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
Feb 27, 2017, 3:41 pm
#766
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
Similar thing happened to me. I am SPG PLT but LTG with SPG (800+ nights with SPG alone) also got a welcome to MR Gold pamphlet in the snail mail (no Gold card though)... I had a pipe dream that I could be LTP under Marriott given the current classification scheme in MR but I guess that is all it was ... a pipe dream...
Feb 27, 2017, 7:03 pm
#767
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
Similar here. Lifetime SPG Platinum and I was upgraded to Marriott Platinum last year after linking accounts. Just received a new Marriott Gold card in the mail then checked Marriott online and confirmed I was downgraded to Gold. I just called Marriott and they said they are having issues with this and my Marriott account should be back to Platinum by March 3rd.
I just called in on the same issue and the Marriott agent said that Lifetime SPG won't be honored.
If they are indeed reneging on Lifetime SPG, that will move a few stays of mine to either SPG while it lasts or Hyatt.
Feb 27, 2017, 7:09 pm
#768
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Programs: Hyatt Global, Marriot Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 2,282
Absolutely, if you have a goal in mind that calls for big points, then go for it and save up. But don't be too surprised if that goal keeps moving in higher points required or it going away and having to choose something new. Several have been burned by properties being deflagged or bumped in category or just simple point creep for a category. And let's not forget about other issues that can spoil a trip, weather, war, travel restrictions...
Sitting on a bunch of points "to use someday"... Not so wise IMHO. Everyone needs to assess their risk tolerance and decide what they want to do. Personally, a bunch of small rewards feels better than one big one, but that's me.
Sitting on a bunch of points "to use someday"... Not so wise IMHO. Everyone needs to assess their risk tolerance and decide what they want to do. Personally, a bunch of small rewards feels better than one big one, but that's me.
Feb 27, 2017, 10:27 pm
#769
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
Generally, I find it best to spend money on business tax deductible travel while exhausting points for personal travel. Considering that rewards points with a dynamic value are tax free (even earned from tax deductible travel, unlike cash rewards which must be declared as income), its monetary equivalent value is even higher than the value of travel.
Considering a trip costing $2,000 actually requires a pre-tax amount of about $3,000'ish, I'll always liberally use points for personal travel. This is/was (along with best in class rewards) the reason many business owners find the SPG Business card far and away the best value proposition in the CC space.
Really going to miss this aspect of *woods & Amex SPG.
Considering a trip costing $2,000 actually requires a pre-tax amount of about $3,000'ish, I'll always liberally use points for personal travel. This is/was (along with best in class rewards) the reason many business owners find the SPG Business card far and away the best value proposition in the CC space.
Really going to miss this aspect of *woods & Amex SPG.
Feb 28, 2017, 4:07 am
#770
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Feb 28, 2017, 5:43 am
#771
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Feb 28, 2017, 6:23 am
#772
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Either they haven't informed all their agents or your agent was misinformed.
I just called in on the same issue and the Marriott agent said that Lifetime SPG won't be honored.
If they are indeed reneging on Lifetime SPG, that will move a few stays of mine to either SPG while it lasts or Hyatt.
I just called in on the same issue and the Marriott agent said that Lifetime SPG won't be honored.
If they are indeed reneging on Lifetime SPG, that will move a few stays of mine to either SPG while it lasts or Hyatt.
Neither program has addressed lifetime status after the merger so no one knows. However, as long as the two programs are separate then they should be matching status back and forth. If you were to ask an SPG CSR, they may have no knowledge of PP and will tell you they do not match it.
So having LTP at SPG means you are Platinum and MR should be matching that. I believe it is a known issue and being looked at. I would suggest PM the Lurkers and let them look into it.
Feb 28, 2017, 9:40 am
#773
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, LLC
[email protected]
Last edited by Starwood Lurker; Feb 28, 2017 at 3:06 pm Reason: removed the call to action to call Marriott Rewards
Feb 28, 2017, 2:47 pm
#774
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Head of SPG will be leading the process for potential new program
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....xpect-program/
http://thepointsguy.com/2017/02/flue...bined-program/
"The timeline for full integration of the two programs is still to be decided — at least not until 2018. Flueck noted that the combined company has to work through some incredibly complicated details in merging the two brands, such as creating one unified program and syncing technology. However, he said that the first three priorities are: 1) bringing together the best of both the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs; 2) building the technology to allow them to do so; and 3) figuring out what to do with its credit cards, as SPG is currently with American Express and Marriott is with Chase."
http://thepointsguy.com/2017/02/flue...bined-program/
"The timeline for full integration of the two programs is still to be decided — at least not until 2018. Flueck noted that the combined company has to work through some incredibly complicated details in merging the two brands, such as creating one unified program and syncing technology. However, he said that the first three priorities are: 1) bringing together the best of both the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs; 2) building the technology to allow them to do so; and 3) figuring out what to do with its credit cards, as SPG is currently with American Express and Marriott is with Chase."
Feb 28, 2017, 10:58 pm
#775
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....xpect-program/
http://thepointsguy.com/2017/02/flue...bined-program/
"The timeline for full integration of the two programs is still to be decided — at least not until 2018. Flueck noted that the combined company has to work through some incredibly complicated details in merging the two brands, such as creating one unified program and syncing technology. However, he said that the first three priorities are: 1) bringing together the best of both the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs; 2) building the technology to allow them to do so; and 3) figuring out what to do with its credit cards, as SPG is currently with American Express and Marriott is with Chase."
http://thepointsguy.com/2017/02/flue...bined-program/
"The timeline for full integration of the two programs is still to be decided — at least not until 2018. Flueck noted that the combined company has to work through some incredibly complicated details in merging the two brands, such as creating one unified program and syncing technology. However, he said that the first three priorities are: 1) bringing together the best of both the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs; 2) building the technology to allow them to do so; and 3) figuring out what to do with its credit cards, as SPG is currently with American Express and Marriott is with Chase."
Mar 3, 2017, 4:37 pm
#776
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
Similar here. Lifetime SPG Platinum and I was upgraded to Marriott Platinum last year after linking accounts. Just received a new Marriott Gold card in the mail then checked Marriott online and confirmed I was downgraded to Gold. I just called Marriott and they said they are having issues with this and my Marriott account should be back to Platinum by March 3rd.
Mar 3, 2017, 7:44 pm
#777
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,511
I have booked hotels in Mauritius, Indonesia and Malaysia before the redemption rates change etc., Just have no idea what we are going to do in 2018 for winter vacation.
I honestly can say I am challenged in finding a decent hotel to choose in a lot of places not just these.
Very difficult to find anything with decent club lounges (other than city hotels) and where something just isn't right???
We will see. I am trying to go for good redemption rates and not just blowing them...........that is easy too easy to do!
I honestly can say I am challenged in finding a decent hotel to choose in a lot of places not just these.
Very difficult to find anything with decent club lounges (other than city hotels) and where something just isn't right???
We will see. I am trying to go for good redemption rates and not just blowing them...........that is easy too easy to do!
Mar 4, 2017, 7:44 am
#778
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: United GS MM, Hilton LT Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 231
Mar 7, 2017, 10:15 am
#779
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,113
Thought SPG folk would be interested in this as well. Thread is in the Marriott forum if you want to discuss. Link will take you there.
Marriott Announces 2020 Growth Vision for Europe
Cheers.
Marriott Announces 2020 Growth Vision for Europe
Cheers.
Mar 9, 2017, 9:27 am
#780
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
This is one bit of good news for SPG fans who are very concerned that un-innovative, cookie-cutter and boring Marriott's way of doing things would prevail. David does come from the revenue side, but he also knows how people can be passionate with their loyalty if enticed to do so. I'm still skeptical about 2018, but this is one bit of good news.
Here is another recent example. Immediately after the US+AA merger Suzanne Rubin from AA side was the President of the American AAdvantage. We all know where AAdvantage is now.