Marriott's Plans to Add 300 New Hotels in Asia Good News for Bonvoy Members
Marriott has announced an ambitious vision for the hotel chain's future throughout Asia. The largest hotel chain in terms of annual revenue plans to add 300 new hotels by 2020. To achieve this ambitious target, Marriott plans on opening a new hotel every two weeks, according to CNN. By the end of the decade, the hotel chain hopes to have 1,000 properties up and running in Asia.
Marriott's Plan for Asia: 40by20
Marriott is calling the hotel chain's efforts to rapidly expand throughout Asia 40By20. According to Marriott, the 40 refers to a 40% increase in the number of properties operated in Asia by the year 2020.
"The breadth and depth of Marriott International’s footprint means that we are able to offer travelers opportunities to experience more destinations, brands and experiences, especially through Marriott Bonvoy, our industry-leading travel program,” said Craig S. Smith, president and managing director of Marriott International Asia Pacific in a press release.
As of April 2019, Marriott is operating around 710 properties throughout 23 countries in Asia. Additionally, Asia boasts 23 of the hotel chains 30 brands.
The hotel chain cited China, India and consumer markets in Southeast Asia as regions with the highest demand for increased accommodations. China, however, is the "strongest growth driver". The chain has recently opened major hotels in China including the EDITION Shanghai, The St. Regis Hong Kong and the Aloft Shanghai. By the end of 2019, Marriott hopes to have added the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong and Renaissance Xiamen Resort & Spa to the list.
In India, Marriott has plans for 50 new properties, with the chain having recently opened its 100th property in 2019. One notable luxury property opening in the coming months is the Port Muziris, Kochi, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Marriott has also announced new hotels in Australia, with more properties to come in Melbourne, Perth and Hobart by the end of 2019.
The brand's international expansion is by no means limited to Asia, with the brand opening upwards of 20 properties throughout the Middle East and Africa in 2019.
As part of this expansion, CNN is reporting that the hotel chain is looking to technology to improve the guest experience, experimenting with facial recognition and WeChat integration. WeChat is the most popular messaging platform in Asia. Marriott is working with the company to provide guests at select properties in Asia, like The St. Regis, the option to request butler service via the messaging application. In addition to WeChat, Marriott has partnered with Chinese company Alibaba to develop facial recognition technology to streamline the check-in process.
Marriott's Asian expansion comes as good news for Bonvoy loyalists. Bonvoy offers solid elite benefits and the potential to get a ton of value out of your redemptions. The majority of Marriott hotels award 10 points per $1 spent on stays. In addition, elite status and any current promotions would boost your earning rates even further. If you currently hold (or plan to earn) elite status in Marriott’s program, you can expect a number of perks across the various brands that fall under the Marriott umbrella.
For the complete rundown, check out The Award Traveler's Guide to Marriott Bonvoy and our guide to What Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Is Worth in 2019.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees