May 19, 2017 Integration Updates, Management Company Monthly Recap

May Monthly Integration Recap | Former Starwood-Branded Hotels

Franchise Management Companies | Moving forward, we will continue to provide a monthly recap of the key changes shared with – and tasks asked of – former Starwood-branded hotels related to the integration. We appreciate your support in ensuring your hotels remain informed and engaged throughout this process.

SUMMARY OF THIS MONTH’S ACTIVITIES

GMs and Change Champions at former Starwood-branded hotels continue to receive weekly emails and have the opportunity to participate in Check-In calls, which are held on Tuesdays. Email change.champions@marriott.com with any questions.

SUMMARY OF THIS MONTH’S KEY MESSAGES:

SUMMER LEISURE MARKETING CAMPAIGN | Americas Brand, Marketing and Digital launched a summer leisure marketing campaign across all channels to generate demand, support need dates and increase bookings for Q3. All campaign efforts will be aligned across Marriott Rewards & SPG hotels and is complimentary for all properties to participate. The campaign booking window is June 7-30 for stays June 7- Sept. 30.
DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO MYLEARNING TRANSITION | With the transition from Development Center to myLearning, Marriott’s Learning Management System, properties will have the following access available:
- Franchise GMs will receive access to the ‘My Employees’ functionality for managing learning for their hotel employees.
- Franchisees with Development Center Administrator access, as well as GMs and HR Professionals, will receive Reports & Analytics for myLearning access for their hotel.
GUEST ROOM ENTERTAINMENT STANDARD RELEASE | A brand standard for Guestroom Entertainment has been published for former Starwood brands. Compliance dates are July 2019, depending upon contract and budget restrictions.
UNAPPROVED THIRD-PARTY APPS AND SERVICES | As we continue to drive innovation in the digital space, it is imperative that we properly assess the privacy and security risks of any new technologies, especially voice-activated devices such as the Amazon Echo or Dot. Do not engage in contracts with independent vendors or install, test, or place these devices in guest rooms.
BRIDGE-TO-MGS MIGRATION UPDATE | To create one common solution to house all intranet content, all Starwood brands will transition to Marriott International’s intranet, Marriott Global Source (MGS). As part of this transition, the Bridge content areas (i.e., Teams, Brands, Programs, eTools) will be migrated to a dedicated space on MGS in July 2017.
REGISTER FOR MarRFP | Former Starwood-branded hotels will participate in the Marriott centralized BT pricing process for the 2018 pricing season, including the use of the MarRFP tool, which launches on June 19, 2017.
USE NEW “TEAMMATE TRIBUTES” TO RECOGNIZE ASSOCIATES | “Teammate Tributes” are designed to recognize, appreciate and celebrate hotels and above-property teams who are engaging in the integration. Complete this brief form to submit success stories that show how hotels are focusing on the integration.
INTEGRATED GROUP PREFERRED PARTNERS AGREEMENTS | Effective May 15, 2017, all former Starwood Hotels have integrated into Marriott’s Group Preferred Partnership Agreements with HelmsBriscoe, ConferenceDirect, Maritz/Experient and HPN Global.
BILLING OF 2017 REQUIRED MARRIOTT PROGRAMS & SERVICES TO STARWOOD HOTELS | 2017 Required Marriott (MI) programs and services (P&S) to Starwood hotels will be deployed over the coming months. In the aggregate, these P&S costs will be similar to (or less than) the costs of Starwood P&S and will directly generate financial benefits to most Starwood hotels and owners.
- The Starwood billing invoice presentation format for these 2017 Required MI P&S will remain consistent.
- Starwood hotels and owners could see a select number of 2017 Required MI P&S invoices starting the first week of June.
MOBILE KEY LOCK STANDARD UPDATE | The Mobile Key Lock Standard has been updated to include both Saflok (Dorma Kaba) and Assa Abloy (Ving). As a reminder, SPG Keyless is a brand standard at W, Aloft, and Element brands. The approved lock vendor for these three brands is Assa Abloy (Ving). All hotels outside of the brand standard are recommended to continue installing locks compatible with the Lock Standard, with either Saflok (Dorma Kaba) or Assa Abloy (Ving).