Marriott recently merged its loyalty programs together into one new initiative titled Marriott Bonvoy.
In case you missed the lead-up to this, it started when Marriott Rewards was integrated with Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton Rewards in summer 2018. Speculation regarding a potential rebranding for the combination was rife, but it took some time for the curtain to be lifted.
Now that it has been, what changes have been made?
New Levels of Membership
Marriott Bonvoy brings two new elite membership levels to customers.
- Platinum Premier Elite has become Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite: this can be unlocked by staying at a Marriott hotel across 75 nights in total during your membership.
- Next, Platinum Premier Elite with Ambassador is now Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite. You can expect to reach this tier when your accumulated stays exceed 100 nights and your spending crosses the $20,000 threshold.
Both new names sound suitably sophisticated and connote luxury, just as one would expect of Marriott.
Marriott Relaunched Their App
Marriott has updated its smartphone app too, creating the Marriott Bonvoy app. The former Ritz-Carlton and Starwood Preferred Guest are no longer available, so you should have already switched to the updated Marriott app by now to continue your membership.
As mobile is a major channel for booking hotel rooms and vacations now, Marriott Bonvoy clearly understands the importance of keeping its app updated to a high standard.
Marriott Bonvoy enables members to make bookings and earn points by using Marriott’s 6,500 hotels around the world. Marriott’s website groups its brands into four categories: Luxury, Premium, Select and Longer Stays.
The selection includes the likes of Sheraton, Delta Hotels, Westin, Design Hotels, Towne Place Suites, Residence Inn and many more. It’s an impressive empire catering to the hospitality needs of millions worldwide.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Marriott Bonvoy program is that points are no longer just earned for the room payments, though — they’re available for ordering food and drinks to your room during your stay too.
For regular guests, Marriott’s new loyalty program has plenty to look forward to, though not much will change in the long run. Earning points is likely to be a little easier if you tend to order a lot of room service, at least.
Airline Partners and Earning Air Miles
Marriott does, of course, have airline partners as part of its loyalty program. You can pay with your accumulated points or a combination of points and cash, to suit your own preferences. Their airline partners include Delta, United, British Airways and other leading companies.
Gathering points through visits to Marriott hotels is a great way to access reduced or even free flights at a later date. Alternatively, if you don’t want to catch a flight (or can’t for any reason) you have the option to sell miles instead.
The Miles Market makes selling air miles quick and easy, accommodating plenty of different airlines. You’ll make real money on your hotel points — giving you a reward without limits.