Marriott properties when I travel due to their corporate philosophy which appears to be to minimize customer service as much as possible. A recent "reimagining" of the Courtyard by Marriott brand meant that they got rid of free coffee in their lobby (cheap and convenient) in favor of on-site Starbucks where you now get to stand in an interminable line first thing in the morning just to get a cup of coffee.
20
Last time I stayed at a Courtyard, two weeks ago, there was a coffee maker in my room.
1
I'm 100% Starwood as well, and love my platinum status. First world problems and all, but I have to start thinking about planning my next year, and I'm not sure if I should stay with Starwood/ Marriott. I think it might be time to jump ship to Hyatt.
1
Hyatt is the solid choice here. They run a great program and offer nice perks like free breakfast & wifi to their top tier. I was mid-tier SPG for years - love the hotels and the fact that they are somewhat unique. Switched to Hyatt after a stint in Asia where Hyatt ran many great properties. I was looking forward to a Hyatt/Starwood merger - made much more sense to me on multiple levels. Marriott runs a great hotel chain - but spending 50-75 nights a year on the road for business, I enjoy staying somewhere with a little more personality. That is not elitist, just a personal preference. When I think of Marriott, I just think of their beige rooms. Starwood has panache - will be interesting to see how the merger plays out (hopefully not like UA/CO as some have commented).
3
Marriott is far less generous to elite travelers than SPG, so the concern of many is well-founded. A Hyatt-SPG alliance might have made more sense.
13
While I am loyal to Starwood ... in the face of terrorism, climate change, poverty, racism, these are highly privileged concerns to have.
20
respectfully, any concern other than having a familiar and comfortable place to sleep can be argued is "highly privileged" in your context. thankfully, that is what we are talking about here.
2
That's why we live in the US. We can let our government handle it.
I joined the Starwood program over 30 years ago while working at an airline. I am DEFINITELY not a 1% Elite and have remained loyal choosing Starwood over all others for numerous reasons. My family has enjoyed many vacations thanks to their generous points program, their staff is always a pleasure to work with, and we use the SPG AMEX to build up vacation time.
As one of the 99% I am also very aware of what this merger will mean, and know I have nothing to gain. I also know that business takes precedence and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunities to travel that were part of the Starwood program.
As one of the 99% I am also very aware of what this merger will mean, and know I have nothing to gain. I also know that business takes precedence and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunities to travel that were part of the Starwood program.
13
Starwood lovers don't despair. I was a very frequent guest at Starwood for many years. My view of Marriott reflected Mr. Houston's (below) and my experience with the chain was, like his, very old. Then, I began to find that the Starwood properties that I was staying at had lost much of the "thing" that made them special-- the customer service. And, I (not my choice) ended up being booked at several Marriott properties and found that they had really upped their game.
There will certainly be things to learn (Starwood is very different, in so many ways, from Marriott), but I think that the Marriott that I have discovered is capable of doing the integration in ways that will leverage the strengths of both companies.
There will certainly be things to learn (Starwood is very different, in so many ways, from Marriott), but I think that the Marriott that I have discovered is capable of doing the integration in ways that will leverage the strengths of both companies.
3
I can easily understand the nervousness. At the top of its game, Marriott can create a fabulous experience, but - and partially due to its giant scale - it isn't common for it to be at the top of its game. The Marriott Marquis in D.C. is splendid indeed, from both service and aesthetic perspectives. The Pere Marquette in New Orleans is its nadir. To call service there spotty would be giving it an undue compliment. Aesthetically it has squandered its history for a very humdrum Euro vibe. But, again, the terrible service and the inability for middle management to react intelligently and nimbly to local challenges within the massive corporate structure paints a nerve-wracking picture indeed for Starwood clientele.
8
Like it or not this merger is a big deal and represents the largest change in "working professionals" travel (rationalizations) in their work history. Marriott has played the game forever and can barely distinguish themselves due to the bottom brands that pay the rent. Now, however, they are the mommy/daddy to fool the current generation of business travelers that it is "okay" to get a middle seat (by happenstance) but the hotel will treat me better. It is the middle seat everyday now and hotel prices are certain to rise. Hopefully, several Viceory Brands will become Ritz Carlton properties as soon as practical. By aggressively expanding Ritz Carlton, Mariott might pull this deal off and fool the affluent business traveler.
I'm a Starwood owner as well as a frequent Starwood hotel guest. My loyalty to Starwood was premised on their exceptional service and attention to the my preferences. I haven't stayed at a Marriott in years as they run a pedestrian operation.
Financially speaking, the projected savings from the merger are minuscule and speculative. Starwood had other strategic alternatives it could have pursued consistent with maintaining it's brand as a hotelier of unique properties.
As for this week's propagandizing that Starwood's loyal customers will now have more of a choice, we choose Starwood over Marriott and other chains because we were selective about our choices and wanted better.
Financially speaking, the projected savings from the merger are minuscule and speculative. Starwood had other strategic alternatives it could have pursued consistent with maintaining it's brand as a hotelier of unique properties.
As for this week's propagandizing that Starwood's loyal customers will now have more of a choice, we choose Starwood over Marriott and other chains because we were selective about our choices and wanted better.
21
Life is tough all over.
23
Just go on TripAdvisor and read the reviews for Marriott Hilton Head Resort and Spa. That says it all.
1
It is interesting to read the reaction of the 1% when a hotel chain that caters to the 99% is going to buy "their" brand. Quotes like the following make me shake my head:
"Mr. Walters happens to like chocolate-raspberry mousse, and most Starwood hotels know to greet him with that dessert upon check-in. He’s worried that service will deteriorate as Starwood gets folded into the much larger Marriott network."
I stayed at a Starwood hotel a few months ago and found the faux caring attention annoying rather than helpful. I would have preferred a quicker check in and be on my way. And no I don't need a special flavored tea when I check out, just hold my bag for the four hour meeting and let me get on my way, thank you very much.
"Mr. Walters happens to like chocolate-raspberry mousse, and most Starwood hotels know to greet him with that dessert upon check-in. He’s worried that service will deteriorate as Starwood gets folded into the much larger Marriott network."
I stayed at a Starwood hotel a few months ago and found the faux caring attention annoying rather than helpful. I would have preferred a quicker check in and be on my way. And no I don't need a special flavored tea when I check out, just hold my bag for the four hour meeting and let me get on my way, thank you very much.
42
Marriott hardly caters to the 99% anymore than Starwood caters to the 1%. Both companies have brands in their portfolio that intentional cater to all price points and traveler preferences. Because if the sheer size of Marriott, particularly Fairfield Inns and Courtyards, they may hit more of the budget or lower cost traveler. But SPG also provides for those price points with its Four Points and Aloft properties
6
I stay at both, but there is one thing i like when it comes to Starwood hotels and it has nothing to do with the 1%.
Starwood miles go farther. I actually can use my
Starwood miles because it takes less miles to book their rooms. When i went to my cousins wedding in New Orleans i looked to used miles, and Hilton was ridiculous, Hilton wanted 40000 miles for about the same room i got at a W for 25000 miles.
Starwood miles go farther. I actually can use my
Starwood miles because it takes less miles to book their rooms. When i went to my cousins wedding in New Orleans i looked to used miles, and Hilton was ridiculous, Hilton wanted 40000 miles for about the same room i got at a W for 25000 miles.
2
My point was about that one comment, not the overall situation. Clearly things will change that will dissatisfy loyal Starwood guests across the spectrum.
1
Now, for some honest truth.....
Regardless of whichever loyalty program you like or belong to, there is one thing loyalty programs in general have done. It has created and turned guests into "monsters".....no no wait...."entitlement monsters" Harsh words I know but I've never worked at a job before where so many guests would threaten my job or my life over a loyalty program. Reading other peoples comments on here saying "hard earned points"...translation...my company is paying for me to stay here and I need a connecting room for my secretary. Then the awesome thing is all those "hard earned points" you get to take your wife and kids on a family vacation to a beautiful resort and stay for free using your "hard earned points".
In my many years working in hotel in various markets, I have no doubt that I have checked in the people that were directly responsible for the recession and the collapse of the US economy. I am excited for what the future holds. I believe change is a good thing. I just wish that loyalty programs didn't create "entitlement monsters. I treat everyone I encounter the same with a lot of respect.