Starwood's Email to SPG Members About the Approved Merger

Today's merger news likely brought joy for Marriott Rewards members and — possibly — a bit of heartache for members of the (arguably more rewarding) Starwood Preferred Guest program. Realizing that SPG members might have some concerns about the now-approved merger, Starwood sent this note to its top customers:

Nearly five months ago we shared the news that Starwood Hotels & Resorts is joining with Marriott International to create the world’s biggest and best hotel company — with 5,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries. Today we’re pleased to announce that the shareholders of each company have approved the merger.

Since the original announcement, our members have asked many questions about the future of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Soon we will begin the long journey to integrate the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards. Through this process, your perspective will help guide these discussions as we consider the following:

• How do we continue to deliver the unique experiences, benefits and rewards you’ve come to expect both in and out of our hotels and resorts?
• How do we take full advantage of the extraordinary new range of hotels, resorts and destinations that will be the hallmark of a combined Starwood and Marriott to add new recognition and benefits for you?
• How do we protect the value of your currency and status, whether your Starpoints balance, lifetime status or membership level?

Getting answers to these complicated, important questions will take time. In fact, we don’t anticipate launching a newly combined program until 2018. This means SPG will continue to run separately until then. In the meantime, we’re actively exploring ways to build bridges between the two programs to further enhance your experience.

In addition, we are not standing still: Among other things, we’re bringing you new access to one-of-a-kind hotels from Tribute Portfolio and Design Hotels, plus exciting new SPG Moments experiences through our unique partnerships with Major League Baseball, Mercedes AMG Petronas and more.

Know that we’re listening to your feedback, and we value your input. Our merger is on track to close midyear, and as we have more news to share, we will reach out to you. You can also find the latest updates at spg.com/updates and via Twitter (@spg). Our members are at the core of everything we do, and that will not change. We remain at your service wherever you need us — in our hotels, at spg.com, on the SPG apps or via our Customer Contact Centers.

Thank you for sharing your travels with SPG.

Thomas B. Mangas
Chief Executive Officer,
Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Chris Holdren
Senior Vice President,
Starwood Preferred Guest

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