The long-awaited merger of loyalty programs resulting from Marriott’s 2016 acquisition of Starwood now has details, a schedule, but not yet a name.
The new program, which takes off in August, will merge Starwood points into new points at 3-for-1 rate, offers members of all three programs a wider choice of hotels, and maintains Starwood’s long-standing airline mile conversions. It will also lead to several new credit card options; the company is keeping links to both American Express and Chase Visa.
Most of the specific changes involve adjustments in elite tier benefits and what it takes to earn them. Commentators note that so far, it appears that most changes on the negative side come with some adjustments on the up side as well. That may change next year when peak and off-peak pricing is introduced.
For more details, from Bloomberg News, click HERE
