Sep 22, 2016, 11:20 pm
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
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
Status Matches
MR Platinum <--> SPG Platinum
MR Gold <--> SPG Gold
MR Silver <--> SPG Preferred Plus
MR Member <--> SPG Preferred
If your status changes (i.e. Gold->Plat) in one program, your status in the other program will be automatically upgraded within 24 hours per Marriott FAQ
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
To link your accounts, log in to either account at:
http://www.spg.com/linkmarriott
http://members.marriott.com/
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
This is the Official Answer : "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."
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT change lifetime MR points.
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT count as activity & therefore does not extend the expiration date of points.
SPG platinum member matched to MR plat and now interested in the MR - UA Silver status match ? Check here.
Updated Terms and Conditions for the two programs can be found at
http://members.marriott.com/terms-conditions/
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html
Complete listing of all the hotel brands in the in the merged company :
http://www.marriott.com/marriott-brands.mi#ourbrands
http://www.marriott.com/Images/Brands/brands_page_2016/global_architecture_images/US_MAR_SPG_brand_architecture.png
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
Status Matches
MR Platinum <--> SPG Platinum
MR Gold <--> SPG Gold
MR Silver <--> SPG Preferred Plus
MR Member <--> SPG Preferred
If your status changes (i.e. Gold->Plat) in one program, your status in the other program will be automatically upgraded within 24 hours per Marriott FAQ
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
To link your accounts, log in to either account at:
http://www.spg.com/linkmarriott
http://members.marriott.com/
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
This is the Official Answer : "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."
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT change lifetime MR points.
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT count as activity & therefore does not extend the expiration date of points.
SPG platinum member matched to MR plat and now interested in the MR - UA Silver status match ? Check here.
Updated Terms and Conditions for the two programs can be found at
http://members.marriott.com/terms-conditions/
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html
Complete listing of all the hotel brands in the in the merged company :
http://www.marriott.com/marriott-brands.mi#ourbrands
http://www.marriott.com/Images/Brands/brands_page_2016/global_architecture_images/US_MAR_SPG_brand_architecture.png
Marriott/Starwood merger closed; FAQs; Status Match; MR & SPG accounts can be linked
Mar 24, 2017, 6:57 am
#796
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Why? They've said 2018 from the beginning, why would you expect them to be announcing ahead of time? I suspect they will announce the details and set a cut-over date in 2019.
Mar 24, 2017, 8:25 am
#797
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
http://news.marriott.com/2017/03/mar...-investor-day/
Marriott International Maps Future Growth at Investor Day
Growing Global Distribution and Integration of Starwood Expected to Drive Record Cash Flow to Shareholders
Excerpt:
"Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) today (March 21st) will unveil the company’s three-year growth plan, which includes opening approximately one hotel every 14 hours around the world, at its meeting with security analysts and institutional investors at the New York Marriott Marquis.
In its presentation, Marriott will outline plans to accelerate its growth, adding 285,000 to 300,000 rooms worldwide by 2019, which could yield a record $675 million in annual stabilized fees from these rooms.
In its three-year growth plan, the company expects to earn $675 million in stabilized fees from hotel rooms added to its system in 2017 through 2019. In addition, non-property related franchise fees, largely credit card branding fees, should increase by $100 million during the three years. The plan assumes, but does not forecast RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) growth of 1 to 3 percent compounded annually through 2019."
More details in the link above.
Cheers.
Marriott International Maps Future Growth at Investor Day
Growing Global Distribution and Integration of Starwood Expected to Drive Record Cash Flow to Shareholders
Excerpt:
"Marriott International (Nasdaq: MAR) today (March 21st) will unveil the company’s three-year growth plan, which includes opening approximately one hotel every 14 hours around the world, at its meeting with security analysts and institutional investors at the New York Marriott Marquis.
In its presentation, Marriott will outline plans to accelerate its growth, adding 285,000 to 300,000 rooms worldwide by 2019, which could yield a record $675 million in annual stabilized fees from these rooms.
In its three-year growth plan, the company expects to earn $675 million in stabilized fees from hotel rooms added to its system in 2017 through 2019. In addition, non-property related franchise fees, largely credit card branding fees, should increase by $100 million during the three years. The plan assumes, but does not forecast RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) growth of 1 to 3 percent compounded annually through 2019."
More details in the link above.
Cheers.
Mar 24, 2017, 9:48 am
#798
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: US
Posts: 92
A slight update here on the topic of LT status. I spoke with my ambassador, and she told me that she and her colleagues have been informed that LT status will be grandfathered in to the successor programme.
How reliable is my ambassador? She's the only reason I continue feeding Starwood my business. Without her due diligence and razor-sharp ability to cut through a given individual property's BS, I would've moved on to Hyatt long ago.
What does this mean for you? If you're still on the bubble, then I strongly advise you to make status now, and not wait for any changes to be announced.
How reliable is my ambassador? She's the only reason I continue feeding Starwood my business. Without her due diligence and razor-sharp ability to cut through a given individual property's BS, I would've moved on to Hyatt long ago.
What does this mean for you? If you're still on the bubble, then I strongly advise you to make status now, and not wait for any changes to be announced.
I still have 4 years of achieving PLT to go to achieve LT PLT, so if they drop this LT program in the new program in 2018, but grandfather existing LT's, I will remain a lowly LT Gold :-)
Does anyone know if there is any chance of them retaining LT program when the new loyalty program is announced in 2018..?
Mar 24, 2017, 10:43 am
#799
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Since Marriott already has a LT program, I'd say there is a 99% chance they will continue to have one. I suspect it will resemble the Marriott program more than the SPG one however.
And if they don't retain the LT program, I'm still right since I did allow for a 1% chance that they wont!
And if they don't retain the LT program, I'm still right since I did allow for a 1% chance that they wont!
Mar 24, 2017, 10:54 am
#800
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
Since Marriott already has a LT program, I'd say there is a 99% chance they will continue to have one. I suspect it will resemble the Marriott program more than the SPG one however.
And if they don't retain the LT program, I'm still right since I did allow for a 1% chance that they wont!
And if they don't retain the LT program, I'm still right since I did allow for a 1% chance that they wont!
More than likely, the new program will be a modified version of current Marriott program. They may give it a new name but it will be essentially the Marriott program.
Mar 24, 2017, 6:22 pm
#801
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
I am currently LT Gold. While grandfathering would be nice, it would be nice if they KEEP a LT program going in the new combined loyalty program whenever they announce it in 2018.
I still have 4 years of achieving PLT to go to achieve LT PLT, so if they drop this LT program in the new program in 2018, but grandfather existing LT's, I will remain a lowly LT Gold :-)
Does anyone know if there is any chance of them retaining LT program when the new loyalty program is announced in 2018..?
I still have 4 years of achieving PLT to go to achieve LT PLT, so if they drop this LT program in the new program in 2018, but grandfather existing LT's, I will remain a lowly LT Gold :-)
Does anyone know if there is any chance of them retaining LT program when the new loyalty program is announced in 2018..?
Mar 24, 2017, 9:57 pm
#802
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,965
So, basically you are thinking the same process as I am thinking - just a year later.
If 2019 is the case, I hope they come out with a different way of setting 2018 status.
Mar 27, 2017, 7:39 am
#803
Join Date: May 2003
Location: LCY
Programs: SQ Krisflyer, QR Privilege Club, MB LT Plt (1K+ nights thx MB)
Posts: 1,038
I was thinking to "cut-over" to the new program in 2018, they would need to announce now - things like benefits and qualification criteria.
So, basically you are thinking the same process as I am thinking - just a year later.
If 2019 is the case, I hope they come out with a different way of setting 2018 status.
So, basically you are thinking the same process as I am thinking - just a year later.
If 2019 is the case, I hope they come out with a different way of setting 2018 status.
...Just my random thoughts on the subject matter...
Mar 27, 2017, 9:33 am
#804
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,673
got my first real benefit thanks to this merger....i linked my accounts a few months ago to get marriott plat....courtesy of that i got ua silver status....
i only fly dl so i thought ua silver would be a complete waste but yesterday i had to take a ua flight at the last minute from mia-ewr....i had to get to ny in a hurry to attend an event & the dl flight wasn't getting me there on time....i bought the cheapest fare a few hours before the flight & was able to pick out an economy plus seat....i was pretty happy with that but at the gate they further upgraded me to first class....all thanks to the fact that i was able to link my accounts....
i only fly dl so i thought ua silver would be a complete waste but yesterday i had to take a ua flight at the last minute from mia-ewr....i had to get to ny in a hurry to attend an event & the dl flight wasn't getting me there on time....i bought the cheapest fare a few hours before the flight & was able to pick out an economy plus seat....i was pretty happy with that but at the gate they further upgraded me to first class....all thanks to the fact that i was able to link my accounts....
Mar 27, 2017, 4:01 pm
#805
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
got my first real benefit thanks to this merger....i linked my accounts a few months ago to get marriott plat....courtesy of that i got ua silver status....
i only fly dl so i thought ua silver would be a complete waste but yesterday i had to take a ua flight at the last minute from mia-ewr....i had to get to ny in a hurry to attend an event & the dl flight wasn't getting me there on time....i bought the cheapest fare a few hours before the flight & was able to pick out an economy plus seat....i was pretty happy with that but at the gate they further upgraded me to first class....all thanks to the fact that i was able to link my accounts....
i only fly dl so i thought ua silver would be a complete waste but yesterday i had to take a ua flight at the last minute from mia-ewr....i had to get to ny in a hurry to attend an event & the dl flight wasn't getting me there on time....i bought the cheapest fare a few hours before the flight & was able to pick out an economy plus seat....i was pretty happy with that but at the gate they further upgraded me to first class....all thanks to the fact that i was able to link my accounts....
Mar 28, 2017, 8:25 am
#806
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
A thread in the Marriott forum that Marriott might be interested in acquiring a regional brand (Australia/New Zealand) that's up for sale. If they do that, would expand options for both SPG/Marriott members.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-takeover.html
Cheers.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-takeover.html
Cheers.
Mar 28, 2017, 6:02 pm
#807
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,965
Yeah I agree this matching possibility, albeit being great in order to experience other brands, has the potential to create somewhat unusual requalification incentives. What I mean by that is that if you looking towards requalify to platinum, you should just prioritize either MR or SPG, i.e. splitting 40 and 40 nights between MR and SPG you would obviously try to avoid. However any reasonable person would think that 80 nights with the facto same hospitality firm would be rewarded at least equally as someone with say 50 nights with SPG. ...Hence a clarification by the powers that be would be greatly appreciated at least by yours truly...Unfortunately I think that we will not hear anything until Q4...
...Just my random thoughts on the subject matter...
...Just my random thoughts on the subject matter...
Mar 29, 2017, 3:20 pm
#808
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
LT is irrelevant, they can delete every benefit
what are ambassadors hearing about their jobs?
mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/redefining-service-innovation-at-starwood
what are ambassadors hearing about their jobs?
mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/redefining-service-innovation-at-starwood
Ambassadors are specially trained associates in our contact centers
The program also benefits our contact-center employees. One thing we had struggled with before was the “pyramid effect”: if you were talented on the phones and wanted to progress, you pretty much had to become your supervisor. Now, we have new opportunities for these employees. We’ve even created paths from the ambassador program to sales roles in our various properties—something that didn’t exist five years ago. As a result of all this, turnover in our contact centers went down and employee satisfaction went up.
The program also benefits our contact-center employees. One thing we had struggled with before was the “pyramid effect”: if you were talented on the phones and wanted to progress, you pretty much had to become your supervisor. Now, we have new opportunities for these employees. We’ve even created paths from the ambassador program to sales roles in our various properties—something that didn’t exist five years ago. As a result of all this, turnover in our contact centers went down and employee satisfaction went up.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Mar 29, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Mar 29, 2017, 6:02 pm
#809
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Cheers.
Mar 29, 2017, 10:10 pm
#810
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: US
Posts: 92
If Marriot has/had LT program, they would hopefully keep some sort of LT program going forward, does anybody know what the Marriot LT program criteria was?