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, 6:53 am
#76
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
If it helps you feel better, you can actually switch between the 2 programs (RC and Marriott) many times in a single day if you really wanted to with no change in your points balance or elite status.
Sep 23, 2016, 6:54 am
#77
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: dublin
Programs: BA GGL, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 106
Question ; I am SPG plat, and have just linked my Marriott rewards account, and it now shows Plat...But I cannot enrol in the Ritz Carlton programme as it says I already have a Marriott rewards account. Is it better to keep Marriott or change to Ritz?
As I am now Marriott Plat, so I get exact same benefits when staying in a Ritz property as if I am Ritz Plat, therefore it makes no diff?
Also, Marriott plat gets lounge access, does Ritz Plat get lounge access?
Thanks
As I am now Marriott Plat, so I get exact same benefits when staying in a Ritz property as if I am Ritz Plat, therefore it makes no diff?
Also, Marriott plat gets lounge access, does Ritz Plat get lounge access?
Thanks
Sep 23, 2016, 7:01 am
#78
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska LTG, HHonors-Gld, IHG-Dia, LT MR Ti
Posts: 627
Ok SPG experts. Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but according to the FAQ, looks like there is really no benefit (as MR Plat) for me to stay at a Starwood property right? Other than receiving SPG points, with possibility of MR transfer.
You’ll continue to receive SPG benefits at hotels participating in the SPG program and Rewards benefits at hotels participating in the Rewards program. But you can’t earn or use benefits across programs — SPG hotels will not offer Rewards benefits, and Rewards hotels will not offer SPG benefits. You’ll only get your points and benefits at a hotel if you’re enrolled in the program in which that hotel participates, so it’s a good idea to sign up for both SPG and Rewards if you haven’t already. While the programs will remain separate for some time, learn more about how you can gain access to benefits across both programs through Status Match and Points Transfer.
You’ll continue to receive SPG benefits at hotels participating in the SPG program and Rewards benefits at hotels participating in the Rewards program. But you can’t earn or use benefits across programs — SPG hotels will not offer Rewards benefits, and Rewards hotels will not offer SPG benefits. You’ll only get your points and benefits at a hotel if you’re enrolled in the program in which that hotel participates, so it’s a good idea to sign up for both SPG and Rewards if you haven’t already. While the programs will remain separate for some time, learn more about how you can gain access to benefits across both programs through Status Match and Points Transfer.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:02 am
#79
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,032
Housekeeping Note
With todays merger close, the announcement of the facility to link MR and SPG accounts and a 3:1 transfer rate, and publication of FAQs, this is a good time to close the previous thread and start afresh.
As a service to other members, please read the wiki and the FAQs before posting to see if your question has been addressed there. If you think some factual information is useful and missing from the wiki, please feel free to add it.
As a service to other members, please read the wiki and the FAQs before posting to see if your question has been addressed there. If you think some factual information is useful and missing from the wiki, please feel free to add it.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:06 am
#80
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: lounge next door
Programs: *A Gold / ST Elite+ / OWS / EK G / HH Diam. / MR Tit / Hyatt GLOB / IHG Diam. / SL Jade / GHA Tit.
Posts: 1,527
I'm few nights from SPG 100 this year... any idea if it worth it or if very soon it will become useless?
Sep 23, 2016, 7:06 am
#81
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG/YVR
Programs: MPO, Aeroplan, SPG
Posts: 183
So is it better to link to Marriott or Ritz Carlton as a spg plat?
Sep 23, 2016, 7:06 am
#82
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
The only good news that I take away from this merger is that I can now transfer UR points out to Hyatt/RC 1:1 and apparently as of today, instantly move them over to SPG, which means I'll be redeeming a lot of award stays in the next year, before SPG is phased out entirely!
Sep 23, 2016, 7:12 am
#83
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: The Metroplex
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, SPG Platinum
Posts: 111
I'm Not Linking
I'm in sales for a major tech company. In 2002, I lost a $MM pitch to a competitor. Marriott chose someone else, so did I (SPG). I buy from people who buy from me.
I will see how this plays out and assess in 2018. Business as ususal in the interim. I don't even know if my MR account is active.
I will see how this plays out and assess in 2018. Business as ususal in the interim. I don't even know if my MR account is active.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:25 am
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
I am not linking yet because Marriott will find out I (lifetime Plat) have been cheating on them with SPG (Platinum 75 the last 2 years with nearly 0 MR stays) 
Sep 23, 2016, 7:30 am
#86
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IND
Programs: SPG Plat, WN CP, Many Others
Posts: 538
The only good news that I take away from this merger is that I can now transfer UR points out to Hyatt/RC 1:1 and apparently as of today, instantly move them over to SPG, which means I'll be redeeming a lot of award stays in the next year, before SPG is phased out entirely!
Sep 23, 2016, 7:42 am
#87
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
I would say more than 99% no. The programs will continue to be completely separate at least until 2018 so there is no reason for them to combine nights now until they figure out the new program.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:44 am
#88
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
I would go for it. Marriott elites are only getting Platinum50 so having an Ambassador would keep you at the highest Starwood level and that person could be your link to Marriott to gain special requests there.
Sep 23, 2016, 7:48 am
#89
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: SPG
Posts: 108
should I join Marriot Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards to get matched status ?.... any ideas?
Sep 23, 2016, 7:49 am
#90
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA - Platinum, SPG - Platinum 75
Posts: 18
I'm just going to earn platinum this year with SPG (have 49 nights booked through the end of the year, will have to book one more random night to get it). I was excited to check out Marriott properties for my upcoming vacation but was really disappointed to see that I can't earn qualifying nights among the two companies' properties and have them combined for status. I guess I'll be sticking with SPG until 2018...