Is Marriott looking to enhance Suite Night Awards for elite members?
Big changes could be coming for Platinum and Titanium Elite Marriott Bonvoy elites. On Friday morning, View from the Wing reported that Marriott Bonvoy could be enhancing Suite Night Awards.
The proposed Suite Night Award changes would mean Marriott Bonvoy would pay hotels more to confirm upgrades, add more upgrade room categories, potentially change the five-day window for clearing upgrades and expand Suite Night Awards to Ritz-Carlton, Edition, Protea, Aloft and Element brands.
On the downside, Marriott could join Hilton in selling paid upgrades in the app ... even to elites.
Here's a closer look at what these changes could mean for you.
What are Marriott Suite Night Awards?
Like many loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy offers its top-tier members their choice of annual benefits. One of the choices at both the 50- and 75-night milestones is five Suite Night Awards.
In theory, Suite Night Awards allow elite members to book a standard room at a participating property and use Suite Night Awards to confirm an upgrade before check-in. However, in practice, Suite Night Awards can be difficult to use.
Related: 8 tips to help you upgrade your hotel room for free
Potential changes to Marriott Suite Night Awards
Although some reports indicate big changes for Marriott Suite Night Awards, Marriott hasn't confirmed these enhancements.
"Whenever we have changes to the program, we inform our members at the appropriate time to ensure they are fully informed, and that would include whether enhancements are planned for Suite Night Awards," a Marriott spokesperson said in a statement to TPG.
Marriott could pay hotels more when a member redeems a Suite Night Award, according to View from the Wing. Hypothetically, that could further incentivize hotels to clear Suite Night Award upgrades.
Currently, members can use Suite Night Awards for enhanced room types at some hotels (such as rooms with higher floors and better views, not only suites). The proposed changes would expand the ability to redeem Suite Night Awards for non-suite upgrades at more properties.
Also, members might be able to redeem Suite Night Awards at participating Ritz-Carlton, Edition, Protea, Aloft and Element brands. Right now, members can't use Suite Night Awards at any of these brands.
Finally, Marriott could consider adjusting the current five-day window for clearing Suite Night Awards. For reference, World of Hyatt allows members to confirm standard suite upgrades at the time of booking using Hyatt upgrade certificates at participating hotels on qualifying rates.
Related: How I landed a premium suite upgrade midway through my stay
Could Marriott start selling upgrades on its app?
View from the Wing also reported that Marriott is “exploring options for members to be able to purchase a confirmed upgrade before arrival through new digital upsell placements and merchandising across the Marriott Bonvoy app and website.”
In October, Hilton Honors introduced paid upgrades in its app to Gold and Diamond members, though, in theory, Gold and Diamond members should be eligible for some complimentary upgrades with their status. Hilton told its hotels that mobile check-in paid room upgrades are "intended to drive incremental revenue."
We hope Marriott doesn't join Hilton in selling room upgrades to elite members. Their status alone should already entitle them to free upgrades.
Related: How much are Marriott Bonvoy points worth 1 year after removing award charts?
Bottom line
Marriott hasn't confirmed these updates, but if some are true, it likely would be a great improvement to Suite Night Awards, further increasing the value of these awards. The proposed changes could go into effect next year.
We'll update you on the latest developments with Marriott Suite Night Awards as we learn more.
Related reading:
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.