Apr 9, 2016, 12:35 pm
Last edit by: Oxon Flyer
Deal closed SEP 23 - http://news.marriott.com/2016/09/marriott-international-expanded-loyalty-benefits/
FAQ :
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#will-rewards-and-spg-be-turning-into-one-program
Will Rewards and SPG be turning into one program?
These are two of the best programs in the industry, and we want you to benefit from everything that makes SPG and Rewards great. We don’t anticipate that the two programs will come together before 2018, and we will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, there’s no change to how you book reservations, manage your accounts or earn Elite night credits, points and miles in the current programs.
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
FAQ :
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#will-rewards-and-spg-be-turning-into-one-program
Will Rewards and SPG be turning into one program?
These are two of the best programs in the industry, and we want you to benefit from everything that makes SPG and Rewards great. We don’t anticipate that the two programs will come together before 2018, and we will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, there’s no change to how you book reservations, manage your accounts or earn Elite night credits, points and miles in the current programs.
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
Latest on the Starwood and Marriott merger : deal closed on 23 Sep.
Apr 8, 2016, 3:34 pm
#31
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Of course, I think the programs staying separate until 2018 is good news, but I hope the integration is limited to combining stay/night credits during 2017 to determine 2018 status in the new joint program.
It would be nice to get benefits at Marriott properties in the meantime, but it doesn't seem worth it if the trade off is opening up the SPG program to all the Marriott platinum members.
It would be nice to get benefits at Marriott properties in the meantime, but it doesn't seem worth it if the trade off is opening up the SPG program to all the Marriott platinum members.
I don't currently stay at all SPG brands and would only be interested in Edition, and some Autograph, & JW Marriott Branded properties. I would guess that not all Marriott folks would be interested in staying at all SPG brands.
Apr 8, 2016, 3:44 pm
#32
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: DEN
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, CX DM, SQ Gold
Posts: 1,607
Apr 8, 2016, 3:53 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Sunshine State
Programs: UA2MM AND 1K, HYATT GLOBALIST, AVIS PRES CLUB.
Posts: 97
Inconsistency prevails
As an ex-Marriott Platinum, I found MR to be the most inconsistent program in the industry. Benefits varied by brand, location, day of the week, country, and apparently the whims of each property.The mini-bottles of water offered by Renaissance as a "welcome gift" were a joke, and the faux-partners, such as AC... well, forget it. I still remember my wife and I being allowed into the Concierge Lounge in Japan, but not my adult son, although he was in the same suite with us... only two guests allowed to enter per room. That was my final year with Marriott. My point is that if the Marriott culture prevails, which I'm sure it will, SPG will be truly missed. My condolences to all.
Apr 8, 2016, 4:33 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
It would appear my vote against the merger was very much in the minority. 
Apr 8, 2016, 4:47 pm
#35
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
Well, it was not unexpected. One can hope the good rubs off on the final iteration of the programme, and that the SPG DNA remains in the hotels as they merge. Meanwhile I'm off to requalify for Plat this year...
Btw, I received my MR email at XX:03H, and my SPG email at XX:54H...
Btw, I received my MR email at XX:03H, and my SPG email at XX:54H...
Apr 8, 2016, 4:54 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
I would hold steady. We don't even have a clue how LT members will be merged into the new/existing MR programme. Why generate stays/do runs just for this?
Apr 8, 2016, 5:01 pm
#37
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 275
Heh. I received not 1 but 4 of the email to the exact same address from Marriott. SPG didn't lag either, 3 of the same email back to back 
Apr 8, 2016, 5:41 pm
#38
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
I'm > 500 nights, but only at 7 years Platinum. So even if I hit in 2016 and 2017, I'm one year shy of hitting lifetime Platinum before the merged program.
So while they might grandfather existing LT status, I'm certainly not going out of my way to make sure I hit Platinum with SPG until I know what the new rules are.
So while they might grandfather existing LT status, I'm certainly not going out of my way to make sure I hit Platinum with SPG until I know what the new rules are.
Apr 8, 2016, 6:11 pm
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
I don't understand the logic. Both groups would have access to more properties.
I don't currently stay at all SPG brands and would only be interested in Edition, and some Autograph, & JW Marriott Branded properties. I would guess that not all Marriott folks would be interested in staying at all SPG brands.
I don't currently stay at all SPG brands and would only be interested in Edition, and some Autograph, & JW Marriott Branded properties. I would guess that not all Marriott folks would be interested in staying at all SPG brands.
Apr 8, 2016, 6:19 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2015
Location: LAX, BUR
Programs: AS,AA,JB, HH Gold, Starriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Explorist, Global Entry
Posts: 1,933
My guess is the SPG to airline transfer is on the clock.
Wonder what will become of the Amex SPG cards?
Wonder what will become of the Amex SPG cards?
Apr 8, 2016, 6:41 pm
#41
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
How much do you value peace of mind? If the answer is a lot, then sprint to the finish and be done with it. Otherwise, finish up next year.
Apr 8, 2016, 6:47 pm
#42
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: AMEX, Ritz LT-Plat Prem, Hyatt Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Delta Plat, United Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 866
Apr 8, 2016, 7:27 pm
#43
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
So I have 'til 2018 to enjoy everything within SPG and the Starwood family, cuz I'm not staying with the Marriott chain ever. Please don't merge! Reconsider. 
Apr 8, 2016, 7:27 pm
#44
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,326
Soon we will begin the long journey to integrate the very best of SPG and Marriott Rewards®. Through this process, your perspective will help guide these discussions
...
Know that we’re listening to your feedback, and we value your input.
...
Thank you for sharing your travels with SPG.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
...
Know that we’re listening to your feedback, and we value your input.
...
Thank you for sharing your travels with SPG.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
I do really hope that the new MR/SPG team will be listening to us, as you have indicated above. We hope to continue our association with you and with the new SPG under MR, and we are keeping our fingers crossed.
I did get the email from SPG earlier today. No email from MR yet.
Last edited by sapguy; Apr 8, 2016 at 7:37 pm
Apr 8, 2016, 7:49 pm
#45
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
I don't understand the logic. Both groups would have access to more properties.
I don't currently stay at all SPG brands and would only be interested in Edition, and some Autograph, & JW Marriott Branded properties. I would guess that not all Marriott folks would be interested in staying at all SPG brands.
I don't currently stay at all SPG brands and would only be interested in Edition, and some Autograph, & JW Marriott Branded properties. I would guess that not all Marriott folks would be interested in staying at all SPG brands.