Originally Posted by
DL Platinum
Thus far the merger between SPG and MR has provided the same benefit level (Gold / Platinum) in both programs provided your are at that level in one of them. Is this going to continue into the future?
I ask because it is much easier to gain Gold status with SPG than with Marriott.
Is there a chance that they will "level" the field in 2018 to get the programs in sync? 50 nights with Marriott gets you gold, while 50 nights with SPG gets you platinum.
As has been noted here, the next step will be a single, combined program whose details have not yet been announced. Sharon's reading of the probable start date is consistent with published hints from Marriott executives.
I think it's completely safe to assume that the current elite status linking (and the current ability to transfer points between the programs) will continue until there is a single program.
I think it's also safe to assume that the elite qualification requirements for Rewards and SPG will not change while these remain separate programs.
Once there is a combined program, it's likely that your higher status in Rewards or SPG will be your initial status in the combined program. But, after that, re-qualifcation will be based on the as-yet-unannounced rules of the combined program.