damon88

edgewood49

I agree that SPG was a great program and it served it purpose well. I also agree there are many rabid fans which we can see here as well. If you look at Hyatt which I was also a member of they changed their system as well going from 25 stays/50 nights for top tier to 60 nights. The issue with Hyatt is their foot print much less than others. As for SPG their stay requirements for status was much less with a bit smaller footprint than say Marriott or Hilton Holiday Inns. It now appears the bench mark is now 75 nights for PLT for better or worse. Margherita Girl raises a very valid point she has given her loyalty and was rewarded well. Sadly things change it is happening throughput the travel industry I say you can blame "equity capitol" for a lot of these changes. Their overpaying for and driving for higher profits and less expenses has led to most of this. I say this as I am in a tangential industry that supports the hotel industry and see it first hand everyday.

Anyway let's wait till the final plan hits the road in the meantime Travel Safe All! And Margherita Girl I decided on the Mona Surfrider instead of the Sheraton for New Years

RafKa

Is that really a thing?? Short of having access to 15 AF cc nights & 1 night for every 3k spend, I think I might be "organizing a meeting" very soon at a Courtyard in rural Iowa

margarita girl

Yes, it is a thing. Read the thread. You don't even have to show up.

FlyerTalkHandle

I thought that SPG Pro gave you one eligible night for every 20 rooms booked in connection with an eligible event. Is there another way to earn eligible nights by organizing a meeting?

I'm short on eligible nights to make LTG and looking at options for possibly closing the gap before the end of 2018.

yorkboy24

schley

Amended details about the credit cards have been sent........ OLD spg cards have new details as well.
https://www.spgpromos.com/amexcoming...ouncement_dual

New card called the American Express Luxury Card is now offered at $450 annual fee for:

EARN POINTS
For each dollar of eligible purchases charged to your Card, you can earn:
6 points at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards® hotels¹
3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines¹
2 points at all other eligible purchases¹



BENEFITS
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.¹

Complimentary Gold Elite status: Earn Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.¹

Enjoy up to $300 in statement credits each year of Card Membership for eligible purchases at participating SPG or Marriott Rewards hotels.¹

Coming in 2019: Each calendar year you can receive credit for 15 nights towards the next level of Elite status. Limit one 15 Elite Night Credit per Marriott Loyalty Program member. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.¹

Relax with unlimited lounge visits for you and up to two guests per visit once enrolled in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which offers access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.¹

Receive a statement credit every four years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA Pre√® ($85) with your Card. If approved, you can get expedited screening at select airports. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA Pre√®.¹

No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.¹

Free, unlimited Boingo Wi-Fi at more than 1,000,000 Boingo hotspots worldwide. Enrollment required.¹

Receive free in-room, premium Internet access while staying at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels. Booking requirements apply.¹

schley

FAQs
Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®) loyalty program changes
Q: Will my current Starpoints® balance change in my loyalty member account?
A: Yes. SPG has announced changes to its loyalty program and how its members will earn Starpoints. On August 1, 2018, Starpoints will be referred to as points. The Starpoints balance in your loyalty member account will convert to points at a 1:3 ratio (one Starpoint will convert to three points). For example, 1,000 Starpoints will become 3,000 points. At the time of this program change, in general, the number of points needed to redeem in the loyalty program will have corresponding changes.

Q: Will there be any changes in the Elite status levels?
A: In August 2018, SPG will introduce a new Silver Elite tier and refreshed benefits to other tiers that will be recognized at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards® hotels. For more information on these Elite status tiers, please contact SPG directly or visit members.marriott.com.

Q: Can I receive SPG benefits and earn Starpoints and Elite Night Credits during stays at hotels in the Marriott Rewards portfolio? And can I receive Marriott Rewards benefits and earn Marriott Rewards points and Elite Night Credits for stays at hotels in the SPG portfolio?
A: Until August 1st, 2018, the programs will remain separate: SPG members will continue to earn Starpoints and receive SPG benefits at hotels participating in the SPG program, and Marriott Rewards members will earn Marriott Rewards points and receive Marriott Rewards benefits at hotels participating in that program. You’ll need two loyalty member accounts—one for each program. Starting August 1st, 2018, you’ll be able to seamlessly book, earn points and redeem points across all of Marriott’s 6,500 hotels and 29 hotel brands and you will need to combine your loyalty member accounts online prior to arrival at the hotel to receive the benefits from your combined status. Log in to spg.com and follow the prompts in order to combine your accounts. SPG, Marriott Rewards, and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards will maintain their separate names. See Marriott’s Member Benefits page for more information (members.marriott.com).

Existing SPG® Amex Card Members

Q: Can I upgrade to the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card? If so, when?
A: Existing Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card Members will have the opportunity to upgrade to the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card beginning August 9, 2018.
Note that you will not be able to upgrade from the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express to the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card.

Q: If I upgrade to the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card, do points stay the same in my loyalty member account?
A: Yes. If you upgrade to the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card, the points you have already earned will remain in your loyalty member account, and you will have the opportunity to earn and redeem points across 29 distinct brands.

Q: Will there be changes in how I earn points on my current Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card or my Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express?
A: Yes. Beginning at the time of program change on August 1, 2018, both Starpoints and Marriott Rewards points will be referred to as points. The Starpoint balance in your loyalty member account will convert to points at a 1:3 ratio (one Starpoint will convert to three points). For example, 1,000 Starpoints will become 3,000 points. At the time of this program change, in general, the number of points needed to redeem in the SPG loyalty program will have corresponding changes, and you will be able to redeem points at all participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels.

Currently, you can earn 2 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels when you use your Card; beginning August 1, 2018, you will earn 6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels when you use your Card. And currently, you can earn 1 point for each dollar of other eligible purchases when you use your Card; beginning August 1, 2018, you can earn 2 points for each dollar of other eligible purchases when you use your Card.

We are pleased to offer new ways for our SPG® Business Credit Card from American Express members to earn additional points and make business purchases more rewarding. Beginning August 1, 2018, SPG® Business Credit Card from American Express members can earn 4 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping.

Q: Do I have to take any action in order to get the updated Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express or The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express?
A: No, you don’t have to do anything to get the updated Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express or The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express. Your physical card will remain the same and the benefits will automatically update on August 1, 2018.

Q: How are the benefits on my Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card and Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express changing?
A: See below for details on specific changes to Card benefits. All benefit changes will be effective August 1, 2018, unless otherwise noted below.

Benefits that are changing:

Earning Elite status
Beginning at the time of program change on August 1, 2018, SPG Gold status will be referred to as Gold Elite status. The terms of how you earn Gold Elite status with your Card are changing. Currently, you can earn Gold Elite status after you spend $30,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year. Effective January 1, 2019, you can earn Gold Elite status after you spend $35,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year.
Elite Status credit
SPG® has announced changes to its terms for earning Elite status. Currently, Card Members can earn Elite status through Eligible Nights and/or Eligible Stays. (Please visit spg.com/terms for additional information). Effective January 1, 2019, only Eligible Nights will count towards earning Elite status. Eligible Stays will no longer count towards earning Elite status.

In accordance with this change, as of August 1, 2018, the annual credit for 5 nights and 2 stays will no longer be offered as a benefit of the Card. The 5 nights and 2 stays existing Card Members have earned this year with the Card will still be eligible towards Elite status (for more information please visit members.marriott.com).

Additionally, coming in 2019, each calendar year the Basic Card Member can receive credit for 15 nights towards the next level of Elite status. Limit one 15 Elite Night Credit per Marriott Loyalty Program member. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Sheraton Club Lounge access (SPG® Business Credit Card Members only)
Effective August 1, 2018, complimentary access to the Sheraton® Club Lounge will no longer be offered through The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express.

Benefits that are being added:

Annual Free Night Award
Each year, after renewal of your Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express, you will receive one Free Night Award from Starwood Preferred Guest. The Free Night Award can be redeemed for a one-night stay inclusive of room rate and applicable taxes at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels with a redemption level at or under 35,000 points. Redemption levels for participating properties will be available on August 1, 2018.

The Card Member will be responsible for all incidental charges and, at properties where resort fees are applicable, for payment of additional mandatory resort fees. This benefit is only available to the Basic Card Member on the Card Account.

The Free Night Award will be automatically deposited into your loyalty member account within 8-12 weeks after your Card Account anniversary date in the form of an e-certificate. You will receive an email from SPG to the email address listed on your loyalty member account confirming that the Free Night Award e-certificate has been deposited into your loyalty member account. The email will also provide instructions on how to redeem your Free Night Award e-certificate. To redeem the Free Night Award e-certificate, you must log into your loyalty member account and apply the e-certificate during booking. The Free Night Award e-certificate will expire after 1 year from issuance. E-certificates may not be transferred, extended beyond the expiration date, or re-credited for points. To qualify for the Free Night Award, your account must be open and not in default at the time of the Free Night Award e-certificate issuance. Your Free Night Award e-certificate will be redeemable at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards Hotels. American Express is not responsible for fulfillment of Free Night Award e-certificate redemptions. Redemptions are subject to the terms and conditions of the loyalty program.
Complimentary Silver Elite status
At the time of program change, SPG will introduce a new Silver Elite tier with enhanced benefits that will be recognized at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels. Effective August 1, 2018, the Basic Card Member will be eligible to receive complimentary Silver Elite status.
Baggage Insurance Plan(new on The Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express only; the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card already offers this benefit)
Travel more securely knowing you can be covered by the Baggage Insurance Plan* for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare for a Common Carrier ticket (e.g., plane, train, ship or bus) on your Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express. (Note: Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card Members are already eligible to receive this benefit.) Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage. For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip*.

*Baggage Insurance Plan
Baggage Insurance Plan is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ under Policy AX0400, Policy AX0400-PR, Policy AX0400-VI, or Policy BIP-IND. For residents of GU and MP, the Plan is underwritten by Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance Limited, Hagatna, Guam under Policy CRCB000000107. This benefit is not available to residents of American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau and the US Minor Outlying Islands. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the Policies applicable to your Card and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policies. To be covered, you must pay the entire fare for travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) with your eligible Card. Entire Fare means the full fare cost for a Covered Trip on a Common Carrier. You can use your Basic or Additional Card Member's American Express Card or in combination with American Express Membership Rewards® Points or American Express Pay with Points program for the entire fare. If you use another form of payment or frequent flyer miles or points from another program to pay for all or part of the fare, you will not be covered. This product provides secondary coverage. This means it pays eligible benefits not paid by any primary insurance that you have. For checked baggage, a written report of the loss must be filed with the Common Carrier.

Elite Status

Q: I’m about to exceed $30,000 in eligible purchases on my Card this calendar year to earn Gold Elite status. Will I be impacted by the new $35,000 requirement?
A: Card Members who spend $30,000 in eligible purchases in the 2018 calendar year (January 1–December 31, 2018) will be eligible for Gold Elite status. Effective January 1, 2019, you can earn Gold Elite status after you spend $35,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in a calendar year.

Interested in learning more about the Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card?
Q: Why are you launching The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card?
A: The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card is meant for avid travelers and SPG enthusiasts to enjoy a robust suite of travel benefits. It is an exciting addition to the SPG® American Express Credit Card portfolio and will provide even more options for our Card Members to choose from.

Q: What is the annual fee for the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card?
A: The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card will have an annual fee of $450.†

Q: What are the key benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card, launching in August?
A: Luxury Card Members will earn:

6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels
3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines
2 points on all other eligible purchases

The benefits to meet travel needs include:

Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits for purchases on the Card at participating SPG® or Marriott Rewards® hotels
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.
Enjoy complimentary Gold Elite status with your Card; Earn Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year
Enroll in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select, which offers access to over 1,000 lounges in over 120 countries; includes unlimited visits for you and up to two guests per visit
Receive a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA Pre✓® ($85) with your Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card
Complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi
In-room Premium Wi-Fi
No Foreign Transaction Fees†


Q: What are the additional Card benefits I could get with the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card compared with the current Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express?
A: The benefits you receive with the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card are enhanced in comparison with those you receive with the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card:

Adding ways for Card Members to earn additional points for purchases. You can earn 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines.
Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 points) at a participating hotel. Select hotels have resort fees.
The Basic Card Member will be eligible to receive complimentary Gold Elite status with the Card; You can earn Platinum Elite status after making $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year
The Luxury Card also comes with additional benefits including:
Each Card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits for purchases on the Card at participating SPG® or Marriott Rewards® hotels
Enroll in complimentary Priority Pass™ Select, which offers access to over 1,000 lounges in over 120 countries; includes unlimited visits for you and up to two guests per visit
Receive a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or TSA Pre✓® ($85) with your Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card


Q: When will I receive my Free Night Award with the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card, and at what hotels will I be able to redeem it?
A: Each year, after renewal of your Card, you will receive one Free Night Award from Starwood Preferred Guest. The Free Night Award can be redeemed for a one-night stay inclusive of room rate and applicable taxes at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels with a redemption level at or under 50,000 points. Redemption levels for participating properties will be available on August 1, 2018.

Q: When can I apply for the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card?
A: You can apply for The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card beginning August 9, 2018.

makin'miles

Admittedly not my biggest concern about the programs merging, but I really really hope that Marriott adopts SPG's booking interface. I really like the 'Compare Rates' feature on SPG.com, which allows me to see cash, points and special rates (of my choosing) all at once, for all properties in a specific area.

I'm coming at this from the SPG side, but having now spent some time on Marriott's site, I find it requires a lot more clicking and searching to get an accurate picture on rate options.

3rdworldresident

hockeyinsider

FYI, the new Marriott "breakfast offering" explained:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...explained.html

Kagehitokiri

any details on combining accounts yet?

or expiration and avoiding it via spg credit card?

yurtripper

Not sure what your specific question is but you should start by checking the WIKI to see if your question has been answered. If the question is there but unanswered then you'll just need to wait ('Stay tuned!'). If your question is not even there then you should add it to the WIKI (though I honestly think that all the relevant issues should have been flagged by now).

Kagehitokiri

so far "combining" seems incredibly vague

assuming spg credit card "points" (not starpoints) will have to count as activity

Kagehitokiri

hmm. so starpoints automatically become points but do not automatically transfer to linked marriott account. they just automatically 'equalize' them. so doesnt matter if not linked. then they give you the option of combining possibly with no announced ETA on requiring/closing.