Marriott & SPG New Hotel Loyalty Program
/3 Things You Need to Know
What Will Happen to My SPG & Marriott Rewards Points?
The new rewards program (which does not have a name yet) will combine Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and SPG into a single program. SPG members will have to merge accounts with Marriott in August and will receive 1:3 new points. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton members don’t need to do anything.
What is the New Program Earn Rate?
Ten points per dollar spent at all brands except certain brands (Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Element) where you will earn 5 points. Elite members will earn bonus points that could go as high as 75%.
The Canadian Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express will earn 3 new points per dollar spent for everyday purchases. There will possibly be some changes coming to this card to reflect the new program.
How Many Points Do I Need for a Free Night?
Currently 3,000 SPG points or 7,500 Marriott points are required to get a Category 1 free night. The new points requirement to get a free night will be 7,500 (Cat 1) and 85,000 (Cat 8).
Starting in 2019, there will be a free night award chart and points required for a free night will be based on various factors such as peak time, standard and off-peak time, etc. Off-Peak is expected to cost about 20% less in points while the peak season is expected to cost 20% more for a free night.
