Official Announcement: SPG and Marriott Programs to Merge on August 18th
Jul 27, 2018, 7:37 am
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Okay, so I'm super confused. If I have a reservation for a Marriott property already with my "old" Marriott number, should I cancel and wait to rebook after I get my new number (will I get a new number when my SPG and Marriott accounts merge) or just leave it? I'm thinking I just leave it, but just want to make sure.
Jul 27, 2018, 12:09 pm
#62
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AA PLT Lifetime; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime; HHonors Gold
Posts: 72
How about Ambassador qualification?
A question for the Lurkers,
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
Jul 27, 2018, 12:12 pm
#63
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,393
A question for the Lurkers,
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
Also, how will the $20,000 eligible spend be defined? The year is more than half over and we need to know the T&Cs for this.
BTW, my understanding is that this year the requirement is as follows:
100+ SPG only stays
***OR***
100+ combined stays and $20,000 combined spend.
Starting next year, only the second option will be possible.
BTW, my understanding is that this year the requirement is as follows:
100+ SPG only stays
***OR***
100+ combined stays and $20,000 combined spend.
Starting next year, only the second option will be possible.
Jul 27, 2018, 12:40 pm
#64
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
A question for the Lurkers,
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
I have heard mixed answers to this one.
In order to qualify for Platinum Premier with Ambassador in 2018, is it enough to
a) stay 100 nights at any MR/SPG property
b) stay 100 nights at legacy SPG properties
c) or do you have to spend 20k this in addition to a)
I understand that starting in 2019, it will be 100nts+20K so my question is strictly for 2018 qualification.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Marriott International
[email protected]
Jul 27, 2018, 12:49 pm
#65
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YVR
Posts: 1,847
OMG...I am reading through all of these posts and it all just looks like a bloody nightmare! I am going to have to hunker down and take notes to figure out what my game plan is!
I feel badly for anyone that has a reservation on Sat. Aug. 18th...I have one on the 23rd, and at least I have a few business days to sort out any SNAFUS...
I feel badly for anyone that has a reservation on Sat. Aug. 18th...I have one on the 23rd, and at least I have a few business days to sort out any SNAFUS...
Jul 27, 2018, 2:35 pm
#66
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,807
In 20 days we will know what happen 
At least me or Lingua101 could write a report about check in during downtime
At least me or Lingua101 could write a report about check in during downtime
Jul 27, 2018, 7:47 pm
#67
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
Jul 27, 2018, 9:50 pm
#68
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, SPG Platinum
Posts: 26
I don't know whether this has been covered yet as there are so many posts about the merger. But....
After a phone call with the SPG Cork call centre, I was given some information that kind of surprised me. I was under the impression that on August the18th the SPG rules were no more, and we would all switch to the merged account with Marriott rules. However the agent clarified that this is not going to have to be the case.
She basically said that on the 18th of August, the new program will launch. On this date, SPG members and Marriott members will have the opportunity to merge their accounts together and become a new member in the new program. The thing that I didn't expect, was that she said you don't have to merge on this date. You can effectively keep your SPG account as is, and use it like that until the end of the year. This is the deadline when all accounts will have to merge to the new program. She also said that if I was not to merge my accounts until the end of the year, I could still play by the old SPG rules until then.
So keep earning Lifetime Nights. Keep earning up to 3 room credits / stays at the same hotel at the same time. Keep Platinum Status by achieving 25 Stays by end of year. Happy Days!
All the recent emails from SPG / Marriott don't make this clear at all. I hope the agent is correct, as she said she had just been on a training course regarding the changes.
If anyone has any information that differs from this, please let me know.
So happy with this news if true. It now makes it worth trying to make Platinum again with the 25 stay and multiple room credits rule before the compulsory change in 2019 and the meaner Marriott rules.
After a phone call with the SPG Cork call centre, I was given some information that kind of surprised me. I was under the impression that on August the18th the SPG rules were no more, and we would all switch to the merged account with Marriott rules. However the agent clarified that this is not going to have to be the case.
She basically said that on the 18th of August, the new program will launch. On this date, SPG members and Marriott members will have the opportunity to merge their accounts together and become a new member in the new program. The thing that I didn't expect, was that she said you don't have to merge on this date. You can effectively keep your SPG account as is, and use it like that until the end of the year. This is the deadline when all accounts will have to merge to the new program. She also said that if I was not to merge my accounts until the end of the year, I could still play by the old SPG rules until then.
So keep earning Lifetime Nights. Keep earning up to 3 room credits / stays at the same hotel at the same time. Keep Platinum Status by achieving 25 Stays by end of year. Happy Days!
All the recent emails from SPG / Marriott don't make this clear at all. I hope the agent is correct, as she said she had just been on a training course regarding the changes.
If anyone has any information that differs from this, please let me know.
So happy with this news if true. It now makes it worth trying to make Platinum again with the 25 stay and multiple room credits rule before the compulsory change in 2019 and the meaner Marriott rules.
Jul 27, 2018, 10:06 pm
#69
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
That post indicates that opportunity will cease once the loyalty programs are merged.
Jul 27, 2018, 10:35 pm
#70
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Silver, SPG Platinum
Posts: 26
If I do not merge my accounts on the 18th of August. I will just use my SPG account with the current SPG rules until the end of the year. Multiple room credits at the same hotel, 25 stays to Platinum etc.
From January 1st 2019, all accounts that have not done so, will have to be merged into the new program. From then on, the only option will be the new program (mostly Marriott) rules.
Jul 28, 2018, 2:37 am
#71
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,828
I am not sure what your concern is - not getting the points for the stay, or not getting the correct recognition when you check in, or not having a reservation at all ...
Christina gives good advice to keep all the documentation for the stay. No one is going to be able to give you a concrete guarantee that everything will transfer smoothly to your new account after 18 August, so keeping all the documentation is essential.
Christina gives good advice to keep all the documentation for the stay. No one is going to be able to give you a concrete guarantee that everything will transfer smoothly to your new account after 18 August, so keeping all the documentation is essential.
I am quite sure this "switch" definitely not a simple one. With hotel across the world with different time zones and most of them will cross 18-Aug earlier, as I am guessing the time is US EST, I just wonder what to expect.
I have book on 18-Aug on spg property and also 23 and 24 with some marriott booking in between.
So just cross my finger. ..
Oh OK, does this mean when I check in on 18-Aug, I will be presented with the new options of welcome gift? 1000 points instead of 500?
Jul 28, 2018, 4:30 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,519
Thanks controller1, I had a look at that post. I think the key wording is 'when the programs merge'. The agent I spoke to today said that I could merge my accounts to the new program from the 18th of August. As soon as I do that I will earn with the new (mostly current Marriott) program rules. So only one room will count towards stays and nights etc.
If I do not merge my accounts on the 18th of August. I will just use my SPG account with the current SPG rules until the end of the year. Multiple room credits at the same hotel, 25 stays to Platinum etc.
From January 1st 2019, all accounts that have not done so, will have to be merged into the new program. From then on, the only option will be the new program (mostly Marriott) rules.
Lurker has said that YMMV when it comes to multiple room credits, but policy is stay credit will be given for only 1 room when the programs merge, not when your account is merged.
As far as getting Plat status after 25 SPG stays, this was confirmed back in April.
Jul 28, 2018, 4:55 am
#73
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: NZ
Posts: 1,549
My concern or rather my question. What should we anticipate on the cut over date (18-Aug). When airlines did their system migration, it always came with a glitch.
I am quite sure this "switch" definitely not a simple one. With hotel across the world with different time zones and most of them will cross 18-Aug earlier, as I am guessing the time is US EST, I just wonder what to expect.
I have book on 18-Aug on spg property and also 23 and 24 with some marriott booking in between.
So just cross my finger. ..
Oh OK, does this mean when I check in on 18-Aug, I will be presented with the new options of welcome gift? 1000 points instead of 500?
I am quite sure this "switch" definitely not a simple one. With hotel across the world with different time zones and most of them will cross 18-Aug earlier, as I am guessing the time is US EST, I just wonder what to expect.
I have book on 18-Aug on spg property and also 23 and 24 with some marriott booking in between.
So just cross my finger. ..
Oh OK, does this mean when I check in on 18-Aug, I will be presented with the new options of welcome gift? 1000 points instead of 500?
Therefore it doesn't make any sense to merge your accounts while you have stays, ie on 18 August. If you do nothing then SPG benefits will apply and the points associated with that. Personally I would merge my accounts when I have no bookings.
Is my understanding correct?
Jul 28, 2018, 6:04 am
#74
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Based on my understanding you will be INVITED on 18 August to merge your accounts ... ie, it won't happen automatically. You have until the end of the year to merge your accounts and then it becomes mandatory.
Therefore it doesn't make any sense to merge your accounts while you have stays, ie on 18 August. If you do nothing then SPG benefits will apply and the points associated with that. Personally I would merge my accounts when I have no bookings.
Is my understanding correct?
Therefore it doesn't make any sense to merge your accounts while you have stays, ie on 18 August. If you do nothing then SPG benefits will apply and the points associated with that. Personally I would merge my accounts when I have no bookings.
Is my understanding correct?
The program rules are max nights credit is one room per night, but some individual hotels may still allow for more than one. That's how it presently works with Marriott where I sometimes get credit for more that one room on the same night despite the rule being one only gets credit for one night. And no, I am not trying to game the system, being way past the 750 nights needed for top tier LT status.
Jul 28, 2018, 6:45 am
#75
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Great Britain
Programs: Air: QR Silver. BA Silver Emirates, Hotels: CC Gold, IHG Spire AMB, Hilton Diamond.
Posts: 1,487
Is it still the 4th August to but Travel Packages before ???? because the Amex MR to SPG transfers have been blocked until the 8th August now so I can’t get a Travel Package because I need to move some Amex points into SPG in order to have enough Marriot Rewards points ��
Disaster ��
Should have made my mind up sooner.
Disaster ��
Should have made my mind up sooner.