Marriott Properties Receive Secret New Loyalty Program Materials
Marriott and Starwood are set to make a big announcement on Monday at 4:30pm Eastern in New York City potentially detailing the combination of its loyalty programs. We've been anxiously awaiting the announcement for more than a year, and hopefully we'll get some (positive) clarity come Monday.
Adding to the excitement of Monday's announcement, it appears Marriott has sent a set of secret boxes to its hotels — and likely to SPG properties as well based on the markings on the boxes — with explicit instructions not to open until 4:30pm EDT on Monday:
My source tells me an extremely stern warning accompanied the boxes, stating that in no way, shape, or form were they to be opened prior to Monday's announcement. Apparently Marriott can bill properties for "extras" when they're found out of compliance with corporate rules. While a fine was not expressly threatened, it was made clear that repercussions would follow if the boxes were opened prematurely.
The highlight for me is definitely the sticker on the side of the boxes with the date and time at which they're to be opened. Can you imagine all the people that had to have been sworn to secrecy to get these materials out to thousands of properties?
Inside these five boxes lie the answers to all our fears, anxieties and hopes ever since the merger was first announced. How much are free nights going to cost? What will happen to airline transfer partners? Will there be new Chase and American Express co-branded credit cards? Can someone please just open one of these boxes and email us a screen shot?!
Monday cannot come soon enough.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app