Apr 16, 2018, 3:22 pm
Last edit by: Starwood Lurker IV
Table of Contents
A. Annual elite status (how to earn, benefits, duration, etc.) starting in August 2018
A. Annual elite status (how to earn, benefits, duration, etc.) starting in August 2018
A1. Will reward bookings still count towards night credit? 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?
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?
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?
FTers have asked that coverage be extended as follows:
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?
C1. When will properties be mapped to the new award categories? C6. Will existing SPG award reservations be honored at the same rate after August 1?
D1. Will SPG or Marriott best rate guarantee terms be used in the combined program, particularly with respect to rate type?
E1. Will Chase or Amex prorate the annual fee upon canceling a credit card due to the new changes?
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?
====================
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?
7. A <75 PLT from 2017 will be mapped as a PLT50, not a PLT75, regardless of 2017 Marriott nights, correct?
8. What will happen with SET codes when my SPG and MR accounts are combined?
9. Will Sheraton lounges continue to be required to be open 7 days/week?
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.
13. How many Make a Green Choice points will be awarded per night after August ?
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?
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?
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?
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?
20. Will the SPG50 rate, or some other form of it, continue in the new program?
21. Can Marriott Gift Cards and Marriott eCards be used at SPG properties beginning August 1? If not, when will they be accepted?
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?
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
25. Will the free access to gym facilities for Platinums for properties that charge for it staying in place?
26. Will SPG instant awards still be available?
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)?
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?
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?
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.)?
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?
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.
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?
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?
40. Will Hotel and Flight Package still be available?
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?
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?
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?
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?
47. What is the definition of a "floater certificate"?
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>
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 2018A2. 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?
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 staysB2. 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?
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 questionsC2. 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?
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 cardsD2. 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?
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?
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: <added by Starwood Lurker 26Apr18>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.
- Adding the actual verbatim there:
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:
- SPG LTP with the Marriott equivalent of 750 SPG nights + and 2M after conversion pointsNo. 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>
- 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>
- Case (a) or (b) but using both combined SPG + Marriott nights and points to determine the 750 night / 2M points thresholdNo. 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>
- 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>
- 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 >
- 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>
- 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>
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 staysC1. 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>
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 questionsD1. 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 cardsE1. 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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
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?
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>
Official announcement – See how our three loyalty programs will become one in August
Apr 18, 2018, 12:46 pm
#586
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Platinum (100)
Posts: 517
I suspect that if enough people complain they will either spend the money to Grandfather 750+ SPG LTPs systematically or allow individual SPG members to petition them for LTPP status. I guess we will find out by August if that happens, but I have to think there's a decent chance they change their mind.
Apr 18, 2018, 12:51 pm
#587
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Platinum (100)
Posts: 517
I would be fine with that but Marriott appears to have decided that the combination scenario only impacts LT status earned/bestowed post-Aug 1 for an LT tier (LTPP) they seem to want to shut off for future qualification. That's the problem. If Marriott had said that those who become LTP post Aug 1 with the same math as Marriott LTP pre-Aug 1 would be "grandfathered" into LTPP, there would really be no issue to speak of. The problem is they have said, contrary to previous statements, that Marriott nights >500 are worth more than SPG nights >500 for the purposes of the new LT tier. Again, I really can't imagine they intended to offend SPG LTP's with 750+ nights, I just think they probably didn't understand what the reaction/impact would be.
Apr 18, 2018, 12:51 pm
#588
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New York
Programs: Bonvoy LifetimeTitanium, UA Plat 2MM, LHW LeadersClub, IHGPlat, HiltonDiamnd, ASMVPG100K, WyndDiamnd
Posts: 1,227
Would it even be possible to reach 750 nights (or even 500 nights) at SPG and not have gotten way over 666,667 Starpoints (=2MM Marriott points). I must be way over that.
Apr 18, 2018, 12:53 pm
#589
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,642
I think you're probably pretty close to reality here but since Starwood allows members to request their "master statement", which while it may not go back far enough, at least presents something reasonable, there most definitely is some record of the number of points earned over the course of a member's tenure with SPG.
Apr 18, 2018, 12:53 pm
#590
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: Bonvoy Amb; AA EXP
Posts: 1,136
As a Marriott LTP I agree that SPG LTP's with 750+ nights and the equivalent of 2MM+ points should also be grandfathered to LTPP. The interesting thing to consider is "Why did Marriott make this decision"? I can think of a few possible reasons:
1. They simply forgot to consider this "corner case".
Seems very unlikely to me given how much time and effort went into designing the combined program. This was almost certainly a carefully considered affirmative decision.
2. They wanted to thank Marriotts most loyal elites for "not staying at SPG when you could have" in a kind of "to the victor goes the spoils" way.
I can see how and SPG elite with 750+ nights would think this is the most likely explanation, but this seems like an incredibly emotional decision for a big corporation to make. The remaining NPV of the average SPG LTP Elite with 750+ nights is likely equal to or better (due to higher average RPAR) than a the average Marriott LTP Elite with 750+ nights so it makes sense from a numbers/financial perspective to also grandfather them. In most big corporations math usually wins out over emotions.
3. They tried to grandrather SPG LTPs with 750+nights and 2MM+ points LTPP status but there was some kind of costly impediment to easily doing this (mostly likely an IT issue) that made the cost/time/effort to make this change not worth it with given the small number of Elites that were affected by this "corner case" ,so they just punted and said "we tried, sorry but tough luck".
This explanation appeals the most to me given that post merger IT integration is notoriously difficult and costly and these days the #1 reason most companies give for not doing something they obviously should is "IT". That said, it sounds like lifetime point balances are obtainable from somewhere in the bowels of SPG's IT infrastructure and this would just be a simple one-off analysis, so it doesn't seem like IT cost alone would be that big a deal.
My guess is that the real reason is something like #3 and it's a combination of some IT, operational, and perhaps even legal reasons. I also think that when they punted on this they probably said "look if it turns out to be a huge PR/financial issue, we can always just bite the bullet and spend the money to fix things so that we can grandfather these edge cases."
I suspect that if enough people complain they will either spend the money to Grandfather 750+ SPG LTPs systematically or allow individual SPG members to petition them for LTPP status. I guess we will find out by August if that happens, but I have to think there's a decent chance they change their mind.
1. They simply forgot to consider this "corner case".
Seems very unlikely to me given how much time and effort went into designing the combined program. This was almost certainly a carefully considered affirmative decision.
2. They wanted to thank Marriotts most loyal elites for "not staying at SPG when you could have" in a kind of "to the victor goes the spoils" way.
I can see how and SPG elite with 750+ nights would think this is the most likely explanation, but this seems like an incredibly emotional decision for a big corporation to make. The remaining NPV of the average SPG LTP Elite with 750+ nights is likely equal to or better (due to higher average RPAR) than a the average Marriott LTP Elite with 750+ nights so it makes sense from a numbers/financial perspective to also grandfather them. In most big corporations math usually wins out over emotions.
3. They tried to grandrather SPG LTPs with 750+nights and 2MM+ points LTPP status but there was some kind of costly impediment to easily doing this (mostly likely an IT issue) that made the cost/time/effort to make this change not worth it with given the small number of Elites that were affected by this "corner case" ,so they just punted and said "we tried, sorry but tough luck".
This explanation appeals the most to me given that post merger IT integration is notoriously difficult and costly and these days the #1 reason most companies give for not doing something they obviously should is "IT". That said, it sounds like lifetime point balances are obtainable from somewhere in the bowels of SPG's IT infrastructure and this would just be a simple one-off analysis, so it doesn't seem like IT cost alone would be that big a deal.
My guess is that the real reason is something like #3 and it's a combination of some IT, operational, and perhaps even legal reasons. I also think that when they punted on this they probably said "look if it turns out to be a huge PR/financial issue, we can always just bite the bullet and spend the money to fix things so that we can grandfather these edge cases."
I suspect that if enough people complain they will either spend the money to Grandfather 750+ SPG LTPs systematically or allow individual SPG members to petition them for LTPP status. I guess we will find out by August if that happens, but I have to think there's a decent chance they change their mind.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:06 pm
#591
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 407
They may add one at some point in the future but I wouldn't count on it.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:22 pm
#592
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Platinum (100)
Posts: 517
Sounds like it (as of now). I have to imagine that the reason they didn't offer Lifetime Platinum Premier as an explicit tier in the new Lifetime program is because they made an affirmative decision not to offer one (at least for now). Very similar to American Airlines where the highest lifetime level you can officially achieve is Platinum and when they added their Platinum Pro tier a little while ago they didn't add a lifetime tier.
They may add one at some point in the future but I wouldn't count on it.
They may add one at some point in the future but I wouldn't count on it.
By grandfathering only one group into an LTPP tier, they've simply created two classes of 750+ night members: those who were grandfathered into LTPP and those who they didn't deem worthy of grandfathering. If LTPP is not a material difference from LTPE, why have it in the first place? Why the distinction?
Marriott can't re-write history. Post-merger, Marriott did say clearly that guests should freely chose to stay at Starwood or Marriott properties -- it would make no difference. In fact, they went to great lengths to say that everyone would be treated fairly and that LT statuses would be honored whenever the programs were eventually merged. Those of us who took their word for it and decided to continue almost exclusively staying at SPG, earning SPG nights towards LT status and building up SPG points vs MR points are now being told that had you "switched sides" and gone with MR vs SPG, you would have been grandfathered into a tier that you now have no hope of ever attaining. That's the problem. I'm not sure if there was enough time to hit MR LTP prior during the merger period but Marriott can't, on the one hand, say there wasn't a difference, continue staying with Starwood but then, on the other hand, create a grandfathered LT tier that only MR LTPs have access to.
I really can't imagine this is intentional because if it were, it would be very wrong. How many times have we heard the question since the merger: "Am I better off staying at Marriott vs Starwood?" and how many times did we all clearly hear the answer as: "It doesn't matter if you stay at Marriott vs Starwood, you can freely transfer points between the two programs at a 1:3 conversion rate and we will recognize your status and your LT status". Now we find out that not all status is the same and LTPP has been created as a closed status only for MR customers. That's just plain wrong.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:26 pm
#593
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: LT Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, United Platinum
Posts: 767
3. They tried to grandrather SPG LTPs with 750+nights and 2MM+ points LTPP status but there was some kind of costly impediment to easily doing this (mostly likely an IT issue) that made the cost/time/effort to make this change not worth it with given the small number of Elites that were affected by this "corner case" ,so they just punted and said "we tried, sorry but tough luck".
This explanation appeals the most to me given that post merger IT integration is notoriously difficult and costly and these days the #1 reason most companies give for not doing something they obviously should is "IT". That said, it sounds like lifetime point balances are obtainable from somewhere in the bowels of SPG's IT infrastructure and this would just be a simple one-off analysis, so it doesn't seem like IT cost alone would be that big a deal.
My guess is that the real reason is something like #3 and it's a combination of some IT, operational, and perhaps even legal reasons. I also think that when they punted on this they probably said "look if it turns out to be a huge PR/financial issue, we can always just bite the bullet and spend the money to fix things so that we can grandfather these edge cases."
I suspect that if enough people complain they will either spend the money to Grandfather 750+ SPG LTPs systematically or allow individual SPG members to petition them for LTPP status. I guess we will find out by August if that happens, but I have to think there's a decent chance they change their mind.
This explanation appeals the most to me given that post merger IT integration is notoriously difficult and costly and these days the #1 reason most companies give for not doing something they obviously should is "IT". That said, it sounds like lifetime point balances are obtainable from somewhere in the bowels of SPG's IT infrastructure and this would just be a simple one-off analysis, so it doesn't seem like IT cost alone would be that big a deal.
My guess is that the real reason is something like #3 and it's a combination of some IT, operational, and perhaps even legal reasons. I also think that when they punted on this they probably said "look if it turns out to be a huge PR/financial issue, we can always just bite the bullet and spend the money to fix things so that we can grandfather these edge cases."
I suspect that if enough people complain they will either spend the money to Grandfather 750+ SPG LTPs systematically or allow individual SPG members to petition them for LTPP status. I guess we will find out by August if that happens, but I have to think there's a decent chance they change their mind.
Again, to all those that feel slighted by not getting LTPP, have patience. And write a nice letter to corporate to plead your case.
Apr 18, 2018, 1:26 pm
#594
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
Certainly understand lifetime members' frustrations regarding the status mapping. On some level, I wonder if they determined the issue to be too complex for their it system to handle, or if they thought it would create more confusion than satisfaction for SPG members.
Big thing I'm waiting on is how the new program will work with Vistana's (Starwood's) timeshare program, but it looks like it should be pretty clear, considering the new levels are very similar to existing SPG levels.
UPDATE: Vistana just released a FAQ section about the changes: https://www.vistana.com/news-faq
Their page has a bit of additional insight (assuming it's correct):
-New Gold Elite level: 2pm check-out is based on availability, NOT guaranteed, and the arrival gift will be up to 500 points
-New Platinum Elite level: welcome points will be 500-1000 points
Big thing I'm waiting on is how the new program will work with Vistana's (Starwood's) timeshare program, but it looks like it should be pretty clear, considering the new levels are very similar to existing SPG levels.
UPDATE: Vistana just released a FAQ section about the changes: https://www.vistana.com/news-faq
Their page has a bit of additional insight (assuming it's correct):
-New Gold Elite level: 2pm check-out is based on availability, NOT guaranteed, and the arrival gift will be up to 500 points
-New Platinum Elite level: welcome points will be 500-1000 points
Last edited by svo242; Apr 18, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Apr 18, 2018, 1:41 pm
#595
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Programs: AA Plat, Sixt Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Avis First, Caesars TR Diamond, Mlife Gold
Posts: 4,928
Dear Owner,As a benefit of membership within the Vistana Signature Network™, Owners receive Elite status in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program and access to an award-winning global portfolio of hotels and resorts, unique experiences and rich redemption possibilities.
Good news. Marriott International recently announced that beginning August 2018, its loyalty brands — Marriott Rewards®, SPG®, and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® — will come together as one powerful program. For now, individual program names will stay the same until 2019, but everything else will be consolidated.
With the opportunity to leverage the best of all programs, we want to take this opportunity to share what these exciting changes mean for you.
How does this affect Owners? • To align trading values in the combined program, your Starpoints® balance will be multiplied by 3 with a one-time adjustment in August. • Whether you own one of our weeks products or new points products, your conversion value will also be adjusted to reflect the new 1:3 change. • Owners will retain their existing SPG Gold- or Platinum-level status with loyalty benefits remaining largely intact. • The ability to convert a weeks or points product into Starpoints, along with the applicable rules, will remain the same.
Program highlights • Earn and redeem points at more than 6,500 hotels across 29 brands with no blackout dates. Ever. • Simplify your experience with one loyalty account, profile, login and points balance. • Members will earn ten points for every dollar spent at all brands except for Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites® and Element℠ which will be five points per every dollar spent. • Access more airline partners than ever before and transfer points to frequent-flyer miles with the new ratio of three points for one mile.
Your new benefits will take effect starting in August. If you have yet to do so, we encourage all Owners with a Marriott Rewards account to link it to their SPG account to discover all the opportunities that come along with transferring points between accounts and status match.
Thank you for your continued loyalty. For a full list of FAQs, click here. If you have any additional questions, please contact Owner Services at 800-847-8262.
We will update you as more information becomes available.
Regards,
Stephen G. Williams
Chief Commercial Office
https://www.vistana.com/news-faq?utm...text#faq201804
Apr 18, 2018, 1:43 pm
#596
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Programs: AA Plat, Sixt Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Avis First, Caesars TR Diamond, Mlife Gold
Posts: 4,928
04/18/2018 COMBINED LOYALTY PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
VISTANA OWNER FAQS
AS A VISTANA SIGNATURE NETWORK™ (VSN) MEMBER, I CAN CONVERT MY VACATION OWNERSHIP INTEREST (VOI) TO SPG® POINTS. WILL THAT CONVERSION BENEFIT STILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMBINED LOYALTY PROGRAM?
- Yes, your ability to convert to SPG points (new term will be simply “points”) will remain intact. All rules associated with the ability to convert including frequency, fees, limitations and deadlines will remain the same when the loyalty programs are merged. Points earned via transactions with Vistana™ Signature Experiences continue to expire in six years.
WHEN CONVERTING MY VOI TO POINTS WILL I RECEIVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF POINTS?
- One of the features that is changing as the reward programs combine is hotel redemption values. Standard hotel stays will generally require 3X the points in the combined program, starting in August. To align, you will receive 3X your current conversion amount when converting your VOI, also starting in August.
ARE GOLD PREFERRED LEVEL BENEFITS CHANGING?
CURRENT: GOLD PREFERREDAUGUST: GOLD ELITE50% bonus earning (bonus on earned points)25% bonus earning (bonus on earned points)Enhanced room upgrade based on availabilityEnhanced room upgrade based on availabilityArrival gift points, Wi-Fi or beverageArrival gift of up to 500 points (per stay)4 p.m. late check-out with guarantee2 p.m. late check-out based on availabilityNo Blackout datesNo Blackout datesEnhanced Wi-Fi- Please see comparison chart below:
ARE PLATINUM PREFERRED LEVEL BENEFITS CHANGING?
CURRENT: PLATINUM PREFERREDAUGUST: PLATINUM ELITEStay qualifier waived for 5 Star Elite VSN membersStay qualifier waived for 5 Star Elite VSN members50% bonus earning (bonus on earned points)50% bonus earning (bonus on earned points)Enhanced Room Upgrade when available, Including standard suitesEnhanced Room Upgrade when available, including standard suites72-hour guaranteeNo longer availableArrival gift of points, breakfast or amenityArrival gift of up to 500/1000 points or breakfast or amenity (varies by brand, some exclusions apply)Lounge AccessLounge AccessNo Blackout DatesNo Blackout DatesP50 Choice: Suite Night Award (SNA) or gift optionAnnual choice option (5 SNAs or gift option)Enhanced Wi-FiEnhanced Wi-Fi4 p.m. check-out4 p.m. check-out- Please see comparison chart below:
WHY IS MY SPG ACCOUNT BALANCE BEING ADJUSTED TO 3X THE BALANCE IN AUGUST?
- This one-time adjustment is part of aligning the point values with Marriott Rewards® points and the new hotel redemption values.
WHAT ELSE IS BEING ADJUSTED?
- Your earning power is being adjusted. Today Gold and Platinum members earn 3 points per eligible dollar (US$1) spent. In August, all members will earn 10 points per eligible dollar (US$1) spent. 5 points per US$1 on ElementSM, Residence Inn® and TownePlace Suites®.
ARE TRANSFERS TO FREQUENT FLYER ACCOUNTS CHANGING?
- Yes, please see FAQs on airline partners in the General FAQ section below.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH MY SPG AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD?
- Please see FAQ’s on co-branded credit cards in the General FAQ section below.
WILL “STAY 4 NIGHTS AND GET THE 5TH NIGHT FREE” STILL BE A BENEFIT WITH HOTEL POINT REDEMPTION?
- Yes; at every category level (1-8), redeem 4 nights and get the 5th night free (5 nights for the price of 4)
IS THE CATEGORY OF THE RESORT I OWN AT CHANGING?
- This is under review; we will advise if any changes are determined.
IF I HAVE A MARRIOTT REWARDS ACCOUNT AND AN SPG ACCOUNT SHOULD I LINK THEM?
- Yes, this will allow you to transfer eligible points between accounts now. In August, it will make combining them into one account easier. After August, the only way to combine point balances is by merging accounts; you will no longer be able to move points back and forth between accounts. When merging accounts, members can decide to move forward with a Marriott account OR with a Starwood account.
SHOULD I TRANSFER MY MARRIOTT REWARDS POINTS INTO MY SPG ACCOUNT PRIOR TO AUGUST SO THAT THOSE POINTS WILL BE MULTIPLIED BY 3?
- That is not necessary as Marriott Rewards points are currently 3:1 SPG points already.
GENERAL FAQS
Any time Rewards or “Rewards Program” is mentioned in these FAQs, it applies to both Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®.CAN I EARN STARPOINTS®, ELITE NIGHT CREDITS AND RECEIVE SPG BENEFITS DURING STAYS AT HOTELS IN THE REWARDS PORTFOLIO? AND CAN I EARN REWARDS POINTS, ELITE NIGHT CREDITS AND RECEIVE REWARDS BENEFITS FOR STAYS AT HOTELS IN THE SPG PORTFOLIO?
- Until August, the programs will remain separate: SPG members will continue to earn Starpoints and receive SPG benefits at hotels participating in the SPG program, and Rewards members will earn Rewards points and receive Rewards benefits at hotels participating in that program. You’ll need two accounts—one for each program. In August, Marriott will combine the programs into one, and you’ll be able to seamlessly book, earn points and redeem points. You will need to combine your accounts online prior to arrival at the hotel to receive the benefits from your combined status. You’ll also receive the same earning and Elite status benefits across all 6,500 hotels and 29 hotel brands. See the Member Benefits page for more information.
CAN I SEE MY REWARDS AND SPG INFORMATION IN ONE PLACE ONLINE OR VIA MY APP?
- Until August, your Rewards and SPG account balances, Elite Night Credits and reservations will remain separate as they are today. Marriott will notify you when you can combine your accounts so that you’ll have a single account with one member number, one login and one profile. In the meantime, log in to Rewards to see activity in that account; log in to SPG to see your account information there.
IN AUGUST, WHEN THE PROGRAMS COME TOGETHER, WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ANY EXISTING RESERVATIONS I HAVE AT HOTELS IN THE REWARDS OR SPG PORTFOLIOS?
- All existing reservations are secure and there will be no changes or need to take any action. However, if you have accounts with Rewards and SPG that you choose to combine in August, you will be able to view and manage your existing reservations from that single account. 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.
CAN I BOOK MARRIOTT, THE RITZ-CARLTON AND SPG HOTELS ON THE SAME WEBSITE OR IN THE SAME APP?
- Not yet, but you will be able to search and book paid and redeemed stays across all 6,500 hotels in August when the programs come together on both Marriott.com, SPG.com and via their apps. Booking direct will also provide access to member-only rates and complimentary Wi-Fi.
HOW WILL I EARN POINTS AS AN SPG MEMBER? WHAT HAPPENS TO MY EXISTING STARPOINTS?
- In August, Starpoints® will become points and your balance will be multiplied by three during a one-time conversion. Then when you stay at any of our more than 6,500 hotels across 29 hotel brands, you’ll earn 10 points per US$1 spent on eligible hotel charges, except at Element, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels, where you’ll earn 5 points per eligible US$1.
HOW WILL I EARN POINTS AS AN SPG MEMBER? WHAT HAPPENS TO MY EXISTING STARPOINTS?
- In August, Starpoints® will become points and your balance will be multiplied by three during a one-time conversion. Then when you stay at any of our more than 6,500 hotels across 29 hotel brands, you’ll earn 10 points per US$1 spent on eligible hotel charges, except at Element, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels, where you’ll earn 5 points per eligible US$1.
HOW WILL I EARN POINTS AS A REWARDS MEMBER? WHAT HAPPENS TO MY EXISTING REWARDS POINTS?
- Your existing Rewards points balance will remain unchanged and starting in August you’ll continue to earn 10 points per US$1 spent on eligible hotel charges and 5 points per eligible US$1 at Element, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels. Starting in August, eligible hotel charges at all participating brands and hotels will include the room rate and qualifying incidentals charged to your folio.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH AIRLINE PARTNERS AND WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFER POINTS TO FREQUENT-FLYER MILES?
- In August members will have access to more airline partners than ever before, with more than 40 total airline partners. This includes new options for Rewards (Virgin Australia, Aegean Airlines, Air New Zealand and more) and new options for SPG (Qantas, JetBlue, Turkish and more). You’ll still be able to transfer points to frequent-flyer miles, and the new ratio will be 3 points for one mile. And, for every 60,000 points transferred to miles, they’ll add a 15,000 point bonus providing you with a total of 25,000 miles in the airline program of your choice.
ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO THE REWARDSPLUS PROGRAM WITH UNITED MILEAGEPLUS?
- There are no changes to the United RewardsPlus offering. If you have Platinum Premier Elite status, you will still be able to link and upgrade your United MileagePlus Account to Premier® Silver status. In addition, all members receive bonuses when converting points to United MileagePlus miles and on RewardsPlus Hotel + Air Packages.
ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO CROSSOVER REWARDS™ WITH DELTA SKYMILES?
- Crossover Rewards will continue through July 15, 2018, with all current benefits being honored through that date. Marriott expects to have more to share on this program before July 15.
Link to Crossover Rewards with Delta SkyMiles>>
ARE THERE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR WORLD REWARDS™ WITH EMIRATES AND EASTERN EXPLORER REWARDS™ WITH CHINA EASTERN?
- All current benefits will be honored for registered members. After July 15, 2018, registration into these programs will be temporarily unavailable. Marriott will be sure to share more information shortly. Learn more about these programs using the links below.
Link to Your World Rewards with Emirates>>
Link to Eastern Explorer Rewards with China Eastern>>
HAVE ALL THE CHANGES BEEN ANNOUNCED, OR WILL THERE BE MORE?
- All substantial changes to the program were announced in April and will go into effect in August. If any new changes are made, as always, we’ll make sure to notify our members as soon as possible.
ELITE TIERS & BENEFITS
WHAT WILL MY ELITE STATUS BE IN AUGUST?
- In August, Marriott will introduce new Elite tiers providing members with the best benefits from the combined programs. Elite levels include Silver Elite (10 nights), Gold Elite (25 nights), Platinum Elite (50 nights), Platinum Premier Elite (75 nights) and Platinum Premier Elite with ambassador (100 nights and $20,000 in qualifying spend). Existing Elite members continue to be Elite and will simply be mapped to a new, but similar tier level (see below) in August. 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. Existing Elite members will receive the following status in August:
- SPG*:
- Corporate Preferred members and Preferred Guest Plus members receive Silver Elite status.
- Gold Preferred members receive Gold Elite status.
- Platinum Preferred members with 50 nights receive Platinum Elite status.
- Platinum Preferred members with 75 nights receive Platinum Premier Elite status.
- Platinum Preferred members with 100 nights receive Platinum Premier Elite status with ambassador.
- Existing SPG Preferred members with 10-24 nights receive Silver Elite status.
- MARRIOTT REWARDS/THE RITZ-CARLTON REWARDS:
- Silver Elite members with less than 25 nights receive Silver Elite Status.
- Silver Elite members with 25 – 49 nights receive Gold Elite Status.
- Gold Elite members receive Platinum Elite status.
- Platinum Elite members receive Platinum Premier Elite status.
- Platinum Elite members with 100 nights and $20k in qualifying spend receive Platinum Premier Elite with ambassador
- SPG*:
HOW WILL MY STAYS WITH REWARDS AND SPG BE COUNTED TOWARD MY ELITE STATUS STARTING IN AUGUST?
- In August, Marriott will notify you when you can combine your accounts. They’ll combine your Rewards and SPG Elite Night Credits from this year and count them toward a singular Elite status recognized equally across all hotels. Elite tiers will be achieved through qualifying nights. However, throughout 2018 they will continue to honor Elite achievement via stays at SPG hotels that occur in 2018. Learn more about Elite status qualification and benefits at our Member Benefits page.
AS AN ELITE MEMBER OF THE REWARDS OR SPG PROGRAM TODAY, HOW WILL MY ROOM-UPGRADE BENEFIT BE AFFECTED?
- In August, Gold Elite members will have the option to receive an Enhanced Room Upgrade (preferred view, higher floor, newly renovated). Platinum Elite and Platinum Premier Elite members will also have the option to receive an Enhanced Room Upgrade, including Select Suites. All upgrades are based on availability at check-in.
IS COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST AVAILABLE FOR PLATINUM ELITE MEMBERS?
- After 50 nights across the portfolio, members will achieve Platinum Elite status. As part of the Platinum Welcome Gift, members will have the option of choosing points, an amenity or a breakfast offering – options vary by brand, and The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Marriott Vacation Club, Gaylord Hotels and Design Hotels do not participate in the breakfast offering option. A breakfast offering is new for Courtyard, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels and resorts. Brands that are currently offering lounge access will continue to offer complimentary breakfast as part of the lounge offering.
WHAT IS A SUITE NIGHT AWARD™?
- 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, they’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. They’ll let you know either way if we’re able to confirm the upgrade or not. If it is not available, they’ll return the Suite Night Awards to your account.
WHAT IS AMBASSADOR SERVICE AND HOW WILL I KNOW IF I’VE REACHED THE $20,000 SPEND THRESHOLD TO QUALIFY?
- Members who achieve the criteria set for ambassador service (100 nights and US$20,000 in qualifying spend every calendar year) are matched with a personal ambassador. This ambassador serves as a single point of contact for all the member’s needs. The personal ambassador can help arrange anything—transportation, sightseeing, restaurant reservations, spa treatments—or help with membership questions. Marriott ambassadors will do their best to get to know their assigned members to understand what means the most to them when traveling, to anticipate their needs and to ensure Marriott hotels are prepared for their arrival. Beginning in August, once you’ve stayed 50 nights at Marriott hotels, your year-to-date spending will appear in your online account so you can easily track your progress toward an ambassador. Marriott will honor ambassador service for members that stay 100 nights at SPG hotels in 2018.
WHAT IS THE YOUR24™ BENEFIT?
- Your24 is a benefit for Platinum Premier Elite Members with 100 nights and $20,000 in qualifying spend. With Your24, you’ll have the flexibility of choosing your check-in. For example, check in at 9 p.m. and check out 9 p.m. on the day of departure. This service must be requested through your ambassador.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO LIFETIME STATUS?
- In August, there will be three Lifetime Elite tiers, each with its own nights and Elite tenure thresholds. Once you achieve a Lifetime Elite tier, you’ll never go below it, and your points will never expire. If you have previously achieved Lifetime Elite status in Rewards or SPG, Marriott will honor that Lifetime Elite status in the new program (see below). In addition, when you combine Rewards and SPG accounts they 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.Existing Lifetime Elite members will receive the following status in August:
- SPG:
- Lifetime Gold members receive Lifetime Gold Elite status.
- Lifetime Platinum members receive Lifetime Platinum Elite status.
- MARRIOTT REWARDS/THE RITZ-CARLTON REWARDS:
- Lifetime Silver Elite members receive Lifetime Silver Elite status.
- Lifetime Gold Elite members receive Lifetime Platinum Elite status.
- Lifetime Platinum Elite members are grandfathered into Lifetime Platinum Premier Elite status.
- SPG:
CO-BRANDED CREDIT CARDS & BENEFITS
I HAVE A MARRIOTT REWARDS, RITZ-CARLTON REWARDS OR SPG CREDIT CARD; WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
- You should continue to use your existing card to earn points and enjoy benefits at more than 6,500 hotels and resorts worldwide. If you’ve linked your loyalty accounts, you can transfer points today and redeem for free nights at your choice of 29 distinct brands. You will also continue to earn your existing card benefits until August (see the next FAQ), including Free Night Awards and Elite status if currently provided by your credit card.
COME AUGUST, HOW WILL MY EXISTING CREDIT CARD BENEFITS CHANGE?
- Some credit cards will have new, enhanced benefits that take effect between August and early 2019. Beginning in August, you’ll be able to earn and redeem points across all participating SPG and Rewards hotels with one loyalty account. If your credit card gives you Elite status, your status will be recognized across all Marriott hotels. If you have an SPG credit card, the rate at which you earn points will change. For more specific details on how your card benefits will change in August, click here. For more information on Elite status for the program, click here.
I HAVE A FREE NIGHT CERTIFICATE FROM A MARRIOTT REWARDS OR RITZ CARLTON REWARDS CREDIT CARD. CAN I USE IT AT AN SPG HOTEL (OR VICE VERSA) AFTER AUGUST?
- Members may book a redemption reservation with an existing Free Night Certificate under the current terms up until August 2018, even if the arrival date is after August 2018. 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. For example, you will be able to apply a Marriott Rewards Free Night Certificate to an SPG stay, or an SPG Free Night Award to a Marriott Rewards stay. Ritz-Carlton Rewards Free Night Certificates can also be applied to Marriott Rewards and SPG hotels.
CAN I STILL SIGN UP FOR A MARRIOTT REWARDS, RITZ-CARLTON REWARDS OR SPG CREDIT CARD?
- Absolutely. Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards and SPG will continue to offer credit cards. However, some credit card benefits are subject to change. You can sign up for whichever credit card is right for you. For more specific details on our credit card options, click here.
WILL YOU BE INTRODUCING ANY NEW CREDIT CARDS IN 2018?
- Yes, Marriott will be introducing exciting new credit cards later this year. SPG will be launching a new U.S. luxury credit card with American Express. Marriott Rewards will be releasing a new U.S. consumer card with Chase and Visa. For more specific details on the credit card options, click here.
ACCOUNT LINKING FOR STATUS MATCH & POINTS TRANSFER
CAN I STILL LINK MY REWARDS AND SPG ACCOUNTS TO GET STATUS MATCH AND TRANSFER POINTS, AND IS THERE A DEADLINE TO DO SO?
- Yes, you can still link your accounts, get status match and transfer points until August 2018. The sooner you do, 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. See more details regarding linking, status match and points transfer transfer for Marriott Rewards and SPG.
DOES LINKING MY ACCOUNTS COMBINE THEM INTO ONE ACCOUNT WITH ONE POINTS BALANCE AND ONE ELITE NIGHT CREDIT BALANCE?
- No. For now your accounts are still separate: one for Rewards, one for SPG. Linking creates a connection between them to allow for status matching and points transfer until August. Starting in August, Marriott will notify you when you can combine your SPG and Rewards accounts into a single account. The tiers and benefits offered will be the same and with one account and one points balance, you’ll no longer need to transfer points.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY MARRIOTT REWARDS, THE RITZ-CARLTON REWARDS OR SPG ACCOUNT AND RESERVATIONS?
- Please get in touch with Marriott; they’re here to help:
- Marriott Rewards: Call Member Support in the U.S. and Canada at 877-267-4370 (toll-free), or locate the nearest Member Support number from their worldwide list.
- The Ritz-Carlton Rewards: Call Member Support in the U.S. and Canada at 866-922-6882 (toll-free), or locate the nearest Member Support number from their worldwide list.
- SPG: Call Member Support in the U.S. and Canada at 888-625-4988 (toll-free), or locate the nearest Member Support number from their worldwide list.
https://www.vistana.com/news-faq?utm...text#faq201804
Apr 18, 2018, 1:45 pm
#597
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
So given a 3:1 conversion, this is a reduced Platinum amenity, which was previously 250 - 500 Starpoints (750 to 1500 at 3x)
Apr 18, 2018, 2:02 pm
#598
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
I've been using SPG Business AMEX for almost 10 years now, and never knew anything about earning credits for nights via CC spending. Was that only a Marriott thing? Just logged into SPG and don't see anywhere that seems to support nights given for CC spend.
And with the new merged program going forward, is CC spend something that earns us credit towards lifetime status?
And with the new merged program going forward, is CC spend something that earns us credit towards lifetime status?
This is a huge advantage as many people charge for over 100k or more a year.
Apr 18, 2018, 2:05 pm
#599
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
But there was less actual benefit to another tier. I have been SPG 50, 75, 100 depending on the year. I found no difference in upgrades between SPG 50 and 75 - the years I had an ambassador - it may no difference in rooms I booked myself - but if booked through the ambassadors I seemed to get slightly better upgrades especially when mentioning it was a family trip and a small kid was with us...
Now there seems to be a defined pecking order and with my 1000+ SPG nights I will be a lowly LTP - and that bothers me. It almost doesn't matter if I should or shouldn't feel like that; whether SPG promised me a higher level or not. I FEEL wronged by Marriott - and based on how I FEEL, I will make my choices. While I can see Marriott's rationale for their mapping - I childishly feel that Marriott isn't nice to me - and I do feel that they gained less than they will lose by that move. I don't feel entitled to LTPP - I am clearly not - but I do feel I would deserve it.
Will I never stay at a Marriwood hotel again? - of course I will. Odds are I would reach 75 nights most years anyhow - sometimes 100. But I have a couple of Marriott stays as a Platinum, and I was thoroughly underwhelmed. Hilton doesn't look any better, I used to be Hyatt Diamond once in a while and found that to be fairly close to my SPG experience. Point is, my sentiments very clearly make me look in detail at alternatives now - and one would think from a Marriwood perspective that's not a good thing. And I am more of a Westin-St-Regis guy, my nights are mostly not low revenue.
Now there seems to be a defined pecking order and with my 1000+ SPG nights I will be a lowly LTP - and that bothers me. It almost doesn't matter if I should or shouldn't feel like that; whether SPG promised me a higher level or not. I FEEL wronged by Marriott - and based on how I FEEL, I will make my choices. While I can see Marriott's rationale for their mapping - I childishly feel that Marriott isn't nice to me - and I do feel that they gained less than they will lose by that move. I don't feel entitled to LTPP - I am clearly not - but I do feel I would deserve it.
Will I never stay at a Marriwood hotel again? - of course I will. Odds are I would reach 75 nights most years anyhow - sometimes 100. But I have a couple of Marriott stays as a Platinum, and I was thoroughly underwhelmed. Hilton doesn't look any better, I used to be Hyatt Diamond once in a while and found that to be fairly close to my SPG experience. Point is, my sentiments very clearly make me look in detail at alternatives now - and one would think from a Marriwood perspective that's not a good thing. And I am more of a Westin-St-Regis guy, my nights are mostly not low revenue.
Apr 18, 2018, 2:23 pm
#600
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
So another way that Marriott could fix this:
Offer existing Starwood LTPs a way to reach LTPPE
Close the door to anyone who hasn’t reached LTP by August but don’t slam the door on Starwood’s top members.
Offer existing Starwood LTPs a way to reach LTPPE
Close the door to anyone who hasn’t reached LTP by August but don’t slam the door on Starwood’s top members.