RMZ2006

Yesterday I reserved 5 nights at Wailea Beach Resort for next year at a total of 160k points. I currently have 125k points in my account so I called reservations to confirm when I would need the full balance. Agent suggested that unless I have 160k by August 18, I might be subject to the changes due to the merger, which include this hotel moving from 40k points per night to 50k. This seemed strange to me, so I HUCA and the second agent told me that indeed booking ahead of the merger locks in the reservation at the current price and I'll simply need to have 160k points 15 days prior to check-in.

Does the second agent sound correct? I can transfer points to get to 160k right now, but would rather earn Marriott points organically via some stays I have upcoming and the eventual upgrade of my Chase Marriott card rather than converting UR.

txpenny

It's Marriott so it's anybody's guess.

Personally, I believe the second agent is correct. Logically, if you don't alter the reservation, I believe you are locked in at the rate at time of booking and I doubt method of payment (cash, points and cash, or points) would change anything.

CJKatl

The first agent is wrong. The second is correct. Print your confirmation somewhere (electronic or paper) in case the system changes you to the new redemption rate. Things like assigning you an upgraded room can sometimes trigger this. It has happened to me twice but both times it was corrected easily and quickly. As long as you have the points a couple weeks before your stay you will be okay. Marriott will send you a reminder email and if you do not move the points at that point they will take them from your account of, if you do not have the necessary points, cancel your reservation. I always move the points myself to lessen the chance there will be any issue.

RMZ2006

Thanks. Logically, I agree that it wouldn't make sense to alter the terms of the reservation after it is made. The first agent wasn't speaking with much confidence about the subject, so I'm assuming she either is confused or was just hedging since she wasn't positive. I'll take screenshots and make copies to protect myself in case they try to tell me I suddenly need 40,000 additional points.

RogerD408

Another example of a CSR making up rules instead of doing the research. I too believe the first is wrong, but this whole process of repeatedly calling until you get the answer you like (i.e. think is correct) just seems flawed to me. If the first person is right, that's what I'd expect to happen and calling back saying "well so-n-so said ..." isn't going to get you very far. Now getting it in writing, a different situation.

Even the IRS is not bound by what their agents might tell you!

cur

Question:

As it stands now I have a lifetime 220 nights with SPG and 7 years elite. I am currently an SPG gold and will likely hit platinum this year.

I have 28 marriott nights and I was given marriott gold status via United 1k status.

So it is my understanding that if I attain 30 more SPG nights by the end of calendar year 2018, I will earn lifetime SPG gold status and therefore lifetime Marriott gold status? Or will the 220+28 combine for an easy spg lifetime gold status? Or does this put me on for useless marriott silver status. Call center people just as unsure as me.

getagb

flandery

Has Marriott announced what the Annual Choice gift options will be other than Suite Night awards? I'm trying to figure out if it makes sense to try and double dip on those. With separate SPG and Marriott accounts, I might end up with 75 nights in each program if I focus my stays.

RogerD408

IF you can get to 250 SPG nights by the end of the year, you should have SPG LTG and become MPG LTG. If you don't make SPG LTG and merge your accounts, then you will need to meet MPG requirements of 400 LT nights and 7 years of Gold or higher. Remember, your annual status will prevail over LT status until lower, so if you will make Platinum this year, then Platinum you will be and those nights/years will add to your LT balance getting you closer and closer to the higher tiers. Do keep reading FT to see how MPG handles legacy rules and merged accounts. I have seen statements saying you want to keep your accounts separated if wishing to earn under legacy rules but nothing official has been published, just various interpretations of what's there now.

CJKatl

The Lurker just reiterated the other day that combining your accounts will have nothing to do with qualifying under the legacy rules. His answer expressed exasperation at those who continue to spread the rumor.

On the thread where this first appeared you had the post directly before this one and one a few after so it is hard to believe you did not see this. Combining accounts will have no impact on qualification under legacy rules.

Horace

Yes.

Marriott has published that during 2018, but not beyond 2018, elite qualification can be achieved through stays, just as in the SPG program, but only when those stays are at SPG brands. This logic will be in the new, combined system.

I can't imagine there would be additional code to ignore this logic if the SPG member also had a Rewards account and took the action to combine them.

RogerD408

Yes, I have seen those post but I have seen postings both on FT and some websites where people that I believe should know have stated otherwise. And when I post, I try to express it has not been published as to what exactly will happen when we merge our accounts and caution people to be aware. I have also tried to include a statement to the fact that theoretically, there is no need to merge our accounts UNLESS there is a status benefit. But if you're going for legacy qualifications I doubt new program status will be in your favor. Yes, you'll need to be careful about which account you use to book your rooms and watch the progress in both, but again, it's the goal you want that drives the mean. Lastly, I have tried finding the quotes that I recall, but either they have been pulled or the links have been changes. So I will continue to urge caution and hope I am wrong (MR has proven too many times things will change without warning).

margarita girl

This has been announced that UA 1Ks will have Plat until Jan 2019, and then will revert to new Gold. Post # 1041.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...ership-70.html

CJKatl

While I am all for waiting unless there is an immediate status benefit - let others experience any potential glitches - suggesting there might be an issue with qualifying under legacy rules if accounts are combined is baseless. It's been contradicted by the company's agent. If it mattered Marriott would include that information in its instructions to merge. Your thinking someone might have said this who you claim to trust despite not even knowing who it is defies logic.

margarita girl

Here's a thread on the subject. Seems genuine.

Post-Merger Platinum Choice Benefits

I doubt you'll get to double dip (unless you hit 50 SPG nights before July 27th) but good luck!