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.
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