Pros
Brand recognition. There are a lot of marketing dollars and PR effort invested. It works effectively. Perception by those who are not guests is strong. Ratings by Four Seasons guests who've experienced Ritz are weaker. Marketing and PR teams are excellent. Creative. Edgy. Relevant. Locations. International opportunities.
Cons
1) Political organization. Tread carefully. Trust no one. Keep your head down and do your job. 2) Centrally organized. Not much left to an individual property. Uninspiring. 3) Finance processes are burdensome and difficult to navigate. Tasks take hours at Starwood that take days at Ritz. 4) Requires too many hours to get the job done. The talk about balance is just that - talk. 5) Too much time spent on Marriott absorption of Ritz. Economy is good cover. 6) Too many aspirational customers. Observe pricepoint between JW Marriott and Ritz - observe pricepoint between Ritz and Four Seasons. 7) Too much time required for accounting and personnel related administrative tasks. Not enough time on the restaurant floor with guests or associates.