Sep 22, 2016, 11:20 pm
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
Deal closed Sep 23 - http://news.marriott.com/2016/09/marriott-international-expanded-loyalty-benefits/
FAQ :
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#will-rewards-and-spg-be-turning-into-one-program
Will Rewards and SPG be turning into one program?
These are two of the best programs in the industry, and we want you to benefit from everything that makes SPG and Rewards great. We don’t anticipate that the two programs will come together before 2018, and we will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, there’s no change to how you book reservations, manage your accounts or earn Elite night credits, points and miles in the current programs
Status Matches
MR Platinum <--> SPG Platinum
MR Gold <--> SPG Gold
MR Silver <--> SPG Preferred Plus
MR Member <--> SPG Preferred
If your status changes (i.e. Gold->Plat) in one program, your status in the other program will be automatically upgraded within 24 hours per Marriott FAQ
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
To link your accounts, log in to either account at:
http://www.spg.com/linkmarriott
http://members.marriott.com/
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
This is the Official Answer : "We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018."
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT change lifetime MR points.
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT count as activity & therefore does not extend the expiration date of points.
SPG platinum member matched to MR plat and now interested in the MR - UA Silver status match ? Check here.
Updated Terms and Conditions for the two programs can be found at
http://members.marriott.com/terms-conditions/
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html
Complete listing of all the hotel brands in the in the merged company :
http://www.marriott.com/marriott-brands.mi#ourbrands
http://www.marriott.com/Images/Brands/brands_page_2016/global_architecture_images/US_MAR_SPG_brand_architecture.png
FAQ :
http://members.marriott.com/faq/#will-rewards-and-spg-be-turning-into-one-program
Will Rewards and SPG be turning into one program?
These are two of the best programs in the industry, and we want you to benefit from everything that makes SPG and Rewards great. We don’t anticipate that the two programs will come together before 2018, and we will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, there’s no change to how you book reservations, manage your accounts or earn Elite night credits, points and miles in the current programs
Status Matches
MR Platinum <--> SPG Platinum
MR Gold <--> SPG Gold
MR Silver <--> SPG Preferred Plus
MR Member <--> SPG Preferred
If your status changes (i.e. Gold->Plat) in one program, your status in the other program will be automatically upgraded within 24 hours per Marriott FAQ
You can now link your Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards account with your SPG account.
To link your accounts, log in to either account at:
http://www.spg.com/linkmarriott
http://members.marriott.com/
It will be a 3:1 transfer ratio between MR-SPG
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
This is the Official Answer : "We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018."
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT change lifetime MR points.
Transferring points from SPG to MR does NOT count as activity & therefore does not extend the expiration date of points.
SPG platinum member matched to MR plat and now interested in the MR - UA Silver status match ? Check here.
Updated Terms and Conditions for the two programs can be found at
http://members.marriott.com/terms-conditions/
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/legal/spg_terms.html
Complete listing of all the hotel brands in the in the merged company :
http://www.marriott.com/marriott-brands.mi#ourbrands
http://www.marriott.com/Images/Brands/brands_page_2016/global_architecture_images/US_MAR_SPG_brand_architecture.png
Marriott/Starwood merger closed; FAQs; Status Match; MR & SPG accounts can be linked
Sep 23, 2016, 12:52 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seat 1L these days :)
Programs: AF Platinum/AY LUMO/SK EBG/baEC S/HYATT Globalist/MR LTP/A3 *G/HH Dia/IHG plat
Posts: 7,957
atleast for myself and my better half 
Sep 23, 2016, 12:55 am
#32
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
I have updated my original post with another link that would help.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Sep 23, 2016, 1:01 am
#33
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
Sep 23, 2016, 1:25 am
#34
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
My take-away from this announcement:
1. Upgrades will immediately suffer as a result of the instant merger of membership base. Suite Night Awards will become ever more important in 2017 (assuming you continue staying at SPG properties in 2017).
2. SPG Gold = MR Gold, SPG Platinum = MR Platinum represents the honeymoon period before SPG members get the shive. Sure, you get instant access to Star Alliance Silver via Marriott's partnership with United; however, that's a costly arrangement which is unlikely to last in 2018. Perhaps, we could even see that as a MR Platinum-only benefit going forward. I'm sure Marriott members are not happy about this, but those who don't already have status in SPG now get to compete with us for everything.
3. Lifetime status is likely to go away for SPG members. Here's the original quote:
source: http://members.marriott.com/faq/#if-...nk-my-accounts
emphasis mine
Here's the breakdown:
a.
No, they don't. They appreciate the cost synergies of knocking out a competitor. If they had genuinely appreciated your loyalty (to Starwood), then this would've already been decided as has been the case with every other facet of this merger.
b.
And what happens when one programme is consumed by another?
c.
The honeymoon period.
d.
SPG Lifetime Status will be enjoyed through the end of 2017.
e.
They're not. That will be the shive on 1 January 2018.
2017 is going to look like a shiva as Discount Arnie has slayed the SPG behemoth.
1. Upgrades will immediately suffer as a result of the instant merger of membership base. Suite Night Awards will become ever more important in 2017 (assuming you continue staying at SPG properties in 2017).
2. SPG Gold = MR Gold, SPG Platinum = MR Platinum represents the honeymoon period before SPG members get the shive. Sure, you get instant access to Star Alliance Silver via Marriott's partnership with United; however, that's a costly arrangement which is unlikely to last in 2018. Perhaps, we could even see that as a MR Platinum-only benefit going forward. I'm sure Marriott members are not happy about this, but those who don't already have status in SPG now get to compete with us for everything.
3. Lifetime status is likely to go away for SPG members. Here's the original quote:
If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.
We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.
emphasis mine
Here's the breakdown:
a.
We appreciate your loyalty!
b.
Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in.
c.
While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program.
d.
Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program.
e.
We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.
2017 is going to look like a shiva as Discount Arnie has slayed the SPG behemoth.
Last edited by uxb; Sep 23, 2016 at 1:43 am
Sep 23, 2016, 1:26 am
#35
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Sad that us SPG Plat elites who earned it the hard way now have to compete for upgrades with a bunch of people who just spent $75k on a credit card. Doesn't seem fair.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:38 am
#36
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: KSA
Programs: BA LTG, UA Gold, EK Silver, Hilton LT Diamond, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,241
you can only stay in one room at a time.
Maybe there will be more upgrade opportunities as those SPG Plats who had little status at Marriott try out a room with them now that they are Plat with Marriott too.
Maybe there will be more upgrade opportunities as those SPG Plats who had little status at Marriott try out a room with them now that they are Plat with Marriott too.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:39 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,825
Why is Marriott not matching SPG Lifetime status? This seems like a bad decision.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:44 am
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,668
this is what i get when i try to link accounts:
COMING SOON
Get ready to link your accounts to enjoy the best of each program.
Instant status match. Transfer points. It’s all about you.
Check back soon.
Get ready to link your accounts to enjoy the best of each program.
Instant status match. Transfer points. It’s all about you.
Check back soon.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:55 am
#39
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
Sep 23, 2016, 1:55 am
#40
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
>This is also good news for those of us (including me) who are 9 years in towards LTP status. We should be able to achieve it prior to merger (which, if they do continue the lifetime Plat program) at least gives us a chance to be grandfathered into it.
There is no "grandfathering" from Starwood into Marriott. This is disappointing news for those with lifetime Starwood. Where there's a choice, I'll be choosing Hyatt going forward.
There is no "grandfathering" from Starwood into Marriott. This is disappointing news for those with lifetime Starwood. Where there's a choice, I'll be choosing Hyatt going forward.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:57 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
Sep 23, 2016, 2:02 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite for Life, Hilton Diamond, United Silver
Posts: 334
Platinum For Life
Today I hit platinum for life, I read the FAQs nothing certain yet for us, I am hoping we will maintain the top tier in the resulting programme(s) for life, but I am not confident.
Sep 23, 2016, 2:02 am
#43
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,142
3. Lifetime status is likely to go away for SPG members. Here's the original quote:
source: http://members.marriott.com/faq/#if-...nk-my-accounts
emphasis mine
Here's the breakdown:
a. No, they don't. They appreciate the cost synergies of knocking out a competitor. If they had genuinely appreciated your loyalty (to Starwood), then this would've already been decided as has been the case with every other facet of this merger.
b. And what happens when one programme is consumed by another?
c. The honeymoon period.
d. SPG Lifetime Status will be enjoyed through the end of 2017.
e. They're not. That will be the shive on 1 January 2018.
2017 is going to look like a shiva as Discount Arnie has slayed the SPG behemoth.
source: http://members.marriott.com/faq/#if-...nk-my-accounts
emphasis mine
Here's the breakdown:
a. No, they don't. They appreciate the cost synergies of knocking out a competitor. If they had genuinely appreciated your loyalty (to Starwood), then this would've already been decided as has been the case with every other facet of this merger.
b. And what happens when one programme is consumed by another?
c. The honeymoon period.
d. SPG Lifetime Status will be enjoyed through the end of 2017.
e. They're not. That will be the shive on 1 January 2018.
2017 is going to look like a shiva as Discount Arnie has slayed the SPG behemoth.
So on the positive side, I don't think it will be only SPG who get knifed... But on the negative side, it will be everyone.
I am hoping, however, that the resultant backlash from their most loyal core would prevent them doing anything so foolish. Everyone seems as though they are pleasantly surprised so far... Let's hope the same applies into 2018.
Sep 23, 2016, 2:03 am
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,142
Scrolling to the bottom of that page is the key part! Took me a while to figure that out, and isn't obvious at all that you need to scroll... (Chrome user)
Sep 23, 2016, 2:09 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,825
They didn't instantly match it (today). I don't believe this means they will not ultimately match it when they combine programs in 2018. Currently they are simply allowing you to match status for 2017 (before the programs are put together). That's a perk. After all, they could've done nothing today and let us all wait til 2018 to get matched.
). If I link the accounts and they see that the combined activity is not above the 750 nights for Marriott Lifetime Plat, perhaps they will let the SPG Lifetime Plat die with the end of SPG?