Following is a letter we received from Vistana Signature Experiences regarding the merger and acquisition by Marriott International of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. We reprint it in its entirety(unedited) for your information and review:
Dear Owner, Earlier today, Marriott International® announced the completion of its planned merger and acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. We wanted to personally reach out to you as a valued Vistana™ Signature Experiences (Vistana) Owner and SPG® member to help clarify any questions you may have pertaining to your ownership.
The announcement confirmed that the SPG and Marriott Rewards® loyalty programs will remain operating as separate entities for some time, allowing you to continue to earn, redeem and enjoy your benefits at any of the more than 1,300 SPG-affiliated hotels and resorts worldwide.
Rest assured that your current reservations, branded resort experiences and existing SPG level status remain unchanged. To help answer any additional questions, we have provided these frequently asked questions. Should you require further information, please visit spg.com/updates or contact Owner Services at 1-800-847-8262.
This news comes at what is already an exciting time to be an Owner. Our recent merger with Interval Leisure Group℠, along with their support and resources, has Vistana well-positioned for significant growth over the next few years. The Westin St. John Resort & Villas will unveil new poolside villas in early 2017, and the highly anticipated grand opening of The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas on the beautiful island of Maui is scheduled for summer of 2017.
Plans are also underway to add villa accommodations at our five newest resort hotels. The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa is on track to re-open as an all-villa resort in the second quarter of 2017 after renovations following Hurricane Odile. Additionally, The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancún; The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta; Sheraton Kauai Resort; and Sheraton Steamboat Resort are all anticipated to add villas over time. Until then, Owners can continue to access these resort hotels through the SPG program.
We look forward to enhancing your future vacations by delivering even more choices and upper-upscale leisure experiences.
Thank you for your continued loyalty and we hope to see you on vacation soon.
Sincerely,
Stephen G. Williams
Chief Operating Officer
Syed Sarmad, Principal Broker for Advantage Vacation
