Articles tagged “starwood”

Competitors are hungry for Starwood and Marriott's customers.

Could low oil prices make Starwood-owned properties a good prospect for investors? The hotel company — looking to shed nearly $1 billion in assets — sure hopes so.

Marriott's purchase is really about two things: creating the world's largest hospitality loyalty program and getting access to a few billion in real estate assets that can be sold off. The extra brands are just a bonus.

Marriott's internal story about how it's repositioning around technology, innovation, and an appreciation of both the individual guest and staff member resonates with Marriott's target Gen Y/Z audiences.

Hotel loyalty programs are facing a period of dramatic change, driven by recent devaluations of member points and picky travelers that are less loyal than ever.

Starwood's decision to follow Marriott into TripAdvisor Instant Booking begs the question: How long with InterContinental Hotels Group and Hilton Worldwide continue to be conscientious objectors? Hint: TripAdvisor officials say they are talking to everyone.

The hotel industry is looking for ways to grow and meet consumer demands. One route Starwood is taking is increasing the number of its select-service properties in New York state by 80 percent.

Mergers, killing brands, globalization, and an ongoing fear of Airbnb and its ilk will keep 2016 interesting and prepare the industry for a bit of needed evolution.

There will be a lot of angry travelers if Marriott chooses to eliminate Starwood's loyalty program.

Will 2016 be the year of loyalty poaching? It could make things very interesting.