In March, I was downgraded from Platinum to Silver, the first time after 6 years of Plat with SPG. Since then I've given thoughts on how Marriott value their loyalty program. Last week, I came across a Facebook ad paid by Marriott and to my surprise, it's comment section was still flooded with comments of disgruntled members disappointed at their status. One particular theme I agreed with was loyalty goes both ways, if other hotel chains were able to maintain status for their members, why couldn't Marriott afford to do so? In my case, both IHG and Accor extended my status without my input.

I read agent replies and saw part of the FT community agreeing Marriott done this correctly to be FAIR to members whom actually spent the nights. Doing so would free up capacity in the lounges and keep upgrades available. That's when I thought, surely if Marriott sticks on the fair grounds, perhaps it relies on such safeguards.

That's when I found out an absurd contrary. Since at least least year, Marriott has been partnering with Alibaba's Taobao, which functions similarly to Amazon in mainland China. Taobao users can pay RMB¥ 88 (US$ 12.58) to become a 88VIP (think Prime membership) and amongst other shopping benefits immediately obtain Marriott Bonvoy Gold status.

They can then enroll into the Platinum challenge and immediately get Platinum status. To extend it for the year, stay 8 nights within 120 days. Like other members in the program, if you complete the challenge after Feb, the status is extended for another year.

Over the years, there's been numerous discussions regarding the ability to 'buy' elite status, I always thought it was either unofficial, or similar to Marriott's credit cards where you are accelerated by given set amount of qualifying nights, but $13 + 8 nights is just way too generous, even more so than Marriott's own Platinum challenge and unfair to members renewing at 50+ nights a year.

I'm not sure what to think of this, it's clearly unjust for Marriott members outside of China. Just think the next time you notice the elite queue longer than usual, whether the person in front of you stayed 50 nights, or paid a distasteful $13.

Edit: Typo, phrasing