The merger of hotel industry giants Marriott and Starwood closed in September 2016 and the integration of brands began. As of August 20, 2018, the loyalty programs Marriott Rewards^®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards^® and Starwood Preferred Guest^® (SPG) have become one powerful program, providing members more benefits and a better experience. The combined portfolio includes over 6,700 hotels across 29 unique brands in 130 countries.

The combined loyalty program is yet unnamed and will remain so until 2019. Members will continue to earn points under the individual program names, although the program is now consolidated into a single comprehensive platform. SPG members will receive a new membership number to align with the combined program.

Points Currency of the Combined Loyalty Program

All points will be converted into Marriott Rewards Points with the conversion between the programs upholding the value of existing SPG points. The exchange rate is one SPG Starpoint for every three Marriott Rewards Points.
Going forward, members will earn 10 points per dollar spent at each hotel brand and 5 points per dollar spent at extended stay brands of Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Element. You will earn points on the full folio of room, spa, and food and beverage expenditures. In addition, the program has 40+ airline partners that earn 3 points per 1 mile transfer ratio.

The new points redemption structure does not have any blackout dates; however, beginning in February 2019, tiered redemption point values will be charged for standard, peak, and off-peak seasons. In addition to free room nights, points can be redeemed for gift cards, charities, merchandise and more.

Status Levels Conversion

Beyond the first-tier of membership (0-9 nights per year), the new elite earning structure will have five categories: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Premier, and Platinum Premier with Ambassador. Members in the top category will earn 17.5 points per dollar spent and there is a spending requirement of $20,000 per year with an average of $200 per night. Benefits increase with each category with lounge access and guaranteed room type coming at the Platinum level.

How to Combine Marriott and Starwood Accounts

If you have multiple loyalty accounts between Marriott, Starwood, and Ritz Carlton, you’ll want to create a single profile and combine points and stay-night balances into a single account. Find FAQs and get started here.

Travel Maestro tip: Don’t forget to update your Concur online booking profile! For assistance, email our online support desk.

To book hotels or for information regarding corporate hotel programs, contact Covington.