Marriott announces rewards plans [Linking MR / Starwood Preferred Guest Accounts]

[pafort]

Marriott vs SPG

until 2018 the programs run in parallel. I have already connected the two accounts.
LT are Gold with SPG, they are LT Gold with Marriott, and Marriott Platinum Premier currently up to 2.18.
For me, nothing has changed: the gold SPG benefits were very similar to Platinum SPG benefits (not the same thing for Marriott instead where you have real privileges only if you are platinum).
I think the elite marriott members have earned more than customers GSP, although the latter have had the opportunity to be LT easier.
I proceeded to do on Marriott points converting SPG points with a 1 = 3 (= 2000SPG 6000MR)
Obviously the SPG redemption nights are much more expensive, but especially now that are also platinum with SPG I starpoint 3 for every dollar, while Marriott 10 MR per dollar, then the ratio would be 1: 3.3.
10% less.
At this point, the only thing that can make Marriott to ensure the exclusivity of some benefits, which are now also available to SPG platinum, and to create an even more exclusive level (such as 1500 nights, 4 million points) providing, for this small exclusive club a mandatory upgrade to the suite (as already provided for GSP, access to longecon chance to have lunch and dinner do not eat snacks. Offering free parking, unlimited use minibar.
For example, I, as a platinum premier, I have no sole benefit, as are all the usual platinum.


From flyertalk

Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest could merge together by 2018 at the earliest.

After months of speculation, frequent travelers now know the fate of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest programs as the merge between the two hotel giants completes. In an interview with Travel + Leisure, executives for Marriott announced the two programs would remain separate for at least the next two years.

“Obviously there’s a lot of work to do as it relates to combining the loyalty programs,” Stephanie Linnartz, executive vice president and global chief commercial officer, said in an interview with the travel magazine. “But the great thing for consumers is that right out of the gate, they will be able to link their accounts and match their status from day one.”

While the two programs are remaining separate, the deal between Marriott and Starwood allows for travelers to link accounts and match status between the two programs. Effective today, travelers who belong to Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest can login to members.marriott.com to match their accounts, match status across accounts and transfer points. The points will transfer at a rate of three Marriott Rewards points to one Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoint.

With the programs merging at the earliest in 2018, many facets of the programs will remain the same for customers today. The combined hotel company will continue to partner with both American Express and Chase for credit cards, while travelers will not have to take any extra steps to ensure their points remain in their accounts.

“Marriott’s and Starwood’s guests have shown tremendous loyalty to our brands,” Linnartz told Travel + Leisure. “And now that we are one company, we are seizing the opportunity to reinforce our loyalty to them.”

 

[pafort]

Now let's hope Marriott doesn't change requirements for lifetime status. I am getting close to LT Gold.

but I hope the opposite:
in the merger must always keep in mind the number of total nights.
For example, I've had for five years the GOLD level of SPG (because with amex platinum in Italy the agreement with SPG was that, with HH gold was only the first year, with ClubCarlson Gold level only the first year ...) and for this reason I obtained in 2011 the LTGold SPG, while only 16 nights having stayed.
With Marriott instead are 4 years that I have the platinum level, of which the last two platinum premier, 555 nights, and from January LT Gold (having 1,800,000 points).
Now with the merger that will materialize in 2018 I should have 555 + 16 Total nights, and I do not know how many points I have accumulated with GSP (which should be added after appropriate conversion) and then establish new criteria for lifetime.
Otherwise there will be those who will have gained and who has lost. And this is not the spirit of a merger

 

[rthib]

The only thing to be aware is that Marriott has stated that they have not determined how they will handle lifetime status.
As of now, your current status will link to SPG, but does not equal lifetime status.

The FAQ states they are exploring ways to reward those members and will have more information in 2018.

"If I have Lifetime Status in one of the programs, will I also get it in the other program when I link my accounts?
We appreciate your loyalty! Lifetime Status is specific to the program that you earned it in. While linking accounts will not result in Lifetime Status in the other program, your Elite status will be matched to the same Elite tier in the other program. Any existing Lifetime Status you already hold within either program will still be enjoyed within that program. We’re working on more ways to recognize your loyalty and Lifetime Status as we work towards harmonizing the programs, which we don’t anticipate happening until 2018.

 

[mav]

WOW!! St Regis here I come!

 

[mdurette]

I'm linked! Now to find out if I can use a Marriott 1-5 cert at SPG yet or if that will have to wait.

 

[Mr. Vker]

Doing some additional research now that I'm SPG Premier Plat. SPG has multiple tiers within plat based on nights stayed. (benefits increase within Plat as your nights increase). This was not recognized for MR members linking to SPG. I have enough nights for "top tier" Plat. SPG members linking to MR get all Plat benefits. I am happy to have more flexibility but, MR has not provided for its top level members IMHO.

Similar to the United relationship. United Silver got MR Gold. We got United Silver...

 

[m61376]

I'm linked! Now to find out if I can use a Marriott 1-5 cert at SPG yet or if that will have to wait.

Please post back here when you find out- that's an interesting question!

 

[dioxide45]

I'm linked! Now to find out if I can use a Marriott 1-5 cert at SPG yet or if that will have to wait.

I don't think you can. You have to transfer the points between the programs and then make the appropriate booking using the points. The SPG categories don't necessarily line up the same as MR.

 

[Mr. Vker]

I don't think you can. You have to transfer the points between the programs and then make the appropriate booking using the points. The SPG categories don't necessarily line up the same as MR.

Correct. I don't think certs of any kind will work. The categories of not translate.

 

[m61376]

Not integrating the use of certificates would really limit program integration, since the real value is combining certificates with mileage in MR travel packages.

 

[dioxide45]

Not integrating the use of certificates would really limit program integration, since the real value is combining certificates with mileage in MR travel packages.

They will all get integrated at some point when they harmonize the programs in to a single reward program. I just don't see them allowing certificate bookings between the two programs before then. Perhaps they can somehow map the categories and allow this, I think though that it brings other challenges with regard to how the reservation systems work.

 

[Beaglemom3]

Merged my accounts today. EZ-PZ.

Had a great representative, Courtney, who guided me through the process. My SPG account had been inactive for a few years having sold my WSJ a while back plus, I had a name change, but she helped to make all right.

I see so many more choices with European hotels. In particular, my favorite places, London, Paris, Ireland and soon, Austria. Looking forward to figuring out "the more bang for my buck (points)" strategy.

Oh, Courtney mentioned that they, SPG, are in Cuba, too, but I did not go into that with her as I will go with a group when I do go, but it's good to know.

Happy trails.


-

 

[fleming4]

So, if I get one Starpoint for each dollar charged to the SPG AmEx card, and if I can get 3 MRPs for each Starpoint, it would appear that using the SPG AmEx card for usual daily expenses (groceries, bills, etc.) would yield 3 Marriott Reward Points per dollar. Is that correct, or am I missing something?

 

[mdurette]

Correct. I don't think certs of any kind will work. The categories of not translate.

Went researching, correct - no cert or travel packages yet. Just points transfers between accounts.

 

[jeepie]

So, if I get one Starpoint for each dollar charged to the SPG AmEx card, and if I can get 3 MRPs for each Starpoint, it would appear that using the SPG AmEx card for usual daily expenses (groceries, bills, etc.) would yield 3 Marriott Reward Points per dollar. Is that correct, or am I missing something?

Correct! You will just need to move the Starpoints to your MR account.

 

[pacheco18]

I read an interview on The Points Guy where the Marriott rep "seemed to say -- trying to get clarification" that points you receive for exchanging your timeshare (eg electing not to use in a given year and taking points instead) may NOT be traded for Starwood points -- at least this is how I interpret it:

This is a quote from Thom Kozik from Marriott:

TK: One smaller wrinkle with folks who are timeshare owners in both programs is the points that you were granted for your ownership of a timeshare can’t be transferred into the respective program. Any of the points earned for your stays and on the credit card are absolutely transferable, but the points that were granted for you as an accelerator on purchase are restricted to within your home program.


Can anyone confirm

 

[dioxide45]

I read an interview on The Points Guy where the Marriott rep "seemed to say -- trying to get clarification" that points you receive for exchanging your timeshare (eg electing not to use in a given year and taking points instead) may NOT be traded for Starwood points -- at least this is how I interpret it:

This is a quote from Thom Kozik from Marriott:

TK: One smaller wrinkle with folks who are timeshare owners in both programs is the points that you were granted for your ownership of a timeshare can’t be transferred into the respective program. Any of the points earned for your stays and on the credit card are absolutely transferable, but the points that were granted for you as an accelerator on purchase are restricted to within your home program.


Can anyone confirm

If they use the same method to track this as they use to track not being able to use MR points from weeks conversion to book back in to a MVC property, then there should be no issue. MR had no mechanism to track the source of the points to prevent people using them for MVC stays.

 

[pacheco18]

If they use the same method to track this as they use to track not being able to use MR points from weeks conversion to book back in to a MVC property, then there should be no issue. MR had no mechanism to track the source of the points to prevent people using them for MVC stays.

That is what I was thinking. How do they know which points I earned through paid hotel stays or credit card charges or which ones were part or an exchange for points -- and then how do they determine which ones I spend after that?

 

[SueDonJ]

I read an interview on The Points Guy where the Marriott rep "seemed to say -- trying to get clarification" that points you receive for exchanging your timeshare (eg electing not to use in a given year and taking points instead) may NOT be traded for Starwood points -- at least this is how I interpret it:

This is a quote from Thom Kozik from Marriott:

TK: One smaller wrinkle with folks who are timeshare owners in both programs is the points that you were granted for your ownership of a timeshare can’t be transferred into the respective program. Any of the points earned for your stays and on the credit card are absolutely transferable, but the points that were granted for you as an accelerator on purchase are restricted to within your home program.


Can anyone confirm

If they use the same method to track this as they use to track not being able to use MR points from weeks conversion to book back in to a MVC property, then there should be no issue. MR had no mechanism to track the source of the points to prevent people using them for MVC stays.

If you see my post #18, I'm more concerned that the combined Brands don't include Vistana timeshares. Am I missing something or can we not use MRP for VSE timeshares?

 

[dioxide45]

If you see my post #18, I'm more concerned that the combined Brands don't include Vistana timeshares. Am I missing something or can we not use MRP for VSE timeshares?

You can't use MRP for VSE timeshares or vice versa, but you can still use SPG points for VSE timeshares or MR points for MVC. The question is, is there actually a system in place where MR or SPG knows the source of the points to prevent them from being transferred? It would seem as long as you can get them transferred to the respective program, then you could use them for any type of reservation allowed within that rewards program.

It was always told to us that you can't use MR points from converting your week to points for use at MVC properties. However, that restriction was meaningless since MR didn't have a way to determine the source of the points. So there was really no limitation. Have they fixed that?

To answer your question, based on the FAQ below, you can't use MRP for a VSE timeshare. However, that is just what the rules say. In practice it may be different.

Can I transfer points I earned through an interest in Vistana™ Signature Experiences or Marriott Vacation Club®?
Points earned through an interest in Vistana Signature Experiences or Marriott Vacation Club may not be transferred between SPG and Rewards.

 

[pacheco18]

You can't use MRP for VSE timeshares or vice versa, but you can still use SPG points for VSE timeshares or MR points for MVC. The question is, is there actually a system in place where MR or SPG knows the source of the points to prevent them from being transferred? It would seem as long as you can get them transferred to the respective program, then you could use them for any type of reservation allowed within that rewards program.

It was always told to us that you can't use MR points from converting your week to points for use at MVC properties. However, that restriction was meaningless since MR didn't have a way to determine the source of the points. So there was really no limitation. Have they fixed that?

To answer your question, based on the FAQ below, you can't use MRP for a VSE timeshare. However, that is just what the rules say. In practice it may be different.

I hope the first person who tries this will let us know whether or not the transfer went through. i have a ton of points from trading my TS for points each year. I hope I can exchange some of them for SPG points

 

[dioxide45]

I hope the first person who tries this will let us know whether or not the transfer went through. i have a ton of points from trading my TS for points each year. I hope I can exchange some of them for SPG points

Perhaps you can be that first person.

 

[SueDonJ]

You can't use MRP for VSE timeshares or vice versa, but you can still use SPG points for VSE timeshares or MR points for MVC. The question is, is there actually a system in place where MR or SPG knows the source of the points to prevent them from being transferred? It would seem as long as you can get them transferred to the respective program, then you could use them for any type of reservation allowed within that rewards program.

It was always told to us that you can't use MR points from converting your week to points for use at MVC properties. However, that restriction was meaningless since MR didn't have a way to determine the source of the points. So there was really no limitation. Have they fixed that?

To answer your question, based on the FAQ below, you can't use MRP for a VSE timeshare. However, that is just what the rules say. In practice it may be different.

I don't think I'm phrasing this correctly.

For now and until MR and SPG are fully integrated, then I expect that MR Points when converted to SPG Points will be usable for VSE timeshare stays. (At least, any MRP not earned by exchanging MVW timeshares - although the system may allow that as it always has.)

No, what I'm trying to figure out is the ramifications now and down the road of the VSE timeshares not being included at all in the combined Brands listing - click the "Compare Brands" box at this link. Unless I'm missing something I'm assuming this means that MI has not affiliated with VSE at all, so am wondering what people think this might mean down the road if they never do? I understand that of course VSE isn't included in the MI/Starwood takeover - but I've been thinking all along that the affiliation between SPG and VSE would be represented in some way, and would extend to MR when MR and SPG are fully integrated.

I guess I just never considered that VSE would be left out completely when MI finishes completely integrating Starwood, if that's what will be happening?

 

[pacheco18]

Perhaps you can be that first person.

Maybe
Truthfully I love the value in the packages so I can get the miles. We love flying business class for free. I care much less about hotel stays.

 

[dioxide45]

I don't think I'm phrasing this correctly.

For now and until MR and SPG are fully integrated, then I expect that MR Points when converted to SPG Points will be usable for VSE timeshare stays. (At least, any MRP not earned by exchanging MVW timeshares - although the system may allow that as it always has.)

No, what I'm trying to figure out is the ramifications now and down the road of the VSE timeshares not being included at all in the combined Brands listing - click the "Compare Brands" box at this link. Unless I'm missing something I'm assuming this means that MI has not affiliated with VSE at all, so am wondering what people think this might mean down the road if they never do?

I guess I just never considered that VSE would be left out completely when MI finishes completely integrating Starwood, if that's what will be happening?

I think is is just how Marriott and Starwood refer differently to their brands. With Marriott, they have the Marriott Vacation Club brand. Within the old Starwood, VSE operated under the Westin and Sheraton brands. Marriott calls MVC them out separately as a separate brand where Starwood did not. I expect them to be included as long as the VSE timeshares have the Westin or Sheraton label on them. The one issue is, with VSE, is how do they handle the few properties that they have that don't carry the Sheraton or Westin labels?