Jan 11, 2021, 12:26 pm
Last edit by: DELee
On 1/11/2021, Marriott announced its elite qualification for 2021.
Marriott Bonvoy™ Members who earned Elite Status in 2020 will receive a onetime deposit of 50% of their tier's annual Elite Night Credit requirement, e.g. those Members who achieved Platinum Elite status in 2020 would receive 25 Elite Night Credits in their Account in February 2021.
Since Members already received an extension of their earned 2019 Elite Status through February 1, 2022, the Elite Night Credit deposit helps Members reach the next tier faster.
In addition, these Elite Night Credits will count towards achieving the 2021 Annual Choice Benefit, as well as achieving Lifetime Elite Status. 50% Elite Night Credits deposit and remaining 2021 Requirements needed to achieve the next tier's Status are based on the 2020 earned Status tier as follows:
Ambassador Elite will receive 50 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 50 Elite Night Credits and US$14,000 in Qualifying spend in 2021 to re-achieve Ambassador Status
Titanium Elite will receive 38 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 62 Elite Night Credits and US$14,000 in Qualifying Stay Spend in 2021 to achieve Ambassador Elite
Platinum Elite will receive 25 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 50 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Titanium Elite
Gold Elite will receive 13 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 37 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Platinum Elite
Silver Elite will receive 5 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 20 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Gold Elite
Member tier will not receive Elite Night Credits and will need a total of 10 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Silver Elite
Example:
A Member who earned Gold Elite Status in 2019 already received an extension of the Gold Elite Status to February 1, 2022. To achieve the next tier up of Platinum Elite in 2021 to enjoy through February 2023, the Member will need to achieve a total of 50 Elite Night Credits by December 31, 2021. This Gold Elite Member will receive 13 Elite Night Credits (50% of the 25 normally needed to requalify for Gold), which means the Member will only need 37 Elite Night Credits to achieve Platinum Elite this year.
Complete FAQs:
Bonvoy Members & COVID-19? (marriott.com)
Annual Choice Benefit Selection:
https://choice-benefit.marriott.com/...arriott-bonvoy
For 2020 Elite status earners: To help you get to the next Elite level faster, we will deposit 50% of the required Elite Night Credits for your 2020 Elite status into your account by February 5, 2021. We have also reduced the required spend for Ambassador Elite to $14K annual qualifying spend in 2021 only. In 2022, the spend requirement will return to $20K annually.
Marriott Bonvoy™ Members who earned Elite Status in 2020 will receive a onetime deposit of 50% of their tier's annual Elite Night Credit requirement, e.g. those Members who achieved Platinum Elite status in 2020 would receive 25 Elite Night Credits in their Account in February 2021.
Since Members already received an extension of their earned 2019 Elite Status through February 1, 2022, the Elite Night Credit deposit helps Members reach the next tier faster.
In addition, these Elite Night Credits will count towards achieving the 2021 Annual Choice Benefit, as well as achieving Lifetime Elite Status. 50% Elite Night Credits deposit and remaining 2021 Requirements needed to achieve the next tier's Status are based on the 2020 earned Status tier as follows:
Ambassador Elite will receive 50 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 50 Elite Night Credits and US$14,000 in Qualifying spend in 2021 to re-achieve Ambassador Status
Titanium Elite will receive 38 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 62 Elite Night Credits and US$14,000 in Qualifying Stay Spend in 2021 to achieve Ambassador Elite
Platinum Elite will receive 25 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 50 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Titanium Elite
Gold Elite will receive 13 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 37 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Platinum Elite
Silver Elite will receive 5 Elite Night Credits and will need an additional 20 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Gold Elite
Member tier will not receive Elite Night Credits and will need a total of 10 Elite Night Credits in 2021 to achieve Silver Elite
Example:
A Member who earned Gold Elite Status in 2019 already received an extension of the Gold Elite Status to February 1, 2022. To achieve the next tier up of Platinum Elite in 2021 to enjoy through February 2023, the Member will need to achieve a total of 50 Elite Night Credits by December 31, 2021. This Gold Elite Member will receive 13 Elite Night Credits (50% of the 25 normally needed to requalify for Gold), which means the Member will only need 37 Elite Night Credits to achieve Platinum Elite this year.
Complete FAQs:
Bonvoy Members & COVID-19? (marriott.com)
Annual Choice Benefit Selection:
https://choice-benefit.marriott.com/...arriott-bonvoy
Marriott Announces Goodwill Elite Qualification for 2021
Jan 12, 2021, 6:49 am
#106
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
Hope is on the horizon, travel lovers. We’re elevating your earning in 2021 with more benefits and rewards — on top of what members received last June — to help make up for a challenging 2020. Here’s what’s coming your way.
Get a head start toward your 2021 Elite status. This February, we’re depositing into your account 50% of the Elite Night Credits (ENCs) based on your 2020 Elite status. You’ll be halfway toward achieving your goals. That’s in addition to the ENCs awarded to Marriott Bonvoy™ Credit Card Members.
Plus, we’re reducing the $20,000 spend threshold for attaining Ambassador Elite status to just $14,000 for 2021.
You can also earn rewards faster with our Better Two-gether promotion. Get double points and double ENCs for stays of two nights or more between February 16 and April 27, 2021. Keep an eye out — registration starts soon.
One more exciting benefit: We're reducing redemption rates at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Save up to 40% when you redeem points for Free Night Awards by February 21, 2021. Rates start at just 4,500 points per night. It can take a little time for our new rates to distribute through all our systems, so the new redemption rates are now bookable, but may not show up in the online booking experience for the next few hours.
So whenever the time is right to rediscover the world, we’ll be there to welcome you with more rewarding stays.
Where do you hope to travel next? Share in the comments below!
Want to be the first to get breaking program news? The Marriott Bonvoy Insiders Facebook Group gives you access to the latest news, offers and tips to get the most out of the program.
As always, please note that a “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity, on any points-eligible rate.
Get a head start toward your 2021 Elite status. This February, we’re depositing into your account 50% of the Elite Night Credits (ENCs) based on your 2020 Elite status. You’ll be halfway toward achieving your goals. That’s in addition to the ENCs awarded to Marriott Bonvoy™ Credit Card Members.
Plus, we’re reducing the $20,000 spend threshold for attaining Ambassador Elite status to just $14,000 for 2021.
You can also earn rewards faster with our Better Two-gether promotion. Get double points and double ENCs for stays of two nights or more between February 16 and April 27, 2021. Keep an eye out — registration starts soon.
One more exciting benefit: We're reducing redemption rates at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Save up to 40% when you redeem points for Free Night Awards by February 21, 2021. Rates start at just 4,500 points per night. It can take a little time for our new rates to distribute through all our systems, so the new redemption rates are now bookable, but may not show up in the online booking experience for the next few hours.
So whenever the time is right to rediscover the world, we’ll be there to welcome you with more rewarding stays.
Where do you hope to travel next? Share in the comments below!
Want to be the first to get breaking program news? The Marriott Bonvoy Insiders Facebook Group gives you access to the latest news, offers and tips to get the most out of the program.
As always, please note that a “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity, on any points-eligible rate.
Jan 12, 2021, 7:30 am
#107
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
I see many here running for the exits. Those who are sticking with Marriott mostly feel that there's no point going for Ambassador, which makes Titanium by default the top status level that's worth anything. And many (particularly US based travelers) think that's not worth much, if any, extra effort to achieve.
Jan 12, 2021, 7:59 am
#108
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,429
All the people saying that Ambassador isn't "worth" $20k, or $14k, or $10k... you're missing the point. Ambassador was never "worth" anywhere near that much even pre-covid. It is small bit of recognition for those spending the most at Marriott properties. If the status were "for sale", I probably wouldn't spend more than $100 out of pocket to get it (if that), even pre-covid. It is a nice (small) perk, but don't read anything more into it beyond that.
Anyone considering intentionally spending extra thousands of dollars just to earn Amb status is nuts, imo.
Anyone considering intentionally spending extra thousands of dollars just to earn Amb status is nuts, imo.
Jan 12, 2021, 8:01 am
#109
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
You're missing the point. It's a question of where to direct stays, not whether to spend extra.
Jan 12, 2021, 8:25 am
#110
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,429
I treat Amb as a nice perk if the nights/spending happens to work out, nothing more. I believe this also helps set expectations - I find myself disappointed at lot less than many on this board because I have not set expectations very high.
Jan 12, 2021, 8:47 am
#111
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
I get that. I guess what I am trying to say is that if you are directing a bunch of stays to Marriott that aren't otherwise the best travel option for you, solely for the purpose of chasing Ambassador status... you will be disappointed.
I treat Amb as a nice perk if the nights/spending happens to work out, nothing more. I believe this also helps set expectations - I find myself disappointed at lot less than many on this board because I have not set expectations very high.
I treat Amb as a nice perk if the nights/spending happens to work out, nothing more. I believe this also helps set expectations - I find myself disappointed at lot less than many on this board because I have not set expectations very high.
Jan 12, 2021, 8:50 am
#112
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Titanium and Lifetime Gold. AC 35K *S, UA *S
Posts: 46
Thanks!
Jan 12, 2021, 9:05 am
#113
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
I am seeing some locations where properties have the discounted rate closer in up to February but their Off-Peak or Standard Pricing is still out there until September which makes me think that this "promotion" is a farce as usual.
Jan 12, 2021, 9:19 am
#114
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,867
It's basically a short term discount while the pandemic continues. I booked a property in Hawaii in September at standard rate, a week or two later it went up to Peak and it's still at Peak. I don't plan to travel until I get a vaccine.
Jan 12, 2021, 9:22 am
#115
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,429
To be honest, I don't really see any tangible benefit of having Ambassador status as most of the hotels that I stay at treat me decently as a Titanium. I do reach out every now and then for special occasions and offer to pay for some amenities that aren't publicly available but more often than not the hotel is willing to accommodate on a complimentary basis such as a birthday or anniversary celebration.
Honestly, my favorite "perk" of Amb is just being able to email somebody to take care of issues (incorrect point postings, adjoining room requests, etc) rather than having to call and wait on hold. Every now and then I will get some fruit or wine in my room, which is nice I guess, but nothing to get too excited over.
Jan 12, 2021, 9:44 am
#116
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
Yup, that's about right. I would totally expect that being a "regular" at any particular hotel would carry more weight than Amb status vs Titanium. Personally, my travel patterns are such that if I stay 100 nights in a year, it is probably in 70 different hotels, so I am not really a "regular" anywhere, therefore there may be some marginal benefit in top status.
Honestly, my favorite "perk" of Amb is just being able to email somebody to take care of issues (incorrect point postings, adjoining room requests, etc) rather than having to call and wait on hold. Every now and then I will get some fruit or wine in my room, which is nice I guess, but nothing to get too excited over.
Honestly, my favorite "perk" of Amb is just being able to email somebody to take care of issues (incorrect point postings, adjoining room requests, etc) rather than having to call and wait on hold. Every now and then I will get some fruit or wine in my room, which is nice I guess, but nothing to get too excited over.
Jan 12, 2021, 10:10 am
#117
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
Jan 12, 2021, 11:16 am
#118
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,845
Honestly, my favorite "perk" of Amb is just being able to email somebody to take care of issues (incorrect point postings, adjoining room requests, etc) rather than having to call and wait on hold. Every now and then I will get some fruit or wine in my room, which is nice I guess, but nothing to get too excited over.
Jan 12, 2021, 11:49 am
#119
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
"What goes up, must come down". Well, what goes down is likely to go up. Earning a ton more points and lowering point redemptions early in 2021 forebodes a massive deval of points coming again later this year. I fully expect point rates to go much higher later this year for 'standard' awards.
And I'm also not happy they lowered the AMB spend to $14K. Not that AMB is worth anything (as I'm finding out since becoming AMB in 2020), but why do they want to inflate the ranks of AMB? There are no ambassadors any longer so we're all having to talk to the same generic pool of people.
-RM
And I'm also not happy they lowered the AMB spend to $14K. Not that AMB is worth anything (as I'm finding out since becoming AMB in 2020), but why do they want to inflate the ranks of AMB? There are no ambassadors any longer so we're all having to talk to the same generic pool of people.
-RM
Jan 12, 2021, 11:51 am
#120
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
All the people saying that Ambassador isn't "worth" $20k, or $14k, or $10k... you're missing the point. Ambassador was never "worth" anywhere near that much even pre-covid. It is small bit of recognition for those spending the most at Marriott properties. If the status were "for sale", I probably wouldn't spend more than $100 out of pocket to get it (if that), even pre-covid. It is a nice (small) perk, but don't read anything more into it beyond that.
Anyone considering intentionally spending extra thousands of dollars just to earn Amb status is nuts, imo.
Anyone considering intentionally spending extra thousands of dollars just to earn Amb status is nuts, imo.
Benefits that I found worth the tier were: Your24 - worked most of the time and hotels would usually go above and beyond to accommodate international flight schedules; Suite upgrades - hotels would preemptively, or with a reasonable ask, upgrade us to a top tier suite, or the top suite for a reduced upgrade rate; having a reliable team to help plan trips or resolve any issues.
The reliability or Your24 and the suite upgrade reliability easily saved us thousands of dollars.
Under Marriott, and especially since last year the program has lost most of its value to me.
However, everyone has different needs and expectations, so the value of the AMB tier will be different to each traveler.