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, 7:58 am
#91
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,944
Starwood is running a X2weekday/X3 weekends points offer right now, so you could get a pretty nice conversion.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:00 am
#92
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
I like this also for the UR>Marriott>SPG option to top off points if needed. But is not a great conversion though. Using straight cash value, UR worth min 1 cent each in cash value, so 3 cents to get 1 SPG point. Not great. Many people value URs around 2 cents each, so in that case its a terrible transfer option unless you find some spectacular value award night.
EDIT/OOPS: I didn't consider the 3:1 devaluation between Marriott - SPG!
Last edited by OliverB; Sep 23, 2016 at 9:01 am
Sep 23, 2016, 8:06 am
#93
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Programs: SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 162
so as a starwood plat dropping to gold out of fear of merge, looks like:
benefits will get watered down, but redemptions will make up for it. since i won't have the top status anymore, i'm ok with this!
benefits will get watered down, but redemptions will make up for it. since i won't have the top status anymore, i'm ok with this!
Sep 23, 2016, 8:09 am
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
The newly updated Marriott iOS app for the iPhone is in the App Store. It has a link to link your accounts.
The timing is interesting because I had thought you must submit your updated apps to Apple 2-3 days in advance. I guess Marriott had zero doubts about the close today!
In case anyone was wondering, no it does not display any Starwood hotels in a reservation search. Nor list Starwood brands under their brand list.
The timing is interesting because I had thought you must submit your updated apps to Apple 2-3 days in advance. I guess Marriott had zero doubts about the close today!
In case anyone was wondering, no it does not display any Starwood hotels in a reservation search. Nor list Starwood brands under their brand list.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:12 am
#95
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BKK
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy LTP; IHG Plat
Posts: 2,231
is this for US citizen only?
Sep 23, 2016, 8:13 am
#96
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: A3*G, Fairmont Pl, Accor Pl, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 182
The new member promo can also be combined with a refer a friend promo to get bonus points per stay.
Might as well rack up the freebies before matching over. Once you match those opportunities will be lost forever.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:14 am
#97
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: A3*G, Fairmont Pl, Accor Pl, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 182
As an SPG Gold from Canadian Plat Amex - I am super happy about this status match. Now Marriott gold (free breakfast) which is better than SPG Gold and I can get an OK ratio to transfer points to Marriott to stay at Ritz Properties (which I prefer to St. Regis).
Sep 23, 2016, 8:21 am
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
For Lifetimers, I think it will be the Marriott LT's who get dumbed down as Marriott will adopt the SPG 75 and 100 tiers which effectively create two tiers above Platinum. And they may very well make those tiers more attractive as a carrot to keep people staying with them for at least 75 nights per year.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:24 am
#99
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,838
The newly updated Marriott iOS app for the iPhone is in the App Store. It has a link to link your accounts.
The timing is interesting because I had thought you must submit your updated apps to Apple 2-3 days in advance. I guess Marriott had zero doubts about the close today!
The timing is interesting because I had thought you must submit your updated apps to Apple 2-3 days in advance. I guess Marriott had zero doubts about the close today!
Sep 23, 2016, 8:28 am
#100
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,893
You are a Starwood Platinum now. If the market you are saying in has a Starwood hotel you prefer (quality of hotel, location, etc) you can earn Marriott points while receiving Starwood Platinum benefits. You won't earn stay credit towards next year's status, but maybe Marriott will combine nights for status purposes next year.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:30 am
#101
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Linked my account to find that apparently I also had a Ritz Carlton account and it had stolen my email from my Marriott Rewards account. So my Marriott Rewards account couldn't log with my email, only my MR#. It showed the proper status for my MR account immediately. A few calls to the call center that didn't go so well. Still haven't been able to link to RewardsPlus to get my United status because the email is now considered too new. The rep said I have to change my earnings profile to get the United status?
Marriott elites can redeem awards for RC properties & RC members can redeem awards for Marriott properties. Some of the Marriott elite bennies don't transfer to RC - ie, you're not going to get into the RC club lounge unless you pay for it. Unless you plan on staying at RCs a lot (vs. redeeming awards) I'd probably just sign up w/ the Marriott program.
Won't be that as I have the status and have never had miles as my earnings option with more than 25+ years as a member.
Maybe they mean the system has to show your account as earning within the Marriott program rather than the RC program? While both are really the same programs, they do have different front-end "marketing" differences. Maybe the United offer is for the Marriott "marketing" side and not the RC side.
Maybe they mean the system has to show your account as earning within the Marriott program rather than the RC program? While both are really the same programs, they do have different front-end "marketing" differences. Maybe the United offer is for the Marriott "marketing" side and not the RC side.
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
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.
The programs are the same, except for front-end. If you're going to stay at RCs a lot you might want to go that route. Otherwise I'd just go w/ Marriott.
Cheers.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:38 am
#102
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska LTG, HHonors-Gld, IHG-Dia, LT MR Ti
Posts: 627
You are a Starwood Platinum now. If the market you are saying in has a Starwood hotel you prefer (quality of hotel, location, etc) you can earn Marriott points while receiving Starwood Platinum benefits. You won't earn stay credit towards next year's status, but maybe Marriott will combine nights for status purposes next year.
Just my thoughts.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:39 am
#103
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AA EXP, AA LT Gold, SPG Plat 75
Posts: 889
I posted this in another thread but:
Currently 80k SPG points = 100k AA miles. Now 80k = 240k Marriott.
235k Marriott = 5 nights at a Category 1-5 Marriott + 120k AA miles
Also it's actually slightly better for United miles too at 132k miles.
Currently 80k SPG points = 100k AA miles. Now 80k = 240k Marriott.
235k Marriott = 5 nights at a Category 1-5 Marriott + 120k AA miles
Also it's actually slightly better for United miles too at 132k miles.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:43 am
#104
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska LTG, HHonors-Gld, IHG-Dia, LT MR Ti
Posts: 627
This new linked program is more like a partnership beteeen separate programs, where you can transfer points.
Sep 23, 2016, 8:49 am
#105
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Cheers.