Members can now enjoy benefits across the entire loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 130 countries and territories. (Photo Credit: AndreyPopov/GettyImages)For the first time since Marriott International acquired Starwood Hotels and Resorts in 2016, the brand's loyalty programmes - Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG) - will be unified as one. This means that Marriott International's more than 110 million members will now be able to enjoy benefits across the entire loyalty portfolio of 29 brands and more than 6,700 participating hotels in 130 countries and territories.
And the unified programmes are now richer, too. Members can earn on average 20% more points per dollar spent and have their Elite status recognised consistently at every hotel. Additionally, members are able to book stays throughout the portfolio on Marriott and SPG's websites, via the Marriott and SPG apps, or by contacting customer engagement centres.
"This is an exciting time for our loyalty members who now have endless inspiration to travel and experience the world to create memories that will last a lifetime," said David Flueck, senior vice president, global loyalty, Marriott International. "We merged the incredible earning and redeeming power of Marriott Rewards with the phenomenal Elite benefits of SPG to create one of the richest travel loyalty programmes with the most extraordinary global portfolio of hotels - from overwater bungalows, to mountainside ski resorts, to iconic urban landmarks."
Here is a brief look at what members can expect under the new unified programme:
Members Dine More Across Asia Pacific
The company is introducing a new F&B benefit that will allow members to enjoy up to 20% food and beverage savings and earn up to 10 points for every US$1 spent (minimum spend US$10*) at participating Marriott International properties in Asia Pacific.
Earn Points and Achieve Elite Status Faster
Under the unified programmes, members now earn Silver Elite status after just 10 nights annually, Gold Elite status after just 25 nights, Platinum Elite status after 50 nights and Platinum Premier Elite status after 75 nights.
Redeem for Free Nights Easier
The unified programmes introduce a new Free Night Award chart for redemptions across the entire loyalty portfolio. Nearly 70% of hotels now require the same or fewer points for a free stay than before.
More Travel Experiences
Members have access to the wide collection of nearly 120,000 experiences in 1,000 global destinations on the company's ever-expanding Moments platform.
* Minimum spend of US$10 is applicable only for non-stay guest