Rumors Abound Ahead of Marriott Rewards Event

After cryptic invitations to an “inspired” event presented by Marriott Rewards began circulating online, FlyerTalkers began to speculate if this could mean changes to the hotel loyalty triumvirate. Potentially “leaked” changes include combining Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest by August 2018 and changes to the loyalty tier structure.

FlyerTalkers are speculating over major changes that could finally align Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest into a single program. On the forums, an alleged leak from inside Marriott Rewards has surfaced of what the future could look like for Marriott loyalists.

After a contentious bidding process for Starwood Hotels and Resorts between Marriott and a Chinese investor group led by Anbang Insurance, the Maryland-based hotelier won the company for a pricetag of $13.6 billion. As part of the agreement, Marriott agreed to operate Starwood Preferred Guest as an independent program until the end of 2018.

However, that plan could change based on the alleged information from inside the giant program – and could be announced as soon as April 14, 2018. The leak suggests Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest could become one by August 2018 – four months short of the promised timetable. In addition, all members would allegedly earn 10 points per dollar spent.

If the information is true, the combined Marriott Rewards may be the first major program to move to five loyalty tiers. Silver status would be earned at 10 nights, while Gold, Platinum and “Platinum Premier” would be earned at 25-night intervals. The highest tier, dubbed “Ambassador,” could be earned after 100 nights and spending $20,000 at qualifying properties. Finally, the leak claims a free breakfast would be offered at “25 brands and at resorts,” but it’s unclear who that would be offered to or which property brands would be included.

There is a lot of information left out from the original leak, including how the American Express and Chase credit cards would be affected by the new program. In addition, the information does not specify if elite members will get additional base points for their loyalty, or other bonus offers. At least one FlyerTalker has received an invitation to the April 14 event, which promises “endless inspiration.”

A spokesperson for Marriott confirmed the event on April 16, telling FlyerTalk: “Marriott International will be making a very special announcement.” They provided no further detail about the event, nor provided further insight on potential changes to the Marriott Rewards or Starwood Preferred Guest programs.

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