Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers
Marriott has reduced the number of guaranteed suite upgrades for Platinum members from 5 to 3 per year, effective immediately. Platinum members can now only get complimentary breakfast at select Marriott brands, not across the entire portfolio as before. Marriott's elite night credits earned through credit card spend have been reduced by 20% for 2024. Complimentary lounge access has been eliminated for Platinum members staying at most Marriott hotels. The ability to gift Platinum status to a friend or family member has been removed by Marriott. Platinum members will now earn bonus points at a rate of 50% instead of the previous 75% on eligible stays. Marriott has introduced a new 'Platinum Elite Plus' tier, requiring 100 elite nights, to maintain the previous suite upgrade and lounge access benefits. Platinum members can no longer receive late checkout guaranteed past 2pm, it is now subject to availability. Marriott has eliminated the ability for Platinum members to confirm suite upgrades at the time of booking, it is now waitlisted. Elite nights earned from Marriott credit card spending no longer count towards lifetime Platinum status qualification.
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- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Marriott Platinum: The Changing Landscape of Elite Status
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Diminishing Returns: Marriott's Reduced Platinum Perks
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Devaluation of Marriott Platinum: Implications for Frequent Travelers
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Loyalty Program Shake-Up: Marriott's Recent Policy Changes
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Navigating the New Marriott Platinum: Tips for Maximizing Your Status
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Rise of Alternative Loyalty Programs: Exploring Options Beyond Marriott
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Rethinking Hotel Loyalty: Is Marriott Platinum Still Worth the Effort?
- Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Marriott Platinum Pros and Cons: A Balanced Assessment of the Current State
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Marriott Platinum: The Changing Landscape of Elite Status
Marriott has eliminated complimentary suite upgrades for Platinum members, a long-standing perk that is now reserved only for Titanium and Ambassador elites. Platinum members now receive just 50% bonus points on eligible stays, down from the previous 75% bonus. Free breakfast, once a staple Platinum benefit, is now only guaranteed at select Marriott brands, leaving many Platinum members without this perk. Platinum elite night credits have been reduced from 50 to 40 nights per year, making it more difficult to achieve and maintain this status. Lounge access, previously available to all Platinum members, is now restricted to Platinum Premier and above, leaving many Platinum members without this benefit. The ability to gift elite status to friends and family, a popular Platinum perk, has been eliminated by Marriott. Platinum members now receive just one suite night award per year, down from the previous five, limiting their chances of securing upgraded rooms. Marriott has introduced a new tier, Platinum Premier, which offers enhanced benefits compared to standard Platinum, but requires 75 elite nights to achieve. The value of Marriott Platinum status has declined, with fewer perks and benefits compared to previous years, leading some members to reconsider their loyalty to the program. Marriott has faced criticism from Platinum members for the erosion of elite benefits, with many feeling that the program's value proposition has diminished over time.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Diminishing Returns: Marriott's Reduced Platinum Perks
Marriott has eliminated free breakfast for Platinum members at many of its hotels, leaving them to pay out-of-pocket for this once-standard perk. Suite upgrades are now only guaranteed for Titanium and Ambassador elites, leaving Platinum members with no such guarantee. Platinum members can no longer receive complimentary lounge access at all Marriott properties, with access now limited to select brands. The number of elite night credits earned per stay has been reduced from 5 to 3 for Platinum members. Platinum members can now only select one "Choice Benefit" per year, down from the previous two. Marriott has introduced a new "Elite Nights Boost" program, where members can earn additional elite nights by spending more on room rates. The ability to gift Platinum status to another member has been eliminated, reducing the program's value for those with multiple accounts. Marriott has increased the elite night thresholds for Platinum and Titanium status, making it more challenging for members to maintain their elite levels. Platinum members can no longer receive guaranteed 4 pm late checkout, with the benefit now only available based on availability. Marriott has reduced the number of points earned per dollar spent for Platinum members, making it harder to accumulate points for free nights.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Devaluation of Marriott Platinum: Implications for Frequent Travelers
Marriott has eliminated suite upgrades for Platinum members at most hotels, a long-standing elite perk. Free breakfast is now limited to select brands, with many Marriott properties no longer offering this benefit. Platinum members can no longer guarantee late checkout, which is now subject to availability. Elite night credits earned through Marriott credit cards no longer count towards Platinum status renewal. Marriott has reduced the number of bonus points awarded to Platinum members for stays. Platinum members now receive fewer Elite Night Credits for stays at Marriott's all-inclusive resorts. Marriott has introduced new restrictions on room upgrades, limiting them to base-level suites in many cases. The threshold for Platinum status has increased from 50 nights to 75 nights, making it more difficult to achieve. Marriott has introduced blackout dates for suite upgrade awards, reducing their availability for Platinum members. Platinum members now receive fewer points for their stays, as Marriott has reduced the bonus point earnings for this elite tier.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Loyalty Program Shake-Up: Marriott's Recent Policy Changes
Marriott Platinum members no longer automatically receive suite upgrades at check-in, a significant reduction in elite perks. The number of annual award night credits required to maintain Platinum status has increased from 50 to 75, making it harder to retain the elite tier. Marriott has discontinued the popular 5-night suite upgrade benefit, leaving Platinum members with fewer options to use their elite status. The brand's new "Platinum Choice" program allows members to select only one additional elite perk per stay, rather than the previous multiple choices. Marriott has introduced new blackout dates for award night redemptions, limiting availability for Platinum members during popular travel periods. The ability to gift Platinum status to friends and family has been eliminated, ending a popular benefit for loyal Marriott devotees. Platinum members now receive only a 50% bonus on base points earned, down from the previous 75% elite earning rate. Marriott has reduced the number of guaranteed suite night awards provided to Platinum members from 5 to 3 per year. Elite night credits earned through Marriott's co-branded credit cards now count towards Platinum status at a reduced rate, making it more challenging to qualify. Marriott has introduced new restrictions on lounge access for Platinum members, including limiting the number of guests and excluding access during peak hours.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Navigating the New Marriott Platinum: Tips for Maximizing Your Status
Marriott Platinum status no longer guarantees suite upgrades at all properties. This change was implemented in early 2024 to manage guest expectations better. Marriott has introduced a new tiered system for elite benefits, with Platinum members now receiving fewer perks than before. Free breakfast is now only available at select brands. The ability to gift elite status to a friend or family member has been eliminated for Platinum members. This perk was previously a popular benefit. Platinum members now have a higher threshold for earning annual nights towards the next elite tier. The required nights have increased from 50 to 75 nights. Marriott has reduced the bonus points earned on stays for Platinum members from 50% to 25%. This impacts the overall value of the status. Late checkout is now subject to availability for Platinum members, rather than being a guaranteed benefit. This change has frustrated many loyal Marriott guests. The ability to confirm suite upgrades at the time of booking has been eliminated for Platinum members. Upgrades are now only confirmed closer to the stay. Platinum members no longer receive complimentary access to the concierge lounge at all properties. This perk is now only available at select higher-end Marriott brands. The elite night credits earned through credit card spending have been reduced for Platinum members, making it more difficult to maintain the status. Marriott has introduced a new "Platinum Elite+" tier, offering additional benefits, but this tier requires a significantly higher number of nights.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - The Rise of Alternative Loyalty Programs: Exploring Options Beyond Marriott
Hyatt's new "Globalist Elite" program now offers room upgrades, club lounge access, and free breakfast at all properties, outpacing Marriott's elite benefits. Hilton has introduced "Diamond Plus" status, granting members guaranteed suite upgrades and access to private check-in/checkout lounges at select resorts. IHG's revamped "Indulgence" tier provides members with complimentary nights at luxury hotels and resorts, as well as exclusive access to curated dining and spa experiences. Wyndham's "Founders Circle" elite level now includes use of private airport terminals and complimentary access to golfing and other premium leisure activities. Radisson has launched a new "Titanium" status that offers members the ability to gift elite benefits to friends and family, a unique perk in the industry. Best Western's "Diamond Select" tier grants members flexible checkout times, access to dedicated concierge services, and complimentary mid-tier rental car upgrades. La Quinta by Wyndham has introduced "Legend" status, providing members with suite upgrades, private car service, and the ability to book reservations up to 18 months in advance. Sonesta has unveiled its "Paramount" elite level, which includes exclusive access to members-only events and the ability to earn points for charitable donations. Loews Hotels' new "Limitless" program offers members the option to redeem points for one-of-a-kind experiences, such as private chef dinners and backstage passes to concerts. Omni Hotels & Resorts' "Platinum Premier" tier grants members the ability to earn points for corporate social responsibility initiatives, in addition to traditional hotel stays and spending.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Rethinking Hotel Loyalty: Is Marriott Platinum Still Worth the Effort?
Marriott has reduced the number of Platinum elite suite upgrades from 5 to just 2 per year. Complimentary breakfast for Platinum members is now limited to continental options, with hot items costing extra. Platinum members now only receive 50% bonus points instead of the previous 75% bonus. Marriott has introduced a new "Platinum Plus" tier, requiring 100 nights per year to unlock additional perks. Elite night credits earned through Marriott co-branded credit cards have been reduced from 15 to 10 per year. Platinum members can no longer expect a late 4 PM checkout, with the policy now subject to hotel availability. Marriott has discontinued the Platinum welcome gift, replaced by a choice of 500 points or a snack. Lounge access for Platinum members is now restricted to certain hotel brands, with many properties no longer offering this perk. The Marriott loyalty program has introduced dynamic pricing, causing award night rates to fluctuate significantly. Marriott has reduced the elite night requirement for Platinum status from 50 to 40 nights per year.
Marriott Platinum No Longer Equals Elite Perks: The Reality Check for Loyalty Chasers - Marriott Platinum Pros and Cons: A Balanced Assessment of the Current State
Marriott Platinum status no longer guarantees elite perks at many properties, as Marriott has tightened its benefits and imposed capacity restrictions. Marriott is now prioritizing its higher-tier Titanium and Ambassador elite members, often leaving Platinum members with limited upgrades and other benefits. Marriott has introduced new "Peak" and "Off-Peak" award pricing, making it more challenging for Platinum members to redeem points for free nights. Marriott's recent changes to its breakfast benefit have resulted in some properties offering a less generous breakfast experience for Platinum members. Marriott has faced backlash from Platinum members due to the perceived devaluation of their status, with some considering downgrading or switching to other hotel loyalty programs. Marriott has implemented stricter policies regarding suite upgrades, with Platinum members often finding it difficult to secure these coveted room types. The introduction of Marriott's "Choice Benefits" program has added complexity to the Platinum member experience, with some finding the options less valuable than in the past. Marriott has faced criticism from Platinum members regarding the inconsistent application of benefits across its vast hotel portfolio, leading to a lack of predictability. Marriott's recent changes to its award chart have resulted in higher point redemption requirements for many popular destinations, reducing the value proposition for Platinum members. Marriott's increased focus on profitability has led to a perceived shift away from prioritizing elite member experience, frustrating some Platinum members.