Starwood Hotels Case Summary

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The question that needs to be addressed is quite simple. Hilton considers their greatest asset is their frequent guest program. What happens when another company ups the stakes? Jeff Diskin, head of Hilton HHonors, needs to determine if competing with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. is the best option? Starwood has implemented a program to increase its customer base within the hotel service industry. This step would not only increase the benefits for customers but also increase the expenses incurred by Starwood. Hilton Group has to analyze the situation and act in an appropriate manner by introducing the same kind of loyalty program, competing point for point or by choosing a different tactic as compared to Starwood, which would …show more content…

• Will a loyalty program help with better customer management?
Loyalty programs can help retain customers, increase activity and boost deal percentages.

• The value of Hilton HHonors program?
Will the value of the program compare to its overall cost.

• If you, as a business owner, had the choice of putting the Hilton brand or one of the Starwood brands onto your property, how would you assess the value of doing so?
Look at frequent stay programs utilized under both brands. Hilton and Starwood are measured by comparing quality stays, good customer service and similar amenities.

• How would you recommend Hilton HHonors spend the surplus revenue?
Linking hotel to customer! Focus on customer loyalty to Hilton’s own distinctive brand.

• What should Mr. Diskin and Hilton do in reaction to Starwood?
The problem is whether to compete point for point, match or not, or take a different approach to its existing reward program in order to be diverse from …show more content…

• But to do this, you need hotels everywhere. o If they go to Seattle, they stay in a Hilton o If they go to Dallas, they stay in a Hilton
• If they go to Atlanta, Spokane, Sacramento, Salt Lake, Billings, Charlotte, they want them to stay in a Hilton. But in order for a frequent stay program to be effective, you need hotels in more than just the major cities.
• You need a Hilton in Butte, MT for example.
• You need a Hilton in every suburb of Seattle and in every metro city. This is where loyalty matters! o Every time a guest stays with a competitor, it reinforces your competitor’s edge and weakens your financial position.
• The Loyalty program really only appeals to the business traveler; the case says business travelers account for only 1/3 of the market. Convention and leisure travel account for the remaining 2/3 of the market. Hilton should put more energy into expanding their share in these two segments.
• Room Upgrades o Most important part of the existing loyalty program from the guest perspective. What this entails, the guest pays for a regular room and they get upgraded to a suite for free. This would cost far less than trying to match the Starwood

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