Apr 16, 2018, 4:15 pm
Last edit by: dayone
This thread (post #5 from Marriott Rewards Insider) has the official announcement of changes effective later in 2018.
An earlier, speculative discussion appears in the following closed thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...tus-tiers.html
An earlier, speculative discussion appears in the following closed thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...tus-tiers.html
Official announcement – See how our three loyalty programs will become one in August
Apr 17, 2018, 9:28 pm
#361
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Aeroplan, Amex AeroPlat
Posts: 977
You are separating status with published benefits. Status and it's associated benefits are exclusive.
That's not status matching. You enjoy the benefits on Czech because of your status in that alliance...not because your Czech Diamond (or whatever their elite tiers are called). If you logged onto your Czech account, does it say Czech Diamond or equivalent?
That's not status matching. You enjoy the benefits on Czech because of your status in that alliance...not because your Czech Diamond (or whatever their elite tiers are called). If you logged onto your Czech account, does it say Czech Diamond or equivalent?
It appears some people want to believe what he wants to believe. I read and craft various contracts, agreements and statements every day to earn a modest wage, and am puzzled at his logic, which blatantly ignores the fact that when your status is shown in Marriott account as Gold, the most reasonable presumption is simply that you are MR Gold, since Marriott has effectively made that representation and common folks will
have relied on the rrpreeentation. Wordings such as “you enjoy the benefits of....” does not mean I am not Gold. It is not contradictory to the reasonable conclusion that I am MR Gold. If anything, it is a nice correlation.
I am not wishful - it’s simply a reasonable and the most likely and logical conclusion. I don’t really care for Plat benefits since I mostly stay at Hyatt now, it’s simply that I like to
Apr 17, 2018, 9:35 pm
#362
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
Programs: Avis Pref+, Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Life Gold, Honors Silver, IHG Plat via MC.
Posts: 6,786
Good news! I just looked at the link posted above to the benefits of the various credit cards. The new Marriott Premier Visa card will offer an Anniversary Free Night at a 35K hotel, so New Cat. 5. IF most Present Cat. 7s make it in, it will be worthwhile to keep the card. Also, I like the 2 pp$ earning on a Visa, which is almost as good as 1 Hyatt pp$ on the Chase Hyatt Visa or Sapphire! Although I wish they would offer double-earnings merchant categories, meaning 4 pp$.
Apr 17, 2018, 9:37 pm
#363
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 502
Shouldnt the beef be with AmEx then since they are the ones that promised you specific features of the card to get your business? They pay for these points and amenities to enhance their card offerings over other cards to get your business. If AmEx is selling a feature that doesnt even exist anymore and can not be used, why not let them know?
Apr 17, 2018, 9:58 pm
#364
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 86
Shouldnt the beef be with AmEx then since they are the ones that promised you specific features of the card to get your business? They pay for these points and amenities to enhance their card offerings over other cards to get your business. If AmEx is selling a feature that doesnt even exist anymore and can not be used, why not let them know?
From the perspective of an "Amex" SPG earner, the real value was the earning rate, and the other benefits we're just gravy. I only had 4 stays in the past year, two Sheraton and two Residents Inn, but I used late check out 3 times and the Sheraton club twice. The changes are what they are, but I think the best move from a PR angle is to fulfill your promises. If you tell a customer "if you buy or complete these criteria, you receive X", you should deliver X.
Last edited by an mec; Apr 18, 2018 at 5:58 am
Apr 17, 2018, 10:20 pm
#365
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Amb Elite & LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,230
I think I've qualified too. I'm interested to see what, if any difference, ambassador makes. I don't care about a slice of cake or a fruit plate in my room. Bathrobe and slippers in every room is something I would want. I would also want individual bottles of toiletries. A bottle of champagne every now and again would also be appreciated, especially when I redeem points for my yearly week in London and yearly week in Paris.
I would like to see the new terms and conditions clearly define the upgrade order with platinum premier ambassador taking a codified precedence over platinum premier and platinum premier clearly given a codified precedence over platinum.
I actually wonder if the ambassador service is all smoke and mirrors in that many people don't really use it. It's like credit cards that offer concierges. I don't know anyone who has ever used it. I suspect that many high-rollers have a travel agent or manager, executive assistant, or junior staffer who helps with their air travel and hotel reservations. Regardless, I also suspect that in many cases it's just easier to make a booking yourself and then just let the ambassador know you have a special request for that upcoming stay.
I would like to see the new terms and conditions clearly define the upgrade order with platinum premier ambassador taking a codified precedence over platinum premier and platinum premier clearly given a codified precedence over platinum.
I actually wonder if the ambassador service is all smoke and mirrors in that many people don't really use it. It's like credit cards that offer concierges. I don't know anyone who has ever used it. I suspect that many high-rollers have a travel agent or manager, executive assistant, or junior staffer who helps with their air travel and hotel reservations. Regardless, I also suspect that in many cases it's just easier to make a booking yourself and then just let the ambassador know you have a special request for that upcoming stay.
Currently (who knows what Marriott will tell them in the future) you develop a relationship with your Ambassador, they will interview you for your detailed preferences and be your advocate for upgrades and special tweaks on trips. Anyone that thinks they are their personal assistant have delusional expectations. You are not the only person they work with, so like most things, use them where it matters. Want a suite on your special trip? Sure, Try to get them to get you a suite every business trip you'll just dilute their effort when it really matters.
Compared to the Marriott Platinum Premier, which I was for 8 years, the Ambassador is many times better. Call a 'special' number with Marriott vs. having a direct line to the same person, I think it's obvious. One example to show their ability (and nothing is guaranteed, they can only advocate for you with the hotel)
Westin Excelsior in Florence.
- Award stay for standard room
- Upgrade to a suite over looking the river - upgrade was confirmed before we arrived
- A room service table filled with snacks delivered to the room with wine
- Staff was very attentive and recognized our status when we arrived
I never communicated with the hotel before hand all I did was make the reservation and let my Ambassador know it was our anniversary, she did the rest. Pretty darn sure this is nothing like a credit card concierge. Are all AMB as good as mine, no, but if you are really unhappy you can get them changed.
Apr 17, 2018, 10:40 pm
#366
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 204
Anyone know what the UA status will be with the new program?
Currently my parents get Marriott Gold through lifetime UA gold so will they be getting new Gold rather than new Platinum and lose free breakfast? I qualify for Marriott Gold through Marriott nights which currently doesn't entitle me to UA silver but I know that's a Platinum benefit. Because I'll become a new Platinum, I was just wondering if I could occasionally fly Economy Plus with UA.
Currently my parents get Marriott Gold through lifetime UA gold so will they be getting new Gold rather than new Platinum and lose free breakfast? I qualify for Marriott Gold through Marriott nights which currently doesn't entitle me to UA silver but I know that's a Platinum benefit. Because I'll become a new Platinum, I was just wondering if I could occasionally fly Economy Plus with UA.
Apr 17, 2018, 11:04 pm
#367
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YQR
Programs: Nexus/GE, UA/MPG, Bonvoy Tit, LTP
Posts: 1,294
Apr 17, 2018, 11:35 pm
#368
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,808
Apr 17, 2018, 11:36 pm
#369
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,178
I'm kind of confused with the Annual Gift Choice. I understand it will be awarded when we complete 50 and 75 nights, but will these be awarded in August as well as in 2019?
Apr 18, 2018, 12:13 am
#370
formerly known as s2kdriver80
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Long Island, New York, USA (JFK <--> OTP)
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Amex MR, Chase UR
Posts: 317
According to TPG, they will do away with access at the Sheraton lounges and instead, implement 4x earnings for restaurants/gas/telecommunications/shipping.
Last edited by DeltaFlyer IntrepidClass; Apr 18, 2018 at 12:25 am
Apr 18, 2018, 12:18 am
#371
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: BA Blue, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold
Posts: 401
Point of contention is, do SPG golds get Platinum for the rest of the year, 5 months to be exact or may be 6? I have a feeling that they would extend Platinum to ALL Golds irrespective, not because its fair/unfair but because of goodwill. They look at how many people they would piss off if they don't. Again, there are SPG Golds that took Amex route. AMEX made certain promises when they sold their product, for example lounge access for Business card holders, how would they deal with them? To avoid all these headaches MR will simply extend Platinum for the rest of the year, IMO. From 2019 onward things are clear.
Marriott’s European VP of loyalty confirmed that any Amex Platinum member who has matched their SPG Gold to Marriott Gold will become Marriott Platinum until the end of 2018.
This does seem contradict what David Fleuck said although perhaps not. You’d think they’d have had made sure everyone was on the same page though
Apr 18, 2018, 12:19 am
#372
formerly known as s2kdriver80
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Long Island, New York, USA (JFK <--> OTP)
Programs: Delta SkyMiles, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Amex MR, Chase UR
Posts: 317
I will qualify for MR LTG next month, which I understand will become LTP in the new program. I can not go higher than LTP in the new program.
My question is about a credit card strategy:
I currently have all four credit cards:
1) MR Personal Visa
2) MR Business Visa
3) SPG Amex Personal
4) SPG Amex Business
Since the 15 night annual bonus seems to be limited to one per account, I am wondering which card to keep, and which ones to cancel. Would appreciate suggestions based on the information available so far.
My question is about a credit card strategy:
I currently have all four credit cards:
1) MR Personal Visa
2) MR Business Visa
3) SPG Amex Personal
4) SPG Amex Business
Since the 15 night annual bonus seems to be limited to one per account, I am wondering which card to keep, and which ones to cancel. Would appreciate suggestions based on the information available so far.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:57 am
#373
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Miles and Smiles Elite Plus, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 474
I have those 4 cards as well and even though you can't stack those 15 elite night credits, you'll still get 4 free nights every year. So I might keep all of them. Add in the new Chase and Amex cards, and you'll get 6 free nights with those 6 cards, one of which (Amex SPG luxury card) is eligible to be applied for a stay valued at up to 50k points.
Apr 18, 2018, 2:41 am
#374
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,814
It is good to see these changes at least being clarified.
I sure hope that AC Hotels get roped into them in particular recognition of elite status.
I had booked AC Hotels for recent trips to Europe mainly Spain and have been grossly disappointed at the lack of recognition or any perks associated with my Gold Elite status.
Foolishly, I stuck with the Marriott chain as I assumed that there would be some recognition for an Elite member.
As late of last week, I stayed at the Marriott Hotel Puerto Atocha in Madrid and received nil above the basic level of service let alone being told thanks for staying.
Maybe things will change ??
I sure hope that AC Hotels get roped into them in particular recognition of elite status.
I had booked AC Hotels for recent trips to Europe mainly Spain and have been grossly disappointed at the lack of recognition or any perks associated with my Gold Elite status.
Foolishly, I stuck with the Marriott chain as I assumed that there would be some recognition for an Elite member.
As late of last week, I stayed at the Marriott Hotel Puerto Atocha in Madrid and received nil above the basic level of service let alone being told thanks for staying.
Maybe things will change ??
Apr 18, 2018, 2:41 am
#375
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: Marriott, Virgin Atlantic, BA
Posts: 187
I didn't see this question answered, so apologies if it's a repeat:
I previously converted SPG points to Marriott. These do NOT show up as counting towards lifetime status. Do we know if following the merger, both new points in, and old points previously transferred will count towards lifetime?
Thank you.
I previously converted SPG points to Marriott. These do NOT show up as counting towards lifetime status. Do we know if following the merger, both new points in, and old points previously transferred will count towards lifetime?
Thank you.