Originally Posted by
CJKatl
@phltraveler, you have laid out your case about why you think Marriott should make the change and your interpretation of statements that makes you think there may be change. What you have not done is offer a single piece of proof that there will be a change. We will not know until Marriott announces the rules for the new program. The facts, nobody can remember which blogger started this rumor and the blogger has apparently taken the post down - nobody can find it now - give me pause.
Agreed (bolded portion above). The wording is ambiguous enough on members.marriott.com that it theoretically could go either way. I would not depend on the availability of Rewarding Events after 08/18 under the current structure where every single meeting earns 10 nights.
The old Rewarding Events page stated that each event got ten nights and instant silver after your first meeting - which was a byproduct of the fact that every single meeting gave 10 nights and 10 nights was the qualification for Silver status.
The new page specifically states that the next first meeting explicitly earns 10 nights, with no mention of subsequent. Is it omission because the second onwards earn no nights, separate from room bookings? Or just pointing out that you earned ten nights after your first meeting (technically true right now) and no changes? Only when new T&C come will we know.
Originally Posted by
CJKatl
It is not that the rumor might not be true, but it is important for our own integrity that we are clear about what is fact and what is rumor, even if the rumor has believably, so that FT remains a good source for information as opposed to a rumor mill. I have always relied on information posted here and hate to see posters caught up in what they think should happen being presented as a done deal. You were clear on this, but others have made statements stating the change will happen.
I agree, which is why many of us are disclaiming what our opinion is on what's likely, while acknowledging the ambiguity. Truth is, it hasn't been confirmed.
Originally Posted by
CJKatl
IBTW,
linked is a flyer for Rewarding Events that has a 2010 copyright. Edition was new and the logo is there, but not AC, Delta, Gaylord, Protea or Moxy. It specifically mentions earning ten nights for the first meeting and nothing about additional meetings which we know continued to earn ten more nights each for at least seven or eight years. The ten years mention is not new.
The flyer you linked - it says first meeting gets 10 night credits, and then below the silver/gold/plat card photos it generally states that 1 meeting or event = 10 night credits. This separate mention that the meeting or event is 10 night credits separate from the 10 nights after your first meeting mention is not mentioned on the new members.marriott.com Rewarding Events page.
As far as missing brands, your flyer comes from Marriott.com.au, and thus is targeted towards the Australian market.
AC Hotels: No AC Hotels have ever existed in Australia; the first does not open in the country until 2020 in Melbourne. Agreement for
Marriott to joint venture with AC Hotels in 2011, PDF is dated 2010.
Delta Hotels: 36 locations across Canada + US, none in Australia. Was not acquired by Marriott until 2014, PDF dated 2010.
Gaylord Hotels: None in Australia. Was not acquired by Marriott until 2012, PDF dated 2010.
Protea: Marriott only acquired the brand in 2013, PDF dated 2010.
Moxy: Brand was not introduced until 2013, PDF dated 2010.
Separately, I would say that the communication with the merger seems less than ideal. The fact that these changes have not been adequately explained to the point where we're eight days away from the combined program and we're still confused as to how certain aspects of the rewards program will work in a little over a week is disheartening.