Comments on: Ultimate guide to the new combined Marriott, SPG, & Ritz-Carlton loyalty program

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 04 Sep 2018 14:39:50 +0000

The new SPG program is not rewarding anymore…even for their low category hotels. For example, I used to redeem 3000 SPG points for 1 night stay at Four Points by Sheraton, Niagara Falls, ON. After the merger, one free night stay got bumped to 35000 (eg ~11600 old SPG points).

Different example, W Fort Lauderdale, FL… I used to redeem 1 week for 72000 SPG points, now you need 3000,000 (eg 100,000 old SPG points).

Moreover, SPG Amex credit card will get you 2 points for $1 spent.. doesn’t cut it for 2,3,4 fold increase in free nights redemption rates.

By: Steeve

Steeve — Mon, 20 Aug 2018 10:14:37 +0000

The Best Rate Guarantee applies to Bvlgari hotels. I have had valid claims with them before.

By: JohnB

JohnB — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 19:13:30 +0000

“Best in travel industry program”….not even close. They diluted the whole SPG program. You can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. I hate Marriotts! Many others feel the same way. Other than those who get corporate rates, I will speculate they will lose many SPG customers. The program isn’t rewarding enough.

By: rande

rande — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:20:12 +0000

I almost forgot one other point regarding the airline points… when you use the card for regular purchases and earn 1 point per dollar spent, the airline miles are reduced because the transfer amount is now 3:1 for most airlines due to their one time conversion upgrade. So the airline program, which was great, is now not very good at all!
Very disappointing!

By: rande

rande — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:16:17 +0000

the conversion rate for points to miles is 3 to 1 but they also raised the amount of points for airline transfers to 3:1 as well! Not so impressive now!!! Basically a draw, not any benefit.

By: christ

christ — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:51:28 +0000

comprehensive article – very useful. but the marriott portfolio is not the “largest in the world” with more than 6,500 properties worldwide. that distinction goes to wyndham, which has 8,000.