New Ritz Carlton Rewards
Sep 13, 2010, 5:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 1999
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New Ritz Carlton Rewards
Unfortunately you need a subscription so I won't post the link, but there is an article that was just posted to wsj.com about RC rolling out a new loyalty program, "Ritz Carlton Rewards". It sounds like it will be separate from MR, but that points can be redeemed for stays at other Marriott family properties.
(Edited to add that you can access the article by going to Google News and searching for Ritz Carlton Rewards.)
(Edited to add that you can access the article by going to Google News and searching for Ritz Carlton Rewards.)
Sep 13, 2010, 8:15 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,416
Yeah, this news was "leaked" on flyertalk a few weeks ago.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...s-program.html
I think this move is long overdue. Personally, I would include the Ritz hotels in the existing Marriott program (like there's no St. Regis or Luxury Collection program at Starwood), but I guess they're hung up on some sort of separate exclusivity.
The WSJ article would suggest the program will not be exceptionally rewarding, but perhaps this opens the door up to special promos, which is how most hotel reward programs become more worthwhile to their members and frequent guests.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...s-program.html
I think this move is long overdue. Personally, I would include the Ritz hotels in the existing Marriott program (like there's no St. Regis or Luxury Collection program at Starwood), but I guess they're hung up on some sort of separate exclusivity.
The WSJ article would suggest the program will not be exceptionally rewarding, but perhaps this opens the door up to special promos, which is how most hotel reward programs become more worthwhile to their members and frequent guests.
Sep 14, 2010, 8:58 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Jakarta
Programs: *wood & marriott plat, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 410
I personally will not sign up to a program that should have been included MR in the first place. There are simply too few props, and too many other programs that to choose from. I'm currently a MR & *wood prop. Seriously thinking of adding Hyatt next year.
Sep 14, 2010, 9:07 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Marriott Plat, PC Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 202
Did you not see the announcement this morning? Ritz to be included with regular MR. Details to be announced tomorrow
Sep 14, 2010, 10:41 am
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
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Marriott News Center has an announcement: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Launches World-Class Loyalty Program Offering Unique Global Travel Experiences
From that announcement, it appears that Ritz Carlton Rewards are NOT included in Marriott Rewards.
From that announcement, it appears that Ritz Carlton Rewards are NOT included in Marriott Rewards.
Sep 14, 2010, 10:45 am
#6
Original Member
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Location: Tampa, FL
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Marriott News Center has an announcement: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Launches World-Class Loyalty Program Offering Unique Global Travel Experiences
From that announcement, it appears that Ritz Carlton Rewards are NOT included in Marriott Rewards.
From that announcement, it appears that Ritz Carlton Rewards are NOT included in Marriott Rewards.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...t-rewards.html
Sep 14, 2010, 10:47 am
#7
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,313
But MR elites are not completely shut out.
Elite Marriott Rewards members will also receive special benefits when staying at The Ritz-Carlton’s properties.
Under the new program, Marriott Rewards platinum members who stay at a Ritz-Carlton will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
Under the new program, Marriott Rewards platinum members who stay at a Ritz-Carlton will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
Last edited by dayone; Sep 14, 2010 at 10:57 am Reason: Typo.
Sep 14, 2010, 12:05 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2005
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But MR elites are not completely shut out.
Elite Marriott Rewards members will also receive special benefits when staying at The Ritz-Carlton’s properties.
Under the new program, Marriott Rewards platinum members who stay at a Ritz-Carlton will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
Under the new program, Marriott Rewards platinum members who stay at a Ritz-Carlton will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
Sep 14, 2010, 12:40 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Monterey, California
Programs: Affiliated with all, participate in some
Posts: 2,188
My main concern is the impact on Ritz Carlton reward night rates. Marriott Rewards went to a 5th night free system for Marriott brand hotels last year. The Ritz Carlton Rewards table was left unchanged.
Longer stays at Ritz-Carlton are charged fewer Marriott Rewards points per night. One night Tier 1 RC is 45,000 points per night, but stay seven nights and the rate drops to 25,000 points per night. This is a much greater discount than 20% on 5th night free.
I hope the Ritz Carlton reward table doesn't devalue tomorrow.
Longer stays at Ritz-Carlton are charged fewer Marriott Rewards points per night. One night Tier 1 RC is 45,000 points per night, but stay seven nights and the rate drops to 25,000 points per night. This is a much greater discount than 20% on 5th night free.
I hope the Ritz Carlton reward table doesn't devalue tomorrow.
Sep 14, 2010, 1:27 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Marriott Plat, PC Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 202
My main concern is the impact on Ritz Carlton reward night rates. Marriott Rewards went to a 5th night free system for Marriott brand hotels last year. The Ritz Carlton Rewards table was left unchanged.
Longer stays at Ritz-Carlton are charged fewer Marriott Rewards points per night. One night Tier 1 RC is 45,000 points per night, but stay seven nights and the rate drops to 25,000 points per night. This is a much greater discount than 20% on 5th night free.
I hope the Ritz Carlton reward table doesn't devalue tomorrow.
Longer stays at Ritz-Carlton are charged fewer Marriott Rewards points per night. One night Tier 1 RC is 45,000 points per night, but stay seven nights and the rate drops to 25,000 points per night. This is a much greater discount than 20% on 5th night free.
I hope the Ritz Carlton reward table doesn't devalue tomorrow.
"If you're saving up points for a free Ritz-Carlton stay, you'll need between 30,000 and 60,000 points per night for most hotels. The only exception is the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, which will command 70,000 points."
I think your concerns are well founded. Anyone wanting to take advantage of current conversion rates should make a reservation now just in case.
Sep 14, 2010, 2:05 pm
#11
Join Date: Aug 2004
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http://travel.usatoday.com/hotels/po...omers/112143/1
"If you're saving up points for a free Ritz-Carlton stay, you'll need between 30,000 and 60,000 points per night for most hotels. The only exception is the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, which will command 70,000 points."
I think your concerns are well founded. Anyone wanting to take advantage of current conversion rates should make a reservation now just in case.
"If you're saving up points for a free Ritz-Carlton stay, you'll need between 30,000 and 60,000 points per night for most hotels. The only exception is the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, which will command 70,000 points."
I think your concerns are well founded. Anyone wanting to take advantage of current conversion rates should make a reservation now just in case.
But about the USA Today numbers... right now a 1 night stay at a RC Tier 2 is 70,000 points, and 7 night Tier 1 is 25000 per night, so the numbers in their article are not off by much. Of course I wonder about their accuracy.
Sep 14, 2010, 2:21 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
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Posts: 2,897
What I can't fathom is why they made the Ritz Rewards a separate program.
Elite qualifying nights are the same for both programs (e.g. 75 nights for platinum) but given the price point and number of RC properties (73), I would imagine a scant few would earn elite status in the RR program.
Marriott has stated that you can be a memeber of the RR program or MR program, but not both.
Does this mean that they will be bringing the Courtyard Club back?
Elite qualifying nights are the same for both programs (e.g. 75 nights for platinum) but given the price point and number of RC properties (73), I would imagine a scant few would earn elite status in the RR program.
Marriott has stated that you can be a memeber of the RR program or MR program, but not both.
Does this mean that they will be bringing the Courtyard Club back?
Sep 15, 2010, 2:28 am
#13
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott (Lifetime Titantium), whatever other programs as benefits make sense.
Posts: 1,920
I stand corrected - yes you can earn points across the two programs. Bill Marriott has more on his blog: Launching a Loyalty Program for Our Ritz-Carlton Customers.
In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is partnering with Marriott Rewards so members can earn and redeem points at 3,300 hotels worldwide. And, now Marriott Rewards members can earn points at The Ritz-Carlton hotels.
Edited to add: ...and now I see there is already an entire thread devoted to the topic.New Opportunities to Earn Marriott Rewards. Oops.
Cheers,
Greg
In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is partnering with Marriott Rewards so members can earn and redeem points at 3,300 hotels worldwide. And, now Marriott Rewards members can earn points at The Ritz-Carlton hotels.
Edited to add: ...and now I see there is already an entire thread devoted to the topic.New Opportunities to Earn Marriott Rewards. Oops.
Cheers,
Greg
Sep 15, 2010, 4:11 am
#14
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Sep 15, 2010, 4:13 am
#15
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What I can't fathom is why they made the Ritz Rewards a separate program.
Elite qualifying nights are the same for both programs (e.g. 75 nights for platinum) but given the price point and number of RC properties (73), I would imagine a scant few would earn elite status in the RR program.
Marriott has stated that you can be a memeber of the RR program or MR program, but not both.
Does this mean that they will be bringing the Courtyard Club back?
Elite qualifying nights are the same for both programs (e.g. 75 nights for platinum) but given the price point and number of RC properties (73), I would imagine a scant few would earn elite status in the RR program.
Marriott has stated that you can be a memeber of the RR program or MR program, but not both.
Does this mean that they will be bringing the Courtyard Club back?