pvn

Are you... manually signing your posts???

stc

There is also an issue with merging all the discount codes (and potentially having two discount codes stored in your FF account; I know my SPG account keeps track of my corporate discount code). I would not be surprised if this didn't all happen in August or even by the end of the year. As a data point, Hilton still hasn't fully integrated their (reservation) systems; while it looks transparent to the guest, Hilton Hotels and Doubletree Hotels are on different systems and you get radically different confirmation numbers.

RogerD408

Very true. I am sure there are many other minor issues we haven't considered yet either. All this sounds simple on the surface but a lot of work. I stand by my suggestion to wait and read what they release and decide what works for you. Ultimately, we will all be under one program, but not day one.

UA-NYC

Praying the SPG SET codes last as long as possible...Marriott's are terrible IME.

C17PSGR

On top of everything else, the full service properties use Marsha as the reservation system while the lower tier properties have a different reservation system. As a description "MARSHA is a powerful reservation network and demand-management tool. MARSHA powers an industry-leading distribution system and is fully integrated with Marriott’s revenue management, eCommerce, customer loyalty, and property-management systems, as well as the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) used by travel agents and systems of e-Intermediaries."

Integrating points seems easy. Coming up with a name seems even easier. Moving all the SPG hotels off of one platform and making sure it all connects into their property management systems, and all the different GDS systems, and making sure everyone is trained so there is no revenue loss -- that seems complex.

And we know well they are doing with the name

mahasamatman

As far as I can tell, it may be done. Here's an excerpt from the T&C of the new Marriott Visa under the section where they describe the 15 elite night bebefit. I've bolded the references to the new program name. They went the boring route. Of course, this could be just a placeholder name...

AdeAhmed

Hi all,

From everything I've read, it now seems that anyone who matched to Marriott gold via SPG credit card gold status, will not be being bumped up to Platinum in the new program, even temporaril.

Which sucks, as I have a stay planned for end August/early September that I really wanted to use the benefits for.

So, firstly, please confirm its true?

Secondly, what can i do to somehow quickly get platinum status, as I really would like the benefits associated with the old gold/new platinum

Flying for Fun

Depends on how many night you have/need. Book 10 rooms for 5 nights! Pay for an upgrade to your stay into a room that gives you the benefits you are looking for. Book a single meeting in August for 10 Elite Nights. Max out 15 Elite Nights with credit cards.

In theory, if you can squeeze in a few meetings before the end of the month you could do it but will the time, effort & expense justify the benefits?

James

AdeAhmed

thanks. its a point stay, so upgrade wont work help

from what ive read, it seems that smoeone with a ritz carlton card who gets gold that way will be bumped up to platinum...true?

Flying for Fun

I can't say for sure. It does make sense though. SPG Gold is like MR Silver so you were getting out-sized value on the match.

James

CJKatl

Third Option: Reach out to the hotel, let them know when you made your reservation you had lounge access and nicely ask if they will extend it to you despite the program parameters changing. I know three people who have successfully done this including a relative. The worst that can happen is the hotel says no and you will be no worse off than you are without asking. I would imagine less chance of success at some of the megahotels with crowded CLs, like the NYC Marquis or the SF Marquis and a better chance of success with the more relaxed, remote properties. While I don't want to name properties and put the properties or future guests in an awkward position, one of the people that had this work will be staying in a European property but not one located in Paris or London. The other two are in a meh North-Central Marriott and a Southern tourist destination hotel.

musicscrip

AdeAhmed

this is good information

i reserved earlier this month...not sure if its long enough in advance, but worth a shot

Gigantor

Does anyone know on which date the Starpoints will be merged into Marriott Points.
I read that the conversion rate will be: 1 Starpoint = 3 Marriott Points.

Thanks
G

Horace

Based on Marriott's announcement in April of this year, Starpoints will not automatically be merged with Rewards Points, even if you've linked your accounts.

In August, each Starpoint in your account will become 3 points in the new program. At that time, earning, redemption, benefits, participating brands, and the value of points will be the same for SPG, Marriott Rewards, and RC Rewards.

Marriott only announced August -- not a specific date in August. August is easily interpreted as August 1, so you see lots of references to August 1 on this forum. But it could be different date.

"Starting in August" (Marriott's words), Marriott will notify those of us who have an SPG account and a Rewards account when we can combine them into a single account.

I recommend spending some time studying the details, including the FAQ, at https://members.marriott.com/