For Marriott's Hotel Rewards Members, Wait Is Finally Over
- Reworked slate of perks unveiled after 2016 Starwood takeover
- New program is better for members, hotel owners, company says
Palm trees stand in front of the Marina Del Rey Marriott hotel in Marina Del Rey, California.
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
The biggest question for hotel guests has finally been answered.
Ever since Marriott International Inc. acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. a year and a half ago, members of the two companies’ rewards programs have wondered how long it would take for the plans to be combined -- and what perks they’d lose in the bargain. The wait ended on Monday, when Marriott announced its new, integrated loyalty program, unveiling a benefits package that allows customers to keep lifetime status earned under the old programs, and increases the rate at which they earn points through hotel stays by an average of 20 percent.