Combined Marriott and SPG program

[dairyfloss]

There’s a bit of confusion out there about whether having Marriott gold which is matched from SPG gold will convert to platinum in the new program or not.

Agreed it is still to be confirmed, but if you are Marriott Gold Elite today, only by virtue of your SPG Gold Preferred status, then I would say these members would receive [new] Gold Elite status. They can't afford to have such a large proportion of their member base having access to lounges, free breakfast, upgrades, etc. as a result of SPG Gold Preferred, which is given out like candy.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[dajop]

(iii) After August 2018, even with my SPG Gold staying at SPG properties, my entitled late checkout will only be 2pm rather than the current 4pm.

I am not sure of the answer to this question, but do note if they switch to the new benefit from August, there will be no “entitlement” to any late checkout. You will instead get priority for consideration of 2pm checkout, subject to availability.

 

[potm]

Agreed it is still to be confirmed, but if you are Marriott Gold Elite today, only by virtue of your SPG Gold Preferred status, then I would say these members would receive [new] Gold Elite status. They can't afford to have such a large proportion of their member base having access to lounges, free breakfast, upgrades, etc. as a result of SPG Gold Preferred, which is given out like candy.

Cheers,
Matt.

That is why they are making the changes which I think are good but they might let it go for another 6 months so there’s not so much outcry.

 

[andye]

There’s a bit of confusion out there about whether having Marriott gold which is matched from SPG gold will convert to platinum in the new program or not.

Yes conflicting views but looks like thPlatinum

Agreed it is still to be confirmed, but if you are Marriott Gold Elite today, only by virtue of your SPG Gold Preferred status, then I would say these members would receive [new] Gold Elite status. They can't afford to have such a large proportion of their member base having access to lounges, free breakfast, upgrades, etc. as a result of SPG Gold Preferred, which is given out like candy.

Cheers,
Matt.

Headforpoints had a UK Marriott rep saying you'll keep matched SPG Gold to Marriott Platinum until end year but there are other 'official' reports out there

 

[dairyfloss]

Headforpoints had a UK Marriott rep saying you'll keep matched SPG Gold to Marriott Platinum until end year but there are other 'official' reports out there

That's fair enough, I agree - another 4 months from transition shouldn't hurt too much. It might even inspire a flurry of business and bookings as people rush to use up expiring perks, or to re-qualify for 2019. There is an additional cost, though, as making the SPG Golds Platinums in the new program opens up upgrades and access to lounges in the SPG brand family for those folks.

 

[dairyfloss]

And then I just read this, on AusBT, after posting the above... it would seem the Marriott APAC Sales & Marketing head is saying the same about SPG Gold to new MR Platinum, but the term for it is not stipulated.

Five things you need to know about Marriott’s new loyalty program

From the above linked article:

1. Your highest status today determines your status in the new scheme
Do you have both an SPG Gold card and a Marriott Rewards Gold card – even if that Marriott Gold status was really earned by linking your account to SPG Gold?

Under the new program, you’ll be matched to Platinum Elite, Marriott has confirmed, following initial confusion around Marriott Rewards Gold members being given Platinum Elite status in the new program, but SPG Gold members only getting Gold Elite status going forward, when under the current system, having SPG Gold gets your Marriott Gold when you link your accounts.

It’s a bit of a ‘status shortcut’, but as Peggy Fang Roe explains, “as long as you’re a Gold in Marriott, you’re going to become a Platinum Elite (in the new program): that’s the rule, so even if you were to link your (SPG and Marriott) accounts now, you would (get Platinum status in August).”

“It’s just to keep it fair. Our intent is to create more benefits for members, and we want them to be happy and excited about the program. If we need to give (them) more benefits in the short term, we’re happy to do that.”

If you’re an SPG Gold member and haven’t already linked your account to Marriott, do this today so that you get Marriott Rewards Gold status before the new program kicks in: that way, you’ll become Platinum Elite under the new scheme, instead of Gold Elite from your Starwood status alone.

 

[opusman]

I think the key words are "in the short term".

How long will they allow SPG Golds to stay Platinums in the new scheme? If it's only 4-5 months then what's the point.

 

[lilkid28]

I think the key words are "in the short term".

How long will they allow SPG Golds to stay Platinums in the new scheme? If it's only 4-5 months then what's the point.

To give these members a taste of platinum and get them hooked into the program and the concept of 'loyalty'. Well if you already have travel plans for these 4-5 months, why not just make full use of it? From 2019 onwards, one can always be loyal to their wallet.

 

[opusman]

Well if you already have travel plans for these 4-5 months, why not just make full use of it?

Because my $1200 Amex annual fee is due in June and I'm not sure it's worth it for 6 months.

 

[drron]

An interesting read about the changes from an owner's perspective.Behind a paywall usually.
HOTELSMag.com
So a few highlights-
From an ownership standpoint, major gripes with all hotel brand loyalty programs (not just Marriott) in recent years have included issues such as:

• How reimbursement for loyalty stays are calculated (or not calculated) as a function of brand-determined occupancy thresholds, and often at a flat, reimbursable rate if very high occupancy levels are not met – a practice inconsistent with optimizing bottom-line profits;
• High costs associated with brand promises to support loyalty member perks, as well as program costs overall;
• Disproportionate redemptions and cost for resorts;
• Limited control of redemptions (no blackout dates);
• Whether “loyalty” programs even drive “loyalty”; and,
• ADR erosion associated with lower rates offered through “Book Direct” campaigns; among many other issues.
  
  

It has been reported that hotel owners should see costs associated with paying for point redemptions at their properties lowered by roughly 20%.

Highlights of member-facing benefits recently announced by Marriott, many resembling SPG program elements, include:

• Seamless access to redeem points across 6,500 participating hotels on one platform;
• New point structure allowing members to accumulate points faster and achieve elite status sooner (on average, members will earn approximately 20% more points for their spend);
• Elevated benefits, such as Breakfast for Platinum and Platinum Premier extended across 23 brands (Courtyard, Moxy, among others), and in certain instances, F&B credits;
• Peak- and off-peak redemption rates;
• Moments program will be expanded, adding more than 110,000 experiences;
• Lower point thresholds to obtain Elite status;
• No blackout dates or capacity controls;
• One-time conversion of existing SPG Starpoints member balances at a rate of 3 points for every 1, as they roll into the new program; and,
• Other changes and benefits now outlined on the member section of the Marriott website.
  
  

While several of the above-mentioned member benefits signal potential cost implications for owners, such as breakfast, cost of perks associated with status, among others, Marriott has assured owners that these changes will not impact anticipated net annualized property cost savings related to the program.

As with all brand initiatives, we remain cautiously optimistic, and suggest owners collaborate with their property teams to anticipate and track the impact, while also encouraging them to identify top-line revenue opportunities that may be harnessed through this soon to be combined, massive program of 110 million members.

Peter Cole, managing director, business integration, at Marriott International addressed hotel asset managers at the recent Hospitality Asset Managers Association spring meeting, sharing that the overlap of members between the Marriott Rewards and SPG programs was only 11% (of 110 million members). This was both surprising and encouraging, suggesting an incremental base of business that has yet to be fully tapped on both the transient (leisure and corporate) and on the group side. Strategies for leveraging the rewards system is another key area in which owners should be focused with their property teams, as untapped potential is explored.

 

[dairyfloss]

Got this today in an email update from AusBT:
Marriott downgrades elite status for SPG Gold members

 

[cove]

Have just signed up for a 3 nights for $499 deal at Marriott Marquis as a returning customer thru Marriott Vacation Club. Have to endure a 90 minute presentation which I can do.
You have to have stayed at a Marriott to qualify and this will save quite a chunk for our next New York stay.

 

[get me outta here]

@cove, it is a one to one sales pitch and they are quite assertive.

Have just signed up for a 3 nights for $499 deal at Marriott Marquis as a returning customer thru Marriott Vacation Club. Have to endure a 90 minute presentation which I can do.
You have to have stayed at a Marriott to qualify and this will save quite a chunk for our next New York stay.

 

[cove]

Yes I enjoyed the Newport Coast one in California but I didn’t buy a timeshare so I grabbed the saving.
Yes it is lovely high pressure sales tactics.....I have an invisible suit of armour just for this.
We do manage a sales force and no we don’t do this in our business.
I gave them a US phone number so we won’t get called at home.

 

[get me outta here]

I wonder what the reason is that you give when you give a flat no thank you.?

Yes I enjoyed the Newport Coast one in California but I didn’t buy a timeshare so I grabbed the saving.
Yes it is lovely high pressure sales tactics.....I have an invisible suit of armour just for this.
We do manage a sales force and no we don’t do this in our business.

 

[cove]

Newport Coast in California was crazy busy.
Too hot,too cold, too busy, too quiet, too far away.....so many choices......

 

[cove]

Then oh we have a restaurant booking....see ya later!

 

[get me outta here]

They will of course tell you it is an international program, and you can bequeath it to the kids blah blah.

Newport Coast in California was crazy busy.
Too hot,too cold, too busy, too quiet, too far away.....so many choices......

 

[cove]

Yes so many overpriced choices. I haven’t looked at timeshares for about 15 years. We bought places that suited our family. Our kids are using them more now. Tonight one in Melbourne and one in Los Angeles. They have mastered frequent flyer points and miles.
New York weather means a few days and I have it out of my system.

 

[get me outta here]

I was in NYC just before you this year, in May. Most of the time the weather was just fine, but the rain is a nuisance as I like to walk as far as possible. It’s surprising how much ground you can cover walking. Anyhow, we are sort off on topic with this.

Yes so many overpriced choices. I haven’t looked at timeshares for about 15 years. We bought places that suited our family. Our kids are using them more now. Tonight one in Melbourne and one in Los Angeles. They have mastered frequent flyer points and miles.
New York weather means a few days and I have it out of my system.