Huge modifications may very well be coming for Platinum and Titanium Elite Marriott Bonvoy elites. On Friday morning, View from the Wing reported that Marriott Bonvoy may very well be enhancing Suite Evening Awards.
The proposed Suite Evening Award modifications would imply Marriott Bonvoy would pay motels extra to verify upgrades, add extra improve room classes, doubtlessly change the five-day window for clearing upgrades and broaden Suite Evening Awards to Ritz-Carlton, Version, Protea, Aloft and Ingredient manufacturers.
On the draw back, Marriott might be a part of Hilton in promoting paid upgrades within the app … even to elites.
Here is a better take a look at what these modifications might imply for you.
What are Marriott Suite Evening Awards?
Like many loyalty applications, Marriott Bonvoy gives its top-tier members their alternative of annual advantages. One of many selections at each the 50- and 75-night milestones is 5 Suite Evening Awards.
In concept, Suite Evening Awards permit elite members to e-book a typical room at a collaborating property and use Suite Evening Awards to verify an improve earlier than check-in. Nonetheless, in apply, Suite Evening Awards might be tough to make use of.
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Potential modifications to Marriott Suite Evening Awards
“Every time we now have modifications to this system, we inform our members on the applicable time to make sure they’re totally knowledgeable, and that would come with whether or not enhancements are deliberate for Suite Evening Awards,” a Marriott spokesperson mentioned in a press release to TPG.
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Marriott might pay motels extra when a member redeems a Suite Evening Award, based on View from the Wing. Hypothetically, that might additional incentivize motels to clear Suite Evening Award upgrades.
At present, members can use Suite Evening Awards for enhanced room varieties at some motels (comparable to rooms with increased flooring and higher views, not solely suites). The proposed modifications would broaden the flexibility to redeem Suite Evening Awards for non-suite upgrades at extra properties.
Additionally, members would possibly be capable of redeem Suite Evening Awards at collaborating Ritz-Carlton, Version, Protea, Aloft and Ingredient manufacturers. Proper now, members cannot use Suite Evening Awards at any of those manufacturers.
Lastly, Marriott might contemplate adjusting the present five-day window for clearing Suite Evening Awards. For reference, World of Hyatt permits members to verify normal suite upgrades on the time of reserving utilizing Hyatt improve certificates at collaborating motels on qualifying charges.
Associated: How I landed a premium suite improve halfway by way of my keep
May Marriott begin promoting upgrades on its app?
View from the Wing additionally reported that Marriott is “exploring choices for members to have the ability to buy a confirmed improve earlier than arrival by way of new digital upsell placements and merchandising throughout the Marriott Bonvoy app and web site.”
In October, Hilton Honors launched paid upgrades in its app to Gold and Diamond members, although, in concept, Gold and Diamond members ought to be eligible for some complimentary upgrades with their standing. Hilton instructed its motels that cellular check-in paid room upgrades are “supposed to drive incremental income.”
We hope Marriott would not be a part of Hilton in promoting room upgrades to elite members. Their standing alone ought to already entitle them to free upgrades.
Associated: How a lot are Marriott Bonvoy factors price 1 yr after eradicating award charts?
Backside line
Marriott hasn’t confirmed these updates, but when some are true, it probably could be an ideal enchancment to Suite Evening Awards, additional growing the worth of those awards. The proposed modifications might go into impact subsequent yr.
We’ll replace you on the newest developments with Marriott Suite Evening Awards as we be taught extra.
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