How much do we want to bet that the new loyalty brand that debuts next year turns out to be Marriott Preferred Guest? Or better yet, just Marriott Rewards?
Everyone suspected the efficiency and consistency of the Marriott "machine" would be a perfect match up for Starwood's creative and innovative lifestyle brands. While it appears to be working for Aloft and Element, the true measure of success will be what Marriott can do with a brand like Sheraton.
Yet again, Steve Wynn keeps winning, as are his gaming counterparts. Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, who managed to win an all-out battle for Starwood last year, was the top-ranked non-gaming CEO.
We'll definitely be keeping our eye on what develops as far as Marriott's decisions for its reservations and loyalty platforms going forward. But we're still not so convinced they're keeping all 30 of those brands over the long term.
Hotel by hotel, Marriott is transforming the Starwood legacy business into something more reflective of its own hospitality management style, meaning going asset light all the way.
Marriott really, really, really wants SPG members to know it won't forsake them as it tries to combine all three of its loyalty programs into one by next year.