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What's in A Name? TPG Readers Weigh in on Marriott's New Rumored Moniker

Nov. 26, 2018
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2 min read
Marriott Kauai Coconut
What's in A Name? TPG Readers Weigh in on Marriott's New Rumored Moniker
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It's been a whirlwind of a year for Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest customers. Although the two brands formally completed the biggest hotel loyalty program merger in history this past summer, at least on paper, thousands of customers still find themselves struggling with the new hybrid system.

But Marriott promises a fresh start is on the horizon, including a new name for its loyalty program. A leaked peek led to fresh buzz this weekend... although not exactly in the direction most patrons probably expected.

According to reliable sources, Marriott's elite customers may soon find themselves referring to status-related shenanigans as part of the Marriott Bonvoy program. Second-to-highest-tier Platinum Premier Elite members will also be switching metals, at least in name, to Titanium Elite, while top-tier Platinum Premier Elite with Ambassador will become Ambassador Elite.

Predictably, the name is... different... and TPG readers have some thoughts. As commenter Mark exclaimed, "Did they ask Kim and Kanye to come up with a name!?"

Here's What TPG Readers Had to Say

"Marriott Preferred Guest would have been perfect. It would have been a nod to the SPG that loyalists loved while allowing Marriott to mark its territory."

"Relax everyone, these are either codenames, a joke, or one of the devs is a crazy Sia fan."

"Suddenly IHOb doesn't seem like the stupidest marketing idea..."

"Ridiculous, stupid name. New marketing people needed."

"2 years and they come up with Bonvoy? HAHAHAHAHA!! That’s so bad I literally don’t know what else to say."

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"With this new statement from Marriott, I think it is clear they intentionally leaked this to generate publicity. If they didn’t, then they have a major leaker because other big leaks happened in April."

"Name is so bad that Marriott should seriously say Bon Voyage to Bonvoy!"

"That sounds like a cheap ladies' clothing company."

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.