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Official announcement – See how our three loyalty programs will become one in August

Old Apr 16, 2018, 3:22 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: Starwood Lurker IV
Table of Contents

A. Annual elite status (how to earn, benefits, duration, etc.) starting in August 2018
A1. Will reward bookings still count towards night credit?
A2. Will night credit still be earned for booking up to 3 rooms?
A3. What status will those who got Marriott Gold or Platinum via a match (linked account) from SPG Gold or Platinum have on August 1?
A4. What are the details of the breakfast benefit?
A5. Will Suite Nights continue to clear 5 days out or will they be confirmed at the time of booking?
A6. Can SNAs be used at all brands -- in particular, can they be used at Ritz-Carltons?
A7. Will members be able to get more than 1 SPG or Marriott card & get more than 15 nights towards elite qualifying credit in the new program?
A8. If one upgrades this year to the new Amex Premium Card will all of 2018 spend count for Platinum status?
A9. Will those who meet either the 75 or 100 night criteria in 2018 still be eligible for the Your24 & Ambassador benefit, respectively, for the remainder of 2018 and for the 2019 year even if they don't achieve the new $20K spend requirement?
A10. Will those who got Marriott Platinum via a status challenge this year (supposedly valid till Feb 2020) be switched to Platinum Elite or Platinum Premier Elite on August 1?
A11. Does Platinum status via a successful status challenge in 2018, which is supposedly valid till Feb 2020 (see A10), remain in force throughout 2019, or will 2019 status now depend solely on actual nights stayed in 2018?
A12. Will SPG Platinum members still have lounge access at Sheraton/Le Meridien/Westin Resorts properties that have a lounge?
A13. If I had 69 SPG nights last year and 10 Marriott nights, on August 1, will my status be Platinum Elite Premier recognizing my total stays?
A14. Can unused SPG SNA's be used after August and can they be used on Marriott brands?
A15. Will members receive new Suite Night Awards in August when the programs are combined?
A16. Will members receive new SNA's when they qualify for 2019?
A17. Will meetings booked under the merged program's Rewarding Events still receive 10 elite nights credit for all meetings, or only the first?
B. Lifetime elite status (how to earn, benefits, etc.) starting in August 2018
B1. Will members be able to earn LT status under the criteria of the previous SPG and Marriott programs until 31-Dec-2018?
B2. Will a member who has been SPG Gold/Platinum for 7 years and has more than 250 nights between SPG and MR be LT Silver in the new program?
B3. Will a member who has been SPG Gold/Platinum for 7 years and has 200 combined nights between SPG and MR be LT Gold if s/he reaches 400 nights after 2018?
B4. What types of years of status count toward the lifetime levels in the new program?
B5. Do we have until December 31, 2018, or only August 1 to qualify as lifetime platinum in the current Marriott Rewards program to be grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier?
B6. Will Marriott be expanding their policy for awarding Lifetime Platinum Premier (LTPP) status to cover additional scenarios?
B7. How does a member determine their total number of elite years?
B8. Do Marriott members with 2MM uncombined lifetime MR points and with 750 combined lifetime MR nights and lifetime SPG nights qualify for LTPP?
B9. After August, 2018, will Marriott Rewards members continue to accrue lifetime points in the same way they always have towards lifetime status until December 31, 2018?
B10. Do years of Gold in the legacy MR program count as a year of Platinum in the calculation for LTPP?
C. Redeeming points/legacy certs for award stays
C1. When will properties be mapped to the new award categories?
C2. Will awards for rooms booked with points be capacity-controlled?
C3. Will the 5th night be free when redeeming points at any category?
C4. Will C&P still be available? If so then when can we expect to see the new chart?
C5. How will existing Chase category-5 certificates be handled after the realignment of categories?
C6. Will existing SPG award reservations be honored at the same rate after August 1?
C7. If a member cancels an SPG award reservation after August 1, how many points will be refunded?
D. Miscellaneous program questions
D1. Will SPG or Marriott best rate guarantee terms be used in the combined program, particularly with respect to rate type?
D2. Will transfers from Amex MR maintain their existing 2:1 (future 2:3) for UK members, and 3:1 (future 1:1) for US members?
D3. Will members be able to transfer points to other members?
D4. Will we be able to keep our SPG acct number?
D5. What will be the points expiration policy in the new combined loyalty program?
D6. Will Starpoints earned through Vistana Signature Experiences property be converted to the new program on August 1?
D7. Will the SPG Cravings discount be available beyond Aug 1?
E. Co-branded Chase and Amex cards
E1. Will Chase or Amex prorate the annual fee upon canceling a credit card due to the new changes?
E2. Will the ability to earn 1 elite night per $3K spent on the current Chase Marriott card remain available for people who continue to hold that card?
E3. If the Starwood Amex annual fee is billed in the last week of July, the free night benefit won't be awarded until July 2019. Will Amex offer to add the equivalent in points as compensation?

A. Annual elite status (how to earn, benefits, duration, etc.) starting in August 2018

A1. Will reward bookings still count towards night credit?
Redeemed free nights will continue to count as nights toward Elite achievement. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
A2. Will night credit still be earned for booking up to 3 rooms?
Members will earn points for up to 3 rooms and will earn Elite Night credit for their personal room. <added by Starwood Lurker 23Apr18>
A3. What status will those who got Marriott Gold or Platinum via a match (linked account) from SPG Gold or Platinum have on August 1?
Status will be mapped based on earned nights and not linked status. <added by Starwood Lurker 09May18>
A4. What are the details of the breakfast benefit? Is it continental or full breakfast (as a minimum)? Will Marriott properties which have a lounge that closes on the weekend still be allowed to offer no alternative breakfast benefit?
Hotels and brands that offer a breakfast benefit today will continue to do so in the future. We will expand to four additional brands, including Courtyard, Moxy, Protea, and AC Hotels. For properties that offer breakfast in their restaurants, the minimum standard is continental breakfast. Properties that offer a Food & Beverage credit will offer credits in the amount of $10 USD. Concierge lounge offerings will continue to be based on what the property offers today. We do have brand exemptions at some of our properties. There will continue to be a limited number of hotels that will provide alternate benefits if they are unable to meet the requirements (e.g. no lounge, lounge closed on weekends, etc.). Additional details will be included in the new program Terms & Conditions. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr19>
A5. Will Suite Nights continue to clear 5 days out or will they be confirmed at the time of booking?
  • 5 days out -- confirmed at https://members.marriott.com/faq/
    • Adding the actual verbatim there:
      Suite Night Awards will be available for Platinum Elite Members who stay 50 nights and Platinum Premier Elite Members who stay 75 nights as an option within their Annual Choice Benefit. A Suite Night Award is a one-night confirmable upgrade to a standard suite or select premium room, depending on the hotel’s availability of those rooms. The number of Suite Night Awards used must match the entire length of stay; it cannot be used for part of a stay (e.g., the first two nights of a five-night stay). Once you request to use your Suite Night Awards for a stay, we’ll check the upgrade availability starting five days prior to arrival and keep checking every day until 2 p.m., hotel local time, on the day before your arrival. We’ll let you know either way if we’re able to confirm the upgrade or not. If it is not available, we’ll return the Suite Night Awards to your account.
      <added by Starwood Lurker 26Apr18>
A6. Can SNAs be used at all brands -- in particular, can they be used at Ritz-Carltons? If so, and if an SNA is used at a Ritz-Carlton to upgrade to a room category that includes club access or breakfast, will those features be honored despite those not being elite benefits at Ritz-Carltons?
No - not all hotels will participate. A list of non-participating brands and resorts will be available via the SNA terms and conditions in early August. Brands that will not participate at launch are: The Ritz-Carlton, Protea Hotels, Aloft, Element, Design Hotels, All-Suite Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club and participating Vistana properties. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
A7. Will members be able to get more than 1 SPG or Marriott card & get more than 15 nights towards elite qualifying credit in the new program? (In the past SPG members had the option to get the Personal & Business Amex & get a maximum total of 10 nights elite credit towards the qualifying year.)
No. There is a limit of one 15 Elite Night Credit per Marriott Loyalty Program member. The benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr18>
A8. If one upgrades this year to the new Amex Premium Card will all of 2018 spend count for Platinum status?
Yes, all eligible 2018 spend will count towards Platinum Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr18>
A9. Will those who meet either the 75 or 100 night criteria in 2018 still be eligible for the Your24 & Ambassador benefit, respectively, for the remainder of 2018 and for the 2019 year even if they don't achieve the new $20K spend requirement? If so, what is the deadline for meeting these criteria - August 1 or December 31?
Any members that stay 100 nights at legacy SPG brands or 100 nights plus have $20,000 USD in eligible spend, across all 29 brands by year-end 2018, will retain their Ambassador for all of 2019. Your24 will remain a benefit of SPG Platinum 75-night members through July, after which the Your24 benefit will only be available to Platinum Premier with Ambassador members. We will continue to honor the existing SPG stay-based thresholds for all levels through year-end 2018 for stays made at legacy-SPG brands/hotels. <added by Starwood Lurker 26Apr18>
A10. Will those who got Marriott Platinum via a status challenge this year (supposedly valid till Feb 2020) be switched to Platinum Elite or Platinum Premier Elite on August 1?
Platinum Premier Elite, if the member met the Platinum Elite challenge. <added by Starwood Lurker30Apr18>
A11. Does Platinum status via a successful status challenge in 2018, which is supposedly valid till Feb 2020 (see A10), remain in force throughout 2019, or will 2019 status now depend solely on actual nights stayed in 2018?
Yes, if the member met the Platinum challenge. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr18>
A12. Will SPG Platinum members still have lounge access at Sheraton/Le Meridien/Westin Resorts properties that have a lounge?
Members will continue to enjoy lounge access as they do today at Westin, Sheraton, and Le Meridien resorts. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
A13. If I had 69 SPG nights last year and 10 Marriott nights, on August 1, will my status be Platinum Elite Premier recognizing my total stays?
Platinum Preferred members with 75 nights receive Platinum Premier Elite status. Members who combine Rewards and SPG accounts could also receive a higher Elite tier, as mapping will be based on combined activity starting from January 1, 2018 across Rewards and SPG. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
A14. Can unused SPG SNA's be used after August and can they be used on Marriott brands?
We will continue to honor existing Suite Night Awards until expiration dates and they can be used at participating Marriott Rewards and SPG brands and properties. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
A15. Will members receive new Suite Night Awards in August when the programs are combined?
No, we will continue to honor existing Suite Night Awards until expiration dates and they can be used at participating Marriott Rewards and SPG brands and properties. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
A16. Will members receive new SNA's when they qualify for 2019?
Suite Night Awards will be available for Platinum Elite Members who stay 50 nights (5) and Platinum Premier Elite Members who stay 75 nights (5) as an option within their Annual Choice Benefit. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
A17. Will meetings booked under the merged program's Rewarding Events still receive 10 elite nights credit for all meetings, or only the first?
There will be more details to come on this soon when the details for Reward Events post-August will be revealed, so stay tuned. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


B. Lifetime elite status (how to earn, benefits, etc.) starting in August 2018

B1. Will members be able to earn LT status under the criteria of the previous SPG and Marriott programs until 31-Dec-2018?
Members will have until year-end 2018 to achieve Lifetime status under the current, separate policies. Beginning August 2018, members can also achieve based on their combined nights and tenure the new Lifetime criteria threshold beginning August 2018. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
B2. Will a member who has been SPG Gold/Platinum for 7 years and has more than 250 combined nights between SPG and MR be LT Silver in the new program?
The requirements to be Lifetime Silver in the new program are 5 years elite membership and 250 lifetime nights. We’ll combine Lifetime activity across both Rewards and SPG toward qualification when members combine accounts in August, so the answer would be yes. <added by Starwood Lurker 20Jun18>
B3. Will a member who has been SPG Gold/Platinum for 7 years and has 200 combined nights between SPG and MR be LT Gold if s/he reaches 400 nights after 2018?
If you have not achieved the requirements (for any Lifetime levels) in 2018, your status in the new program will not be Lifetime status. Your Lifetime nights and Lifetime Elite status is "lifetime" and does not reset with the new program. Lifetime Gold in the new program is 400 nights and 7 years. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
B4. What types of years of status count toward the lifetime levels in the new program? (Does old Marriott/Ritz Gold earned through a Marriott credit card or Ritz-Carlton credit card count? If not, does old Marriott/Ritz Platinum earned through spending $75K on the Ritz-Carlton credit card count? Going forward will spending $75K in a year on the new Amex Premium card count as a year of earned Platinum status for the lifetime status requirement?)[INDENT]
  • The Marriott FAQ offers this explanation for how past elite years will count toward the new lifetime levels:
    We are keeping members “whole” in the applicable night tier in which they earned their Elite status.

    Example: If a member has 4 years of Elite status at the 50 night level (Gold Elite status) they will be counted in August and beyond as 4 years at the new 50 night level (Platinum Elite status). Only the names of the levels are changing. How we account for tenure is not changing.
    Past years at applicable Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards Elite Night levels will be counted in the following way:

    Previous Member Level New Member Tenure Level
    Years at Silver Elite (10 nights) Years count as Silver Elite
    Years at Gold Elite (50 nights) Years count as Platinum Elite
    Years at Platinum Elite (75 nights) Years count as Platinum Elite
    Years at Platinum Premier Elite (unpublished) Years count as Platinum Elite

    Past years in SPG Elite levels will be counted in the following way:
    Previous Member Level New Member Tenure Level
    Years at Gold Preferred (25 nights) Years count as Gold Elite
    Years at Platinum Preferred (50/75/100 nights) Years count as Platinum Elite"


    The years that members achieved Elite status due to credit cards will count towards Lifetime status. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>

B5. Do we have until December 31, 2018, or only August 1 to qualify as lifetime platinum in the current Marriott Rewards program to be grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier?
In August, when members combine Rewards and SPG accounts, their lifetime nights across both programs count toward Lifetime Elite status in the new combined program. To be included in at previous thresholds for Rewards or SPG, members will have until December 31, 2018, to complete stays in order to achieve the Lifetime Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
B6. Will Marriott be expanding their policy for awarding Lifetime Platinum Premier (LTPP) status to cover additional scenarios?
FTers have asked that coverage be extended as follows:
  1. SPG LTP with the Marriott equivalent of 750 SPG nights + and 2M after conversion points
    No. Please note that SPG does not count lifetime points. They have history on Lifetime nights and years at Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
  2. SPG members with a combined 750 SPG nights + 2M after conversion, but not yet LTP (e.g. 10 Platinum years)
    No. Please note that SPG does not count lifetime points. They have history on Lifetime nights and years at Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
  3. Case (a) or (b) but using both combined SPG + Marriott nights and points to determine the 750 night / 2M points threshold
    No. Please note that SPG does not count lifetime Starpoints. SPG has history on Lifetime nights and years at Elite status. Therefore, it would not be possible to add lifetime Starpoints to your total of MR/RCR points to reach the 2MM threshold. <added by Starwood Lurker 20Jun18>
  4. Members with 750 combined nights and 10 years PLT across both programs.
    Legacy SPG members OR Legacy MR/RCR members who have 750 nights and 10 years of Platinum Status prior to 12/31/18 will be grandfathered into the new Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite Status. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
  5. If any of the above apply do members need to have Marriott accounts and have them linked prior to August 1st?
    The sooner you link, the sooner you can receive the benefits of status matching and transferring points across the programs. Starting in August, you will be notified to combine your accounts into a single account with one number, one status and one points balance. <added by Starwood Lurker 20Jun18 >
  6. On August 1 when nights from SPG ie 700 are combined with nights from Marriott ie 300 will the total combined nights 1,000 make that member LTPP or does the member have to have 750 nights separately in one or the other program on August 1st? Can a member still achieves LTPP by Dec 31 by the same procedure either combining nights between SPG and Marriott to reach 750 nights or can they only earn by 750 nights separately in either Program?
    When a member merges their accounts in August, a current SPG Lifetime Platinum Preferred member would already have at least 10 years at Platinum Preferred status, thus they would only need to have at least 750 combined Lifetime nights to receive Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite Status, for which the combination of accounts adding up to 1,000 nights would qualify.<added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
  7. SPG members fulfilling the equivalent Marriott LTPP criteria of 750 SPG nights and 2M after conversion of SPG points to MR points (i.e 666 667 SPG points) but without enough years to qualify based on years.
    No. Please note that SPG does not count lifetime points. They have history on Lifetime nights and years at Elite status only, so lifetime points in SPG is not a factor. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
B7. How does a member determine their total number of elite years?
In August, members will be able to view their number of Elite level years to help track their eligibility towards Lifetime Statuses by visiting their My Account page on SPG.com, MarriottRewards.com or TheRitzCarltonRewards.com. <added by Starwood Lurker 25Apr18>
B8. Do Marriott members with 2MM uncombined lifetime MR points and with 750 combined lifetime MR nights and lifetime SPG nights qualify for LTPP?
Yes.This is confirmed at members.marriott.com under the Benefits and Lifetime tab where it specifically states, “You can also qualify for Lifetime status via the existing criteria for Rewards and SPG through December 31, 2018.” Existing legacy criteria for earning Lifetime Platinum Premier in MR/RCR is 750 Lifetime nights + 2MM Lifetime points. Also, in August, when members combine Rewards and SPG accounts, their lifetime nights across both programs count toward Lifetime Elite status in the new combined program. To be included in at previous thresholds for Rewards or SPG, members will have until December 31, 2018, to complete stays in order to achieve the Lifetime Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 20Jun18 >


B9. After August, 2018, will Marriott Rewards members continue to accrue lifetime points in the same way they always have towards lifetime status until December 31, 2018?
As members.marriott.com states, “You can also qualify for Lifetime status via the existing criteria for Rewards and SPGthrough December 31, 2018.” <added by Starwood Lurker 21May18>


B10. Do years of Gold in the legacy MR program count as a year of Platinum in the calculation for LTPP?
Yes, your previous years in the Marriott Rewards Program that were Gold Elite will be counted as years at Platinum Elite in the new program. These years are your Lifetime years and will be counted towards any of the lifetime requirements, including Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite. If a member has combined 10 years of Platinum status and 750 combined lifetime nights by 12/31/2018, they will earn Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite status. <further clarified by Starwood Lurker 06Jun18>
C. Redeeming points/legacy certs for award stays

C1. When will properties be mapped to the new award categories?
We have plans to announce new hotel category placements for all of our 6,500 hotels in June 2018. We will share sample markets in late April. Stay tuned for more information! <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
C2. Will awards for rooms booked with points be capacity-controlled? Currently SPG members can book any available standard room with points if the hotel is not sold out. Marriott is highly capacity controlled.
No, the program will continue to adhere to a no blackout dates policy. <added by Starwood Lurker 07May18>
C3. Will the 5th night be free when redeeming points at any category now?
Members will still receive a complimentary night when they redeem for five. And, this benefit will be offered across all 8 Categories. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
C4. Will C&P still be available? If so, when can we expect to see the new chart?
Cash & Points will continue. More information will be released in the next few weeks. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>
C5. How will existing Chase category-5 certificates be handled after the realignment of categories?
  • "Starting in August, any outstanding Certificates will be updated from Category-based to points-based values in the new combined redemption chart and may be used for stays at Rewards or SPG hotels up to the points value displayed on your updated Certificate." (Source: https://members.marriott.com/faq/#i-...a-after-august)
  • Existing awards can be attached to any reservation made through July 2018 and are valid for 50 weeks. Any outstanding awards for certificates with a pre-defined category (like Chase or MegaBonus promotional certificates) will be converted to a commensurate value with the new award schedule. Floater certificates will be cancelled and converted to equivalent points, credited to the member’s account for future redemption. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
C6. Will existing SPG award reservations be honored at the same rate after August 1?
Stays booked now will be honored at current booking rates even if the stays occur after the new redemption rates take effect. There’s no need to take any action. Note that for stays booked with points, if you modify your stay dates after August, you will be subject to the new Free Night Award Chart point values. Extending your stay or shifting your stay dates will result in a recalculation of points required for your reservation. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr18
C7. If a member cancels an SPG award reservation after August 1, how many points will be refunded?
Refunds will be returned at the converted value. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
D. Miscellaneous program questions

D1. Will SPG or Marriott best rate guarantee terms be used in the combined program, particularly with respect to rate type?
As of Friday, May 25, 2018, the terms and conditions for both the Best Rate Guarantee and Look No Further are completely aligned. See those terms and conditions for any further clarification. <added by Starwood Lurker 30May18>
D2. Will transfers from Amex MR maintain their existing 2:1 (future 2:3) for UK members, and 3:1 (future 1:1) for US members?
More information about the benefits of our partnership with American Express Membership Rewards will be shared in the coming months. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
D3. Will members be able to transfer points to other members? If so, under what circumstances?
Points transfer will continue to exist as it does today. Members can share points with any Rewards member they choose. Members can transfer 1,000-50,000 points per year. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Apr18>
D4. Will we be able to keep our SPG acct number? Or will we be forced to use our Marriott Rewards number after Aug 1st? Or... will we be issued an entirely new account number?
Some member numbers will need to be changed. More information will be communicated in the future for any impacted members. Until then, any existing Member numbers should be used on all reservations. <added by Starwood Lurker 25Apr18>
D5. What will be the points expiration policy in the new combined loyalty program? Will point purchases or other point transfer transactions count toward account activity if no account activity triggers points expiration?
In August, the current Marriott Rewards Points Expiration policy will continue as per the program rules today. It will also be applicable to legacy SPG members/accounts as well. Points do not expire with any qualifying activity within the past 24 months. As today, Points Purchases do count as qualifying activity in Marriott Rewards. <added by Starwood Lurker 25Apr18> Points sharing and transfer does not count toward qualifying activity. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
D6. Will Starpoints earned through Vistana Signature Experiences property be converted to the new program on August 1? The current T&C of the ability to transfer SPG Starpoints to Marriott Reward Points state "Starpoints earned through an interest in a Vistana™ Signature Experiences property, and Rewards Points earned through an interest in a Marriott Vacation Club® property cannot be transferred between the Programs."
Vistana points will be combined into a single account consistent with all other SPG points. All points will be available to redeem across the combined portfolio, subject to specific timeshare restrictions. <added by Starwood Lurker 26Apr18>
D7. Will the SPG Cravings discount be available beyond Aug 1? If yes, any chance it might be expanded to include Marriott properties? [
Hotels that offer SPG Cravings today will be able to continue to do so in the future as well. <added by Starwood Lurker 02May2018>
E. Co-branded Chase and Amex cards

E1. Will Chase or Amex prorate the annual fee upon canceling a credit card due to the new changes?
Please call the number on the back of your co-branded card for details. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>
E2. Will the ability to earn 1 elite night per $3K spent on the current Chase Marriott card remain available for people who continue to hold that card?
The Marriott Rewards Premier & Consumer and Business Credit Cards will continue to earn one elite night credit per $3,000 spend. <added by Starwood Lurker 21May18>


E3. If the Starwood Amex annual fee is billed in the last week of July, the free night benefit won't be awarded until July 2019. Will Amex offer to add the equivalent in points as compensation?
Card Members will be eligible to receive the Free Night Award beginning after their first renewal on or after August 1, 2018. <added by Starwood Lurker 30Apr2018>

====================

Stay tuned! We’re still working to get you answers to these ones:

1. Can SNAs be used at all brands -- in particular, can they be used at Ritz-Carltons? If so, and if an SNA is used at a Ritz-Carlton to upgrade to a room category that includes club access or breakfast, will those features be honored despite those not being elite benefits at Ritz-Carltons? {answered as A6 above}

2. If SPG member who has been 7 years Elite Gold/Platinum and the combine nights between SPG and MR more than 250 nights, does this mean the member will be LT Silver in the new program? {answered as B2 above}

3. Can you confirm the details of what types of years of status count toward the new Lifetime Platinum calculation? Years of SPG Platinum definitely count. Do years of old Marriott Gold (50 nights) count toward the new Lifetime Platinum Elite requirement? If so, does old Marriott/Ritz Gold earned through a Marriott credit card or Ritz-Carlton credit card count? If not, does old Marriott/Ritz Platinum earned through spending $75K on the Ritz-Carlton credit card count? Going forward will spending $75K in a year on the new Amex Premium card count as a year of earned Platinum status for the lifetime status requirement? {answered as B4 above}

4. Will SPG or Marriott best rate guarantee terms be used in the combined program, particularly with respect to rate type? {answered as D1 above}

5. Will C&P still be available? If so then when can we expect to see the new chart? (chart question is already answered elsewhere) {answered as C4 above}

6. Why does master statement point accumulation records only go back to 2003 although I was in program since 1999? Does Starwood know our total point accumulation?
Information prior to 2003 has been archived, so it is no longer available to place on Master Statements, but is still accounted for by the database. Please note that SPG does not track Lifetime Starpoint accruals, so total Starpoint accumulation is irrelevant. The SPG program only has data with regard to Lifetime nights and years at Elite status. <added by Starwood Lurker 20Jun18 >


7. A <75 PLT from 2017 will be mapped as a PLT50, not a PLT75, regardless of 2017 Marriott nights, correct?
Your Elite status will depend on how many nights you’ve stayed at Rewards and SPG hotels this year. We’ll be rolling out new Elite tiers to give members the best benefits from the combined programs. You can check out the new Elite tier chart here: members.marriott.com/marriottrewards <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>

8. What will happen with SET codes when my SPG and MR accounts are combined?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


9. Will Sheraton lounges continue to be required to be open 7 days/week?
Lounge policies remain as they do today. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun18>
10. Question on the "floater certificates" being canceled and points redeposited into the account on Aug 1st. Does this include outstanding Marriott Travel packages here: Flight and Hotel Packages Marriott Hotel Packages
Floater certificates, including outstanding Marriott Travel Package certificates, will be cancelled and converted to equivalent points, credited to the member’s account for future redemption. <added clarity by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18>

11. If I have credit card free night certificate and want to stay in hotel which requires more than 35K points, can I use my own points to make up the difference? This would be very useful as there often no hotels at a given location that are available for low amount of points.
Not currently but we are looking to add this functionality in the future. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun2018>
12. Under the new points-based (versus category-based) credit card free night certificates, can two or more valid certificates in the same account can be combined for stays at properties that require more than 35K points?
Two or more certificates can be combined for a multiple night stay at a property at or under 35,000 points, but they cannot be combined for properties that require more than 35,000 points. <added by Starwood Lurker 21May18>


13. How many Make a Green Choice points will be awarded per night after August ?
There will be adjustments to the points currently offered. Stay tuned for more information in August! < added by Starwood Lurker 06Jun18

14. Will the NEW SNAs earned under the COMBINED program continue to function like the current SPG SNAs in that the (Plat50+) elite can designate (currently by checking boxes) the specific suite/room categories for which the SNA-supported upgrade is requested? Or is the hotel free to confirm an upgrade to any standard suite or select premium room and claim that the SNA has been used? In addition, will the SNA-supported upgrade be required to confirm an upgrade to the best available standard suite on the list which was checked if the property permits use of SNAs for more than one suite category?
See A5 above. More information on SNA's will be made available when the terms and conditions for this award will be made available after August. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun18>
15. When will multiple stay/night credit for up to 3 rooms stop counting for legacy SPG members? Is it August or January? If August, will reservations made prior to August still count?
This policy will begin in early August when the combined program begins. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18

16. What will happen to Cat. 1-5 free night certs chosen as SPG50 requalify amenity both for requal in in 2017 and 1st half of 2018?
Platinum choice offering Category 5 certificates will be converted into 40,000 point offerings in the new program. 15Aug2018


17. Does the "If you earned status in both programs in the same year, you will get credit toward lifetime status for both" rule apply to 2018? [Example: staying 75+ nights in current Marriott hotels plus completing 25+ stays in current SPG hotels - will this earn two years toward Lifetime Platinum status?
Yes, if you earned status in both programs in the same year (not by linking) you will get credit towards Elite status for both programs. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18
18. In August, we can combine our Marriott and SPG accounts to have one joint account and two sets of accumulated nights working together towards elite status for the upcoming year. However, we also have until January 1st, 2019 to keep earning status as usual in either the MR and SPG legacy programs as they stand before they fully become one in 2019. My question is: if I combine accounts in August to have one points balance and one set of nights, can I still keep plugging along with my SPG account and make my elite magic happen there [i.e. earn 100 SPG-only nights and earn Ambassador status]? Or does combining accounts mean I only play by the rules of the new program? If that's the case, then I won't combine accounts until they force-merge in 2019 and just keep doing my thing with SPG.
In addition to earning based on the new criteria, members can earn Lifetime Elite Status under the legacy requirements through the end of 2018. If Lifetime status is achieved by legacy requirements, between August and December 31, 2018 you will receive notice of your updated Lifetime Elite status in January 2019. If Lifetime status is achieved based on the new criteria, you will be notified both in August 2018 as well as any time it is achieved through the end of the year.

Example: An SPG member has 300 Lifetime nights, 4 years of Gold Elite Status, and 1 year of Platinum Elite Status after August, 2018. Under the SPG legacy Lifetime requirements, this member would earn Lifetime Gold Elite status which would reflect in their account January 2019. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18

19. This didn't get a decent response from the Lurkers via e-mail [namely the copy-paste 'visit [url]http://members.marriott.com/ for more info' response] the first time I reached out to them and I have yet to receive a response based on the second e-mail I sent last week, so: I'm on track to make the 250 lifetime night requirement for SPG LT Gold in the first half of this year. I also have four+ years of elite status. I know SPG LTG will translate into LTG in the new program. Since I don't know when the annual cut-off is for the elite year calculation is/when I first started making status, will I be able to make LTG under SPG and have it translate over to LTG in the new program, or am I stuffed and will just be a LT Silver under the new scheme?
You will earn Lifetime Gold as long as you complete the legacy SPG requirements by December 31, 2018. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>

20. Will the SPG50 rate, or some other form of it, continue in the new program?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


21. Can Marriott Gift Cards and Marriott eCards be used at SPG properties beginning August 1? If not, when will they be accepted?
No, but we are looking into what the possibilities might be for the future. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>

22. Will incidentals (food, drinks, etc.) earn points at all (or some) brands in the new program? Will the amount of money spent on those items also count towards the 20,000$ annual spending requirement to reach PP with ambassador status?
There will be more information provided on what is eligible when the terms and conditions of the new program are announced; however, all qualifying charges during hotel stays within the calendar year will count towards the $20,000 accrual. <added by Starwood Lurker 18May18>

23. Does the $10 USD breakfast credit when restaurant not available apply to both guests staying in the room? i.e. $20 USD if 2 guests
There will be more information available on this when the terms and conditions of the new program are published <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>
24. Will the Platinum amenity when a resort fee is not waived still be offered like in the SPG program? This wasn't done all that well prior, would be great just to have a set $ or % credit.
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


25. Will the free access to gym facilities for Platinums for properties that charge for it staying in place?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


26. Will SPG instant awards still be available?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


27. Does Marriott Gold status obtained via RewardsPlus status match from United count as a year of Platinum status in the new combined program (as legacy MR Gold is Platinum in the new program)?
Apologies, but this is proprietary information and cannot be revealed. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


28. As an SPG LTP with more than 10 years platinum, I'd like to confirm that my 563 SPG lifetime nights will combine with my 278 lifetime Marriott nights sometime in 2018 to grant me MR LTPP. Is this correct? If so, when (Aug 1st or Jan 1, 2019) will it happen?
This was answered in Bf above and the answers to questions #18 and #37 address the timing aspect in as much as it can be at this time. <added by Starwood Lurker 14Jun18>
29. Old SPG doesn't award any points or night credit for stays in excess of 90 nights. Old MR has no such restriction. Will the new program?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


30. If a member currently has 750+ nights, 8 years Platinum, and uses 2018 to qualify for a 9th year of Platinum under legacy SPG rules (25 stays or 50 nights), and a 10th year of Platinum under MR rules - does one need 75 nights (legacy MR Plat) or 50 nights (new MR Plat) to achieve that 10th year and thus achieve LTPP?
I have no guidance to offer from the loyalty team on this question. My personal recommendation isthat if anyone is using legacy MR rules to gain another year of Platinum for 2018, they should complete 75 nights because those are the legacy requirements for MR. Your mileage may vary. <added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18>


31. How will eligible spend be defined for the $20,000 requirement for PPwithAmbassador? In particular, will spending on room rates at brands such as Residence Inn, TownPlace Suites, and element hotels that earn points at only half of the normal rate (in the MR and new combined program, 5 rather than 10 points before points due to elite status or credit cards are added) fully count at 100% of the room price (before taxes, resort fees, etc.)?
There will be more details to come on this soon. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun18>

32. Your24 is an earned benefit for Plat-75 through Feb 19, but will be pulled by the end of July. What happens to already approved Your24 stays a Plat-75 has booked between August 18 and Feb 19?

33. After the programs combine does Marriott plan to keep the valuable “Starwood Lurker” on Flyertalk?
Ż\_(ツ)_/Ż added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18 >
34. For SPG members that want to achieve two Platinum years in 2018 (first via 25 stays / 50 nights with SPG), how can they ensure the Marriott Platinum year is counted towards LTPP qualification. a) Is it 50 nights or 75 Marriott Reward nights b) after August 1st, do they have to restrict themselves to just legacy Marriott properties if using their Rewards accounts if systems are 'merging'.
I have no guidance to offer from the loyalty team on this question. My personal recommendation isthat if anyone is using legacy MR rules to gain another year of Platinum for 2018, they should complete 75 nights because those are the legacy requirements for MR. Also, the current and legacy requirements are that you need to stay at Marriott’s brands to earn elite status with MR. Stay tuned on whether that will change or not after August. As usual, your mileage may vary. <added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18 >


35. Could you further clarify this new update on the refund of the Marriott Travel Package Cert, as to how the refund points are calculated? Reason this is in need of clarification is, currently if a member decides to refund the cert, the points returned on a Cat 1 to 5 is only 45,000 pts, not even enough for 2 Cat 5 nights at current charts.
There will be more details to come on this soon. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>


36. If I have an award booking for later than July 2018 and when the program merged, the redemption rate for this booking drops, could I just call to have the rate adjusted or do I have to cancel and book again to get the lower rate? In that case, what would happen if there is no redemption available anymore? Would it be possible to get the same room as booked previously or the only choice would be to keep the redemption at the former, higher rate?
Current SPG policy is that any new award booking has to be a fresh re-check of availability, even if it is to take advantage of a better redemption value. There is no information available as to whether that policy will continue at this moment when the programs are merged in August, so look for more information regarding any policy changes after that happens. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>
37. I have 800 Lifetime SPG nights with 9 years of SPG Platinum elite status. Can you confirm that I can still earn the 10th year of SPG Platinum (and therefore SPG Lifetime Platinum/ Lifetime Plat Premier Status in new program) using the 25 stay criteria and I have until Dec 31 2018 to do so?
Yes. This is confirmed at marriott.members.com under the Benefits and Lifetime tab where it specifically states, “You can also qualify for Lifetime status via the existing criteria for Rewards and SPG through December 31, 2018.” Existing criteria for SPG includes being able to earn Platinum with 25 eligible stays as long as it is completed by the end of 2018. And, “Members that reach 750 nights and 10 years at Platinum by December 31, 2018 will be grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite status (notified January 2019).” <added by Starwood Lurker 13Jun18>
38. Please clarify whether this means that Chase Marriott Visa Cat 1-5 floater certificates will be converted into actual points or whether they will be converted into points-based free night certificates. Thanks.
There will be more details to come on this soon. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18 >


39. Upon achieving Platinum and Platinum Premier, members will be given the option to select 5 Suite Night Awards or a "gift option." Would you clarify what that gift option will be?
There will be more details to come on this soon. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun18 >

40. Will Hotel and Flight Package still be available?
Travel Packages will continue to exist as they do today. We do have plans to announce new Travel Packages, coming summer 2018. Stay tuned for more information! <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun18>

41. I received an email update from MAR identifying that breakfast will be provided for PLAT members but at the end it says EXCLUDES RESORTS? Please confirm where breakfast is available for PLAT members?
See https://members.marriott.com/wp-cont...ift_Final2.pdf <added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18>


42. On August 01 will it be the responsibility of the member to combine accounts or will this automatically happen? For example: If a person has 15 nights already with SPG and 4 nights with MAR how will this be combined? My thought process would be my 15 nights would be carried over to my new account and moving forward from August 01 ALL nights whether at SPG or MAR will go towards my PLAT threshold including my 15 nights already completed?
If you have an account with Marriott Rewards or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards in addition to your SPG account, in August you’ll need to take action to combine them (even if you’ve already linked them). Combining accounts will create a single account and profile; and it will combine your points and Elite-night balances — so all your points and nights will work harder for you. Make sure we have your current email address so we can notify you when it’s time to take this action. <added by Starwood Lurker 04Jun2018>

43. I'm afraid this may have gotten lost above. Regarding "Marriott Travel Packages being cancelled and converted to equivalent points, credited to the member's account for future redemption”; Can you clarify how the equivalent points will be calculated?
No, I cannot. All I can say at this time is there will be more details to come on this soon. <added by Starwood Lurker 05Jun18>
44. Is the new combined program keeping the Z*H and Z*R rate plans, even if under a different coding?
There will be more details to come on this at the appropriate time. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18 >


45. Do years of status achieved through "road to" status, status challenges, status matches, soft-landings, and buy-backs under the legacy programs count as years of status for purposes of achieving lifetime status in the new program?
Apologies, but this is proprietary information and cannot be revealed. <added by Starwood Lurker 19Jun18>
46. According to SPG rules on point buy/gifting, "30,000 Starpoints per account per calendar year, whether purchased by the member him/herself or received as a gift from another member. If your purchase for another account exceeds that account’s 30,000 Starpoint purchase/gift maximum, the recipient will not be able to receive any Starpoints until the next calendar year. There are no refunds in these instances." So how will this work if someone gifts me starpoints and I already hit the max? With starpoints going away Aug 1, how will you receive next calendar year?
If someone purchases Starpoints and they do not show up because they hit the account maximum, there are follow up procedures in place today, so anyone that is in this position should act before August. Anyone who does not taken action before August will have to stay tuned for more details to come on how this will be handled once the programs are combined and the currency becomes Points. <added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18 >


47. What is the definition of a "floater certificate"?
Examples might include the annual Credit Card certs, Megabonus certs, and unused Travel Package certs. <added by Starwood Lurker 21Jun18>


NO MORE QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATION REQUESTS ARE BEING PASSED ON TO THE LOYALTY TEAM FROM THIS WIKI AFTER JUNE 20, 2018. WE ARE STILL AWAITING ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS 16 & 32. <ADDED BY STARWOOD LURKER 21JUN18>
Print Wikipost

Official announcement – See how our three loyalty programs will become one in August

 
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:20 pm
  #196  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,178
Originally Posted by oranjemakker

Am I missing something? Are the extra 5 suite nights that valuable?
Not for me at least, but I know some would value this benefit more than others. Looking at the chart for Plat Premier, it does say 5 extra suite nights or gift award. I'm curious what kind of gift would that be. I'm actually interested on the 75% points bonus and for that reason I would do everything to reach that threshold. There's also the 48-hour guarantee, but it's not much use to me since I always reserve a room in advance.
zoqfotpik is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:21 pm
  #197  
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,018
How do you find your lifetime plat years?

I have way more than the 600 but thnk I am a couple years short of plat.

Either way there is a path and for that I am happy.

Doing away with that stupid MR points requirement is awesome
dilbertsdaddy is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:22 pm
  #198  
SPG 5+ Badge
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Originally Posted by mk89103
I don't understand the thinking that Marriott had an obligation to treat Marriott members better than Starwood members. Clearly the concern from day 1 of the acquisition was how to merge the programs without alienating the SPG elite (presumably a large portion of the value that Marriott purchased). You can argue about the fairness of point devaluations all day long - in my mind, that's not really an issue of fairness - if a program wants to change the effective % return on corporate spend, that's their prerogative, as long as some advance notice is provided. But treating two members who had the exact same number of stays and dollars spent, one in Marriott and one in SPG, differently, AND then not allowing LTPP to be earned, thus reinforcing the difference indefinitely, strikes me as the very definition of unfair...

As I've become wealthier over the years the whole airline and hotel loyalty thing turned into more of an emotional game than a precise economic calculation for me, and I'm sure many other FTers are in the same boat. I recognize this is among the silliest of things to get annoyed about. But it was also probably pretty silly for me to keep staying at the St Regis or W as my friends started joining Inspirato and Exclusive Resorts. I am/was *PROUD* of LTP because it provided me an emotional connection back to my days grinding it out on the road building my business. Now that connection feels weakened or cheapened somehow.
Don't get me wrong mk. I think this was Marriott's worst mistake. I am actually shocked that they carefully thought out almost everything except pissing off the very best members Starwood has.

If they are going to make any changes to the rules they should make that one- either grant LTPP to the top Starwood members or give them a way to attain that level in the future.
TravelinSperry likes this.
damon88 is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:23 pm
  #199  
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,147
The program changes all seem pretty fair to me (I am a SPG LTP). Unless something odd happens, I will keep loyalty to the new entity. Only 3 areas of program I do not love so far but none are deal breakers by any means:

1) I don't love that SPG LTP do not get the same status as the Marriott LTPs. But I do not really see much difference in benefits. Just like for me there were little tangible benefits between 50 and Ambassador.

My only concern is the grandfathered Marriott LTP might get upgraded more if room managers arrange that in advance rather than at time of check in. I cannot blame Marriott for doing this (they need to make sure their long time loyal customers are happy) but wish we had been grandfathered in as well. I think the reality is many of us liked saying we had the highest status possible and thus felt as if we were the most respected customers on property

2) I don't love the points earning reduction at Amex. But since the card nights are not stackable, I will probably just cut Marriott & regular Amex Starwood (saving annual fees that way) and get the souped up version. I like the 2 person priority pass, 1 free night and $300 on property credit spend (if that includes restaurants). That would thus make my actual spend per year on a card lower when factoring everything but I might not use the card as much for everyday spend when in US (I use foreign cards when elsewhere).

What card should I get for annual spend? Chase Reserve?

3) I wish and think incredibly stupid Ritz still won't offer free breakfast. As I get older, Ritz fits my style more but the lack of breakfast and possible suite upgrades makes me unwilling to stay there. I'd rather stay at Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental and pay for everything than feel I am not being respected for loyalty.

But all in all, the changes were generally in line with what I expected and quite fair. So far well done Marriott
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SHLTP is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:23 pm
  #200  
Marriott Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 405
Originally Posted by paolo64
Not to labour the point but....SPG member with say 1,000 real hotel nights and 10 years Platinum v Marriott LTPPE with a combination of real nights/credit card nights, amounting to same total. As of 2019, both checkin to the SGS Bangkok. The SPG member is a repeat, frequent stayer; the Marriott a 1st timer. Not only is the Marriott guy higher in the suite pecking order, s/he will earn a 25% points bonus.
And they think they got this right? Defies belief.
As a Marriott LTP I agree that Starwood LTPs with 750+ nights should have been grandfathered into Platinum Premiere. Very strange that Marriott didn't to that. I wouldn't be surprised if they reversed course on that decision before Aug 1 as its a pretty glaring flaw in an otherwise artful set of compromises.

Then again, if the SNA awards still have to be earned each year, there's really not much difference between Platinum and Platinum Premiere, but I haven't heard anyone confirm that Lifetime Platinums will still have earn their SNAs each year vs. being granted them no matter how many/few days they stay.
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BillBurn is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:24 pm
  #201  
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat Pro, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,008
Originally Posted by CJKatl
Through Dec 31 you will have your current status, which is SPG Gold, which gives you a status match to Marriott Gold. If Marriott intended SPG Gold to become a new program Plat they would not have announced SPG Gold will become Gold in the new program. Marriott is well aware you have a status match and did not leave this giant loophole open. It is clear that if you are a current SPG Gold you are enjoying a status match and will become a new program Gold based on your qualification level, not your status match.

FWIW, there seems to be an impression that current Marriott Plats did not do butts in beds. While there have been cc nights and rollover nights for a few years, trust me, most of us have done substantial nights in bed. I do think SPGers with more than 750 nights should have been given the higher lifetime status, but there really is not that big a difference between the two levels. It seems more an ego deflator, which might have been unnecessary on Marriott's part, than a real loss of benefits.
It's not an ego deflator... it is twofold (i) one of the primary benefits SPG LTPs like is in-hotel suite upgrades. And we are now behind LTPPs in that pecking order. If it weren't for that, we surely wouldn't be so upset over 25% in bonus points (although surely that's a nice to have), and (ii) those of us who put our butts in beds no less than 750 nights just want to be valued the same as others who did no more than we did. Now I can even see the argument that we should have to do more. Fine, make the SPG LTP requirement, 900 nights. Or 1,000. Something. Some fellow upthread had 1,700 nights! And yet he gets LTP while Marriott's get LTPP? Why would Marriott risk his loyalty? He's going to stay somewhere... a lot. He and others like him should be considered. And I'd say, considered quite highly.
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TravelinSperry is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:25 pm
  #202  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 905
Originally Posted by CPRich
It does suck. but I serious doubt anyone with 500, 750, 900, etc. nights with SPG will throw it all away and start with no status elsewhere.
Yes, agreed but for those with LTP, as it was under SPG, there is ZERO incentive to continue to stay; the status is diminished, there is no aspirational level to seek, the door has slammed on LTPPE.
Not to be vulgar but maybe it's the time to be a 'whore' in respect of the best deal rather than put trust in the nincompoops who have foisted this new structure on us.
Anyone who believes they have SPG LTPs locked in should realise that most of us maintain status in a number of programs...and in any case , it's a simple status match to jump ship.
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paolo64 is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:26 pm
  #203  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Jose, CA USA
Programs: UA Platinum 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 631
Originally Posted by SF1K
They should count as 6:

You can qualify for Lifetime status based on your combined Rewards and SPG nights and Elite years. If you achieved Elite status in both SPG and Rewards in one year, you’ll receive credit for two Elite years. You can also qualify via the existing criteria through December 31, 2018. When your current Elite status is higher than your Lifetime status, you’ll receive the higher-status benefits for that year.

Maybe there is hope for SPG Platinum Members to get grandfathered into Platinum Premier:

In addition, when you combine Rewards and SPG accounts we will combine your lifetime activity across both toward Lifetime Elite status in the new combined program. Members will have until year-end 2018 to complete stays in order to achieve the Lifetime Elite status thresholds to be grandfathered in at the previous thresholds for Rewards or SPG.

Of course I have no idea what my lifetime total points are. If I knew that and also knew for sure that the combination of 750 nights and 2 million points would get LTPP then I might make a push depending on how far off I am.
I have a good idea what my lifetime totals are as I got my SPG "Master Spreadsheet" a while ago. It said I had a little over 1.1 Million SPG points (=3.3 Million Marriott points) and 1.085 Million Marriott Points. I have 606 SPG nights, 479 Marriott nights which totals 1085 nights with probably at least 30-50 more this year. I have 9 years SPG Platinum and 3 years Marriott Platinum (not including the match to SPG status the last two years). Thus my combined lifetime total is 1085 nights, 4.5 million points, 12 years platinum, plus whatever else I will do this year.

Because most is with SPG, I will not get the grandfathered Platinum Premier Elite. Doesn't seem fair.
RobUAIntl is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:28 pm
  #204  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1P-1MM, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 3,927
Originally Posted by RichMSN
I have 900 combined nights, too. I have 10 years of SPG PLT. My nights are 60% Marriott, however, so the only lifetime status I currently have is SPG Gold.

I'm not sure what's equitable, to be honest. If you and I have the same nights and the same years as PLT, shouldn't we end up the same place?
I'm in worse shape, generally. I have SPG LTG with around 300 nights. I really don't remember if I have any years as PLT in SPG. In MR, I have just over 700 nights, but only 950K lifetime points, so I don't have any LT status (but I have at least 6 years with PLT status). Combined, I'll have 1000 nights and be LTGold. I would think that the best way to do this would be to count all the qualifying for the existing LTP at SPG and if they meet the thresholds for MR LTP, give them LTPP. Of course, there is that pesky lifetime point earnings thing that they don't seem willing and/or able to use.

I'm curious what they count for status years. I had status for several years in SPG that I was told didn't count towards LTG as they were "comped" status years. Can I call SPG and ask them how many years I earned status (and what status it was)? I may have to try and do the same with MR. There is a small chance I have 10 years as PLT, but I honestly didn't track it closely in the late 90s.
tods27 is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:29 pm
  #205  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,178
Starting August 1, SPG Gold will become Gold elites; and MR Gold will become Plat elites. I'm actually a little confused by this since you can currently match SPG Gold to Marriott Gold. Why not just make it consistent and upgrade both legacy Golds to the new elite Plats for this year? Am I missing something here?
zoqfotpik is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:31 pm
  #206  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: Marriott LTT, LH SEN
Posts: 171
Originally Posted by porkie
One point that got me worried: "Lounge Access (with Breakfast at JW Marriott®, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels by MarriottTM, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Westin®, Le Meridien®); Excludes Resorts."

Does it mean no more breakfast & lounge (if available) at resorts and St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W's etc?
Originally Posted by lilpisher
Lounge access was never included at St Regis, Luxury Collection, or Ws. There was no change w/r/t lounge access.
My concerns would be the resorts with lounges, such as for example Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort Dubai or Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, to name just two.
Pitero is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:32 pm
  #207  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: MR AMB/LT T, AS MVPG75K, TK EP/*G, DL D, IH AMB/D/IC, HH D, CR D, FoundersCd, Sixt P, NTL EE, Hz 5*
Posts: 425
Award nights still count for nights for elite earning, right?
rdlmitedu is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:34 pm
  #208  
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,178
Originally Posted by rdlmitedu
Award nights still count for nights for elite earning, right?
Nothing mentioned on that, so I supposed status quo.
zoqfotpik is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:35 pm
  #209  
SPG 5+ Badge
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Originally Posted by SHLTP
The program changes all seem pretty fair to me (I am a SPG LTP). Unless something odd happens, I will keep loyalty to the new entity. Only 3 areas of program I do not love so far but none are deal breakers by any means:

1) I don't love that SPG LTP do not get the same status as the Marriott LTPs. But I do not really see much difference in benefits. Just like for me there were little tangible benefits between 50 and Ambassador.

My only concern is the grandfathered Marriott LTP might get upgraded more if room managers arrange that in advance rather than at time of check in. I cannot blame Marriott for doing this (they need to make sure their long time loyal customers are happy) but wish we had been grandfathered in as well. I think the reality is many of us liked saying we had the highest status possible and thus felt as if we were the most respected customers on property

2) I don't love the points earning reduction at Amex. But since the card nights are not stackable, I will probably just cut Marriott & regular Amex Starwood (saving annual fees that way) and get the souped up version. I like the 2 person priority pass, 1 free night and $300 on property credit spend (if that includes restaurants). That would thus make my actual spend per year on a card lower when factoring everything but I might not use the card as much for everyday spend when in US (I use foreign cards when elsewhere).

What card should I get for annual spend? Chase Reserve?

3) I wish and think incredibly stupid Ritz still won't offer free breakfast. As I get older, Ritz fits my style more but the lack of breakfast and possible suite upgrades makes me unwilling to stay there. I'd rather stay at Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental and pay for everything than feel I am not being respected for loyalty.

But all in all, the changes were generally in line with what I expected and quite fair. So far well done Marriott

Wow. You pretty much nailed how I feel.

I'm surprised Marriott didn't include a way for top Starwood members to attain LTPP. I'm surprised that they didn't come up with a better Business Card. ( I spend a TON on by Biz SPG card that will now go to a different
business card) I prefer St. Regis's to Ritz hotels and the breakfast bene doesn't mean much to me unless I'm allowed to use it toward room service, but I am also surprised they didn't include breakfasts at the Ritz brand. (there must have been a lot of push back from the hotels)
damon88 is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2018, 5:36 pm
  #210  
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: LT Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, United Platinum
Posts: 767
Originally Posted by RichMSN
So much for me qualifying for SPG PLT at 25 stays per year.
Credit card and one 'meeting' will get you 25 nights. So you can still get PLT with 25 stays.
itsallgood is offline  

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