Marriott SPG merged!

[Guest]

Since we're talking Marriott and points here, thought I'd tell you of a recent experience.

On my Marriott bed was a offer for 1,000 points if I elected not to have my room cleaned / serviced. I had to do a written acceptance and sign, I declined.

Sounds like they're taking a hint from the Starwood group. Starwood hotels generally offer 500 SPG points to those who decline housekeeping (not on the day of departure, obviously). Again, 500 SPG points are worth more than 1000 Marriott points. My other hotel groups (Hilton and InterContinental Hotel Group) never offer this. In fact, IHG especially always seems to go out of its way to go the extra mile. During my recent 5-day stay at the Sydney InterContinental, they replenished instantly (twice-a-day housekeeping service) any soap, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, sewing kit, etc., that I used. I keep scratching my head as to why I stay at SPG brands. I have gold status with SPG, and they're supposed to give rooms in better locations, and allow for 3 PM check-out to those members. I was given a crappy room at my last Sheraton stay (January), and told that this was the best they could do because "we have a big group coming in." They invited me to try to switch on a later day, but each time I got "we have a big group coming in." My request for a 1:30 PM check-out was again denied because "we have a big group coming in" (note that check-in time is 3 PM). I feel as if my business is much more appreciated at Hilton-branded and IHG hotels.

Edited February 11, 2016 by Guest

[whipped guy]

Since I do not travel extensively as many do it has been to my advantage to stick with one brand to rack up points. For better or worse I chose SPG. It has been my experience that one needs to time their stays around certain events so as to avoid high peek times and "big groups". Of course, prior to retiring I was often a member of a big group. That's when it helps to make direct contact with a property or have connections. As such, and being a gold member, I have had good luck at Westin and even Sheraton. It also helps to contact the hotel in advance with a request for a better room as I did this past November and got an ocean view corner room at a Westin. At one Sheraton where I often stay I got VIP status by contacting the manager who then hooked me up with an assistant with whom I can make contact prior to my arrival with any specisl requests.

 

It also helps to be friendly with and take care of hotel personnel if you stay often at a given property. It's amazing how many "off the books" perks they can provide. As an example, one of the front desk girls in NYC always gave me an end room which was larger and more private on the floor where her mom was the maid. Of course I think that you guys know why I wanted a larger and more private room! If those walls could only talk!

[RussJohnson]

Sounds like they're taking a hint from the Starwood group. Starwood hotels generally offer 500 SPG points to those who decline housekeeping (not on the day of departure, obviously). Again, 500 SPG points are worth more than 1000 Marriott points. My other hotel groups (Hilton and InterContinental Hotel Group) never offer this. In fact, IHG especially always seems to go out of its way to go the extra mile. During my recent 5-day stay at the Sydney InterContinental, they replenished instantly (twice-a-day housekeeping service) any soap, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, sewing kit, etc., that I used. I keep scratching my head as to why I stay at SPG brands. I have gold status with SPG, and they're supposed to give rooms in better locations, and allow for 3 PM check-out to those members. I was given a crappy room at my last Sheraton stay (January), and told that this was the best they could do because "we have a big group coming in." They invited me to try to switch on a later day, but each time I got "we have a big group coming in." My request for a 1:30 PM check-out was again denied because "we have a big group coming in" (not that check-in time is 3 PM). I feel as if my business is much more appreciated at Hilton-branded and IHG hotels.

 

You need that Platinum-for-life and Diamond to really get the perks

[curiousnomore]

Great. I know a guy that works Marriott Corporate. More choices for me.

[+ bashful]

I have points in (and 3 credit cards associated with) Hilton, SPG, Marriott, Hyatt, Sofitel, and HI/Intercontinental. I'm done chasing all those points and status. Four Seasons has no loyalty or reward program, but I don't care. They're awesome. Every person you come in contact with (staff, or management) will make your stay exceptional, memorable, and worth the price.

[jackjackjack]

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/starwood-hotels-end-marriott-deal-chinas-anbang-hikes-125424536--sector.html

Looks like Marriott isn't buying Starwood Hotels.

[whipped guy]

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/starwood-hotels-end-marriott-deal-chinas-anbang-hikes-125424536--sector.html

Looks like Marriott isn't buying Starwood Hotels.

Yes, I heard that on the news yesterday as well! My vibes tell me that it a good thing! I have quite a few Starwood points and Gold Status. If Marriott took over my guess is that I would loose points and get downgraded in status. Just my own vibes. I think there is a much better chance of things staying at a status quo with the potential new deal. Time will tell what ultimately develops.

[+ dutchmuch]

I wonder if this news had anything to do with Marriott not proceeding:

 

Starwood Hotels & Resorts inked deals in Cuba on Saturday night that will give it the management of three prestigious hotels in Havana, the first foray by a U.S. hospitality company into Cuba in nearly six decades.

 

Coinciding with the arrival of President Obama for his historic visit to Cuba, the Starwood agreements mark the further erosion of the U.S. trade embargo and a step toward normalizing relations between the two longtime foes.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/starwood-signs-deals-in-cuba-for-three-havana-hotels/2016/03/19/4eb2e9c6-ee1e-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html

[rvwnsd]

So far, none of the articles I've read mention anything about Marriott not proceeding, including the WSJ article cited above. All have said Marriott has not commented and has until March 28 to make a decision. Am I misreading?

[+ dutchmuch]

HAVANA (AP) — Starwood signed a deal on Saturday to renovate and run three Cuban hotels, returning U.S. chains to the island more than 50 years after American hotels were taken over by Fidel Castro's socialist revolution.

 

All Cuban hotels are state-owned so the deal puts a major U.S. corporation directly in business with the Communist government under a special U.S. license that pushes Washington's legal dismantling of the Cuban trade embargo further than ever before. In a once-unimaginable arrangement, a hotel owned by the tourism arm of the Cuban military will become a Sheraton Four Points.

 

The deal comes on the eve of President Barack Obama's historic visit to Cuba, which will open a new era between the former Cold War foes that has American travelers and businesses eagerly eyeing opportunities on the island nation 90 miles (145 kilometers) south of Florida.

 

 

Starwood's chief of Latin America operations, Jorge Giannattasio, said the company will invest millions to renovate and rebrand the Quinta Avenida, Santa Isabel and Inglaterra hotels, train and hire new staff and reopen the hotels by the end of the year. The Quinta Avenida is owned by Gaviota, a military-run tourism conglomerate. The Santa Isabel and Inglaterra, which are run by other state agencies, will be operated as part of Starwood's Luxury Collection brand.

It's unclear, however, how long Starwood can be called an American company. On Friday, Starwood called off a $12.2 billion buyout agreement with Marriott in favor of an offer from a group of investors led by the Chinese insurance company Anbang.

[rvwnsd]

...

It's unclear, however, how long Starwood can be called an American company. On Friday, Starwood called off a $12.2 billion buyout agreement with Marriott in favor of an offer from a group of investors led by the Chinese insurance company Anbang.

 

Right. That is about Starwood accepting Anbang's offer. Doesn't say Marriott is not pursuing a higher offer.

[rvwnsd]

Marriott has time to counter Anbang's offer and there is a real possibility of that counter happening. There's lots of press around this purchase but normally purchases like this can take years to happen.

Exactly.

 

Even if Marriott does not counter and Anbang prevails, there is nothing that says an Anbang-controlled Starwood can't and won't modify the Starwood loyalty program.

[whipped guy]

Exactly.

 

Even if Marriott does not counter and Anbang prevails, there is nothing that says an Anbang-controlled Starwood can't and won't modify the Starwood loyalty program.

That's the chance that we will have to take as SPG members, but I think the odds are a bit better that things might remain the same compared to what Marriott might have considered doing.

[down_to_business]

It's back on. Marriott's higher offer was accepted.

[whipped guy]

Here's the latest:

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/03/21/marriott-increases-bid-for-starwood/82067384/

[+ dutchmuch]

And, here's the latest:

 

Anbang Insurance Group Co. walked away from its $14 billion bid to buy Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., a surprise move that caps off a three-week bidding war with Marriott International Inc. and could put a dent in a recent surge in overseas deal-making by Chinese companies.

 

Anbang and its partners—private-equity firms J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital Group—said in a statement late Thursday that they decided to abandon their Starwood bid “due to various market considerations.” They didn’t elaborate in the statement, which confirmed an earlier report by The Wall Street Journal.

[inheat75]

Since we're talking Marriott and points here, thought I'd tell you of a recent experience.

On my Marriott bed was a offer for 1,000 points if I elected not to have my room cleaned / serviced. I had to do a written acceptance and sign, I declined.

 

I stayed at a Westin hotel last month and they, too, offered 500 SPG points if i elected not to have my room cleaned / serviced. Since I was only staying two nights I accepted the offer.

 

Does anyone know if this type of offer happens in other hotels?

 

I, for one, do not like it when hotels groups merge as there is usually a devaluation of points.

[Guest]

Does anyone know if this type of offer happens in other hotels?

 

I stay mainly at Hilton, IHG, and SPG brands, occasionally others. Only the SPG's do, as far as I know. I usually don't take them up on the offer, especially if I've hired someone to come over, but occasionally I will if I'm traveling alone and there are ample clean towels. Usually I go to nice hotels because they offer housekeeping services to keep the place clean. In fact, I usually leave a $5 tip per day extra.

[inheat75]

In fact, I usually leave a $5 tip per day extra.

 

Same here. And most housekeeping staff are really appreciative of this gesture.

[Mikegaite]

Does anyone know if this type of offer happens in other hotels

 

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-starwood-preferred-guest/1503438-post-properties-participate-make-green-choice-program.html

[inheat75]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-starwood-preferred-guest/1503438-post-properties-participate-make-green-choice-program.html

 

Thanks for that.

 

I'm quite surprised that only 3 hotels in Nevada participate in this program. And they're not even the popular ones.

[marylander1940]

I just got this email:

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_spgLogo_2x.jpg

 

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo01.jpg http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo02.jpg http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo03.jpg

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_headline-gold-en.gif

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_headline-gold-en-m.gif

Starting today, you can link your accounts to receive two additional advantages: Elite Status Match and Points Transfer. This allows you to unlock a world of new destinations and possibilities while we work to build one combined program.

 

LINK ACCOUNTS

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_module1-headline-en-m.jpg

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo-mod1.jpg

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo-mod1b.jpg

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_module1-headline-en.gif

 

When you link accounts or join Marriott Rewards®, we’ll instantly match your SPG® Platinum membership with Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite status. During stays at Marriott Rewards-participating hotels, you’ll receive Rewards benefits, including room upgrades, 48-hour guaranteed room availability and a 50% bonus on base points.

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo-mod1c.jpg

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_module2-headline-en-m.jpg

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo-mod2.jpg

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_photo-mod2b.jpg

 

http://t.e.starwoodhotelsemail.com/res/starwoodhrw/SPG_20160706__IntAnn_TN25375_25375_module2-headline-en.gif

[+ Keith30309]

I just linked my accounts and my SPG gold transferred to my MR status as advertised. That said, I'm trying to figure out how this is ultimately beneficial to me as primarily SPG. It means that I'll be competing with all the Marriott gold members for room upgrades.

On the other hand, I'll get Marriott free lounge access and breakfast (at certain brands)... not a big deal to me.

For the road warriors out there - any insight?

[marylander1940]

I just linked my accounts and my SPG gold transferred to my MR status as advertised. That said, I'm trying to figure out how this is ultimately beneficial to me as primarily SPG. It means that I'll be competing with all the Marriott gold members for room upgrades.

On the other hand, I'll get Marriott free lounge access and breakfast (at certain brands)... not a big deal to me.

For the road warriors out there - any insight?

 

I'll stick to Marriott, and if I get a Sheraton on priceline I'll get the benefits... btw it's going to be crowded to get an upgrade to a suite now...

[whipped guy]

For some reason I never got the email notification from Marriott. However, during a recent stay they did give me a card touting the benefits of merging with the Marriott rewards program.

 

I did ask a friend who works for Sheraton and he advised me to stay with Stareood for the time being as the programs will not be officially merger until 2018. In the meantime he also advised to use whatever points you have. I took his advice and used them for an assignation last week. For those who have merged their points is it an exact one for one exchange as Marriott properties charge more points vs. Stareood properties?

 

Like @Keith30309 I am Starwood gold and I would be interested to know what he and others think or are doing now that it has been a few weeks since the announcement. Though as I mentioned I have yet to get the email.

Edited October 10, 2016 by whipped guy