Marriott Rewards and SPG Program Changes Announced 4/16/18 [Threads merged.]

[magicjourney]

[Moderator Note - Related thread in the Vistana forum: SPG Marriott Unification]

[Note changes announced 4/16/18; see Post #62 and after.]

Saw on Flyertalk. The Marriott and SPG program will be combined in August, and there will be five status tiers:
Silver status at 10 nights
Gold status at 25 nights
Platinum status at 50 nights
Platinum Premier status at 75 nights
Ambassador program at 100 nights and $20,000 in spending

Platinum status given to Executive and Chairman members is downgrading to a Mid-level, which doesn't get lounge access, breakfast and suite upgrade suggested by some flyertalk insiders. I sincerely hope MVC can work out a deal with Marriott hotel to secure us a Platinum Premier status. Fingers crossed!

 

[VacationForever]

I don't visit FlyerTalk, did someone get it in writing or is it just rumours? I sure have not gotten the memo ftom Starwood or Marriott.

Select and Executive levels get MR Gold. Presidential and Chairman levels get Platinum.

I find it hard to believe the new mid-tier does not get lounge access since currently Gold gets it. Suite upgrades are never guaranteed. The higher the status the better the chance.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Something would have to change unless they just add more benefits to the new top 2 levels. Perhaps that is their theory.

 

[Wally3433]

Official Announcement coming next week from MR. SPG

https://loyaltylobby.com/2018/04/09...carlton-rewards-merged-in-august-info-leaked/

 

[magicjourney]

I don't visit FlyerTalk, did someone get it in writing or is it just rumours? I sure have not gotten the memo ftom Starwood or Marriott.

Select and Executive levels get MR Gold. Presidential and Chairman levels get Platinum.

I find it hard to believe the new mid-tier does not get lounge access since currently Gold gets it. Suite upgrades are never guaranteed. The higher the status the better the chance.

Just rumor, but based on my experience, leaked information on flyertalk is normally credible. The problem is currently Plat is the highest published level at Marriott (Plat Premier is unpublished), but soon to be mid-tier if the rumor comes true. That's definitely a downgrade. Here are a post by another flyertalk member:
FWIW speculation on changes to MR as we currently know it, based on discussion with someone in the know at MR but not privy to final decisions:

• Names of status levels above Platinum have not been confirmed. MR wants to differentiate status levels above platinum to ensure proper recognition and avoid confusion among front line staff. Working names are Platinum 50, Platinum 75 and Platinum 100
• Instant recognition of status at all levels upon check-in, with arrival points, free HSI, food & beverage vouchers, and choice of other benefits depending on status level
• Spend requirement for all levels above silver. If spending level not reached, but nights are, status is at appropriate level based on spend.
• Gold and platinum 50 upgrades limited to preferred level, concierge floor, higher floors, corner rooms, or view rooms at resorts. (No suites!)
• Guaranteed suite awards (4) per year for platinum 75 and above
• Guaranteed lounge access only for levels platinum 75 and above
• Free breakfast at resorts for platinum 75 and above
• Guaranteed late check-out, 2:00pm for Gold, 3:00pm for Platinum 50, 4:00pm for Platinum 75, Plat 100; resort and conference hotels subject to availability.
• Platinum guarantees: 48 room guarantee remains, others guarantees are gone (platinum arrival gift, bed type, room type, lounge access, ultimate reservation guarantee)
• Lifetime status changes coming. If status level not obtained, lifetime status identified in system. New Lifetime Level above Platinum will be added in 2019! Benefits reduced to upgrade to preferred floor for LTG; upgrade, late check-out for LTP
• Big changes coming to awards! Dynamic award pricing, points required for award night based on hotel room rates at time of booking. No black-out dates, no categories!

 

[sea&ski]

We are platinum "elite". How does this figure in to the mix?

 

[VacationForever]

I did wander over to FlyerTalk to look at the thread...

Platinum "Elite" will be called Platinum (50) but benefits will be bumped down.... Time will tell.

Flyertalk thread here:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mar...d-new-combined-marriott-spg-status-tiers.html

For us, we bought into MVC in Sept 2017 just to get us to Presidential/MR Platinum status. We would be so pissed if our benefits get reduced.

 

[sea&ski]

Argh, - thanks for the info. I guess.

 

[TravelTime]

I have learned so much on Tug while lurking and now posting. This sounds disappointing. I thought Gold and Executive level meant something. Marriott keeps making it harder to get benefits.

 

[AlmostRetired]

• Big changes coming to awards! Dynamic award pricing, points required for award night based on hotel room rates at time of booking. No black-out dates, no categories!

Marriott status aside, The travel packages are the only real value of MR. If the above is true, can't wait to see how this gets implemented.

The other area of interest is how they handle lifetime status which is a recognition of loyality over time. Lifetime platinum benefits are a couple of years away and if the bar is moved too far away, night and points no longer matter it could change what hotels I stay at. Right now I look at which Marriott's offer the best value. It will move to which hotel offers the best value.

While I am complaining, next week I needed a room in SF. Conference going on so 90 percent of the rooms are booked. No problem, I will use the room guarantee platinum benefits. The rate was between 500 to 700 per night at every Marriott. Was not going to conference so no thank you.

If this change happens I won't be happy but I will adjust and move on.

 

[mav]

Marriott status aside, The travel packages are the only real value of MR. If the above is true, can't wait to see how this gets implemented.

The other area of interest is how they handle lifetime status which is a recognition of loyality over time. Lifetime platinum benefits are a couple of years away and if the bar is moved too far away, night and points no longer matter it could change what hotels I stay at. Right now I look at which Marriott's offer the best value. It will move to which hotel offers the best value.

While I am complaining, next week I needed a room in SF. Conference going on so 90 percent of the rooms are booked. No problem, I will use the room guarantee platinum benefits. The rate was between 500 to 700 per night at every Marriott. Was not going to conference so no thank you.

If this change happens I won't be happy but I will adjust and move on.

I did see this yesterday, but I saw it on Loyalty Lobby. Not sure how all this will play out. Just glad I am Lifetime Platinum, but I can't help but wonder if it means as much now.

 

[BocaBoy]

Marriott status aside, The travel packages are the only real value of MR.

You have got to be kidding!

 

[AlmostRetired]

You have got to be kidding!

Not sure what you are referring to so to clarify what I meant... I get 130K MR for my week and I haven't exchanged it for points since 2003. It is not worth it. if there is any value to be found with MRP's anymore, your best shot is with travel packages. If you think there is no value with travel packages or you believe there is great value outside of travel packages .... You have got to be kidding!

 

[VacationForever]

I almost always convert all of my Marriott and Vistana every other year. I find good value in travel package redemption and have done at least 6 packages to date. I am planning on getting another travel package this week just in case the hammer comes down on Monday.

 

[IuLiKa]

I have learned so much on Tug while lurking and now posting. This sounds disappointing. I thought Gold and Executive level meant something. Marriott keeps making it harder to get benefits.

It will change again not to our benefit. I owned my timeshare for 13 years but many of you for many more years and you have seen many more changes. This is ridiculous in the end our loyalty to marriott it doesn’t really matter.. they would care less.. its all about them making money and the bottom line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rthib]

It will change again not to our benefit. I owned my timeshare for 13 years but many of you for many more years and you have seen many more changes. This is ridiculous in the end our loyalty to marriott it doesn’t really matter.. they would care less.. its all about them making money and the bottom line.

Don't forget that Marriott Hotel and Marriott Vacation Club are two different companies.
With the merger there was a problem with two different loyalty programs with two different status.
The changes are good for frequent travelers who are the target of the loyalty program.
The lower requirement for top-tier status is nice since we lost rollover night will make it easier to keep status. Was worried I might miss PP.

Wonder if they will allow for lifetime for upper levels?

 

[VacationForever]

Don't forget that Marriott Hotel and Marriott Vacation Club are two different companies.
With the merger there was a problem with two different loyalty programs with two different status.
The changes are good for frequent travelers who are the target of the loyalty program.
The lower requirement for top-tier status is nice since we lost rollover night will make it easier to keep status. Was worried I might miss PP.

Wonder if they will allow for lifetime for upper levels?

The rumor is not so much that it will be lower requirement for top-tier status, but rather new tiers and requirements are added, which means that the same status will get less in the new structure.

 

[bogey21]

The rumor is not so much that it will be lower requirement for top-tier status, but rather new tiers and requirements are added, which means that the same status will get less in the new structure.

Learn to live with it. The bean counters at almost all airlines, hospitality companies, etc. are relentless in devaluing their Programs. When I look back at what Marriott gave me when I bought my first Marriott Week, Sabal Palms pre-construction, about 25 years ago and compare it to today it is unrecognizable.

George

 

[hangloose]

Hoping for the best, but sounds like disappointment for those Marriott Elite members, especially Platinum. Just goes to show...that the program rules can change at any point....for positive or negative. I remember when the top Marriott Hotel category was 5. Now we've have category 9 for a few years, with a large majority of hotels increasing in category daily.

 

[AlmostRetired]

I am going to guess that anyone who has achieved lifetime gold or platinum will have to their benefits preserved.

 

[rthib]

The rumor is not so much that it will be lower requirement for top-tier status, but rather new tiers and requirements are added, which means that the same status will get less in the new structure.

Platinum was 75 now 50
PP was 150ish now 100 gets you top tier

So anyone who qualified for Marriott Platinum will now be PP or Platinum 75 or whatever they call
And now 50 fewer nights for top no longer secret level.

For me it's a big improvement and also thins the upper levels out so better chance at good upgrade.

From FF side that is one of the biggest complaints. That when you check in they explain that there are 50+ platinum staying that night.
And lounges at some hotels were crazy crowded.

But for those who got lifetime status and thought it would worth something, I can see the disappointment.

 

[rthib]

Can confirm that at least parts of this must be true.
Looking at the marriott app under my account it now says "Renew Platinum Premier Elite at 75 nights"
Other are reporting seeing similar messages for other tiers.

 

[VacationForever]

Can confirm that at least parts of this must be true.
Looking at the marriott app under my account it now says "Renew Platinum Premier Elite at 75 nights"
Other are reporting seeing similar messages for other tiers.

Mine says "Renew Platinum Elite at 75 nights"

 

[TravelTime]

I almost always convert all of my Marriott and Vistana every other year. I find good value in travel package redemption and have done at least 6 packages to date. I am planning on getting another travel package this week just in case the hammer comes down on Monday.

How do travel packages work?

 

[BocaBoy]

Not sure what you are referring to so to clarify what I meant... I get 130K MR for my week and I haven't exchanged it for points since 2003. It is not worth it. if there is any value to be found with MRP's anymore, your best shot is with travel packages. If you think there is no value with travel packages or you believe there is great value outside of travel packages .... You have got to be kidding!

I believe there is still a lot of value outside of travel packages (including but not limited to upgrades, late checkout, significant bonus points for elites, lounge access, free breakfast for elites, frequent Megabonus promotions, etc.). Your comments emphasize the number of MR points you get for converting a timeshare week. I agree that this has little value anymore, but MR is a hotel loyalty program so the timeshare conversion is just one minor aspect of it. I agree that the travel packages still have great value and I have never suggested otherwise. I would also ask you: if MR has no value outside of travel packages, why do so many TUGGERs put forth such effort to maintain elite status and achieve lifetime platinum?