How can you think that MOST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD are gaming them. I would like to think that most people Jews and Non Jews alike, are just using the points the right way.
And back to the main topic, even if you brought me undisputable proof, that 98% of SPG account holders are playing games, it is still ONLY THE 2 LE MERIDIAN PROPERTIES IN ISRAEL, that think they can outsmart everyone else, while the other 900 spg properties, don't do so, and they understand that July and August is just like February and March.
I dont think most people are gaming SPG, at least not those on DD or FT or SD or FW. the vast majority of people wouldnt think to sell their Pts or try to get someone to stay while they get the stay credit etc etc. Most people probably play by the rules as they read them. how many people do you think would fly LAX-HNL-SFO-SYD-MEL-and then immediately MEL-SYD-SFO-HNL-LAX very few and they probably never heard of FT eitehr. Do you really think theres tons of people Mattress hopping out there? I dont and Ive been doing it for over 20 yrs
Even William posted he never saw a Hotel that was so agressive as The J Plaza was, with how it played with its Inventory in all the yrs he has been with SPG. So since Fattal was partners with Boymelgreen I guess they simply decided to do the same with their other hotels.I get it all the time be it SPG,Marriott or Hilton sorry Mr Steve we are sold-out for the nights you will be staying with us so unfortunately no Upgrade is available. Then I simply go onto a computer and print out whats available for the nights Im staying and they give me the Hummer Hummer like Ralph on the Honeymooners. although the last 3 nights in Belgium spent with 3 different Chains all on Free Stays produced some very nice Suites w/o me even asking or saying 1 word.
You are just dealing with SPG its not only them but with them all Each has its own T&Cs thats why people get ticked when they dont get afree breakfast at a Westin that doesnt have a Lounge, since at the last Westin they said Oh your a Plat bkfst is on Us. Thast fine but its NOT a SPG benefit so then they get MAD when all the others dont offer it. The Marriott in Ghent gave me a Suite its not a Plat benefit with Marriott so i cant complain when I dont get it at teh next Marriott I stay at, I was perfectly happy getting it on Mon night and was fully aware that it was done by the kindness of THAT hotel only.
Now the Main thing is to know if a Hotel is actually braking the T&Cs or not, and not how can they get away with this, it seems unfair.thats exactly how I felt with the JP till William explained it all, and I told him under those coditions I stiill dont like it but I do take my hat off to them for playing it very well from their side of things even thou it costs me. now if in fact these 2 LeMs are braking the T&CS then Im 1000% positive SPG will put an end to it, of cause it might mean both Hotels leaving *W from their side. But Im sure if a person yes even You can show *W where theres actual foulplay going on they will stop it. Again keep in mind nothing stops these Hotels from simply being in cohoots with a Wholesaler and giving that ws all their Standard Rooms for the Full yr and then that hotel wont have to allow even 1 free night
So I will only assume if they are found to be braking the rules then either they will leave *W or will simply find a way within their T&Cs to still keep any free rooms off the mkt, it really isnt that hard to accomplish,Unfortunately