Marriott Bonvoy Elite Qualifying Nights & Points Change

Marriott Bonvoy has made a significant change to what counts as elite qualifying nights and what stays are valid for points effective November 25, 2019.

These changes mainly affect Marriott employees, and Friends & Family that can now earn points and elite status from their discounted stays.

You can access Marriott Bonvoy here.

Here are the changes:

Here are the clarifying questions by Marriott:

Q18. When can I start earning on eligible rates?

You may begin earning on Marriott Bonvoy stays/activity, including on eligible Explore Program and business travel rates, on or after November 25, 2019.

Q19. Where can I use my Marriott Bonvoy membership?

You can use your Marriott Bonvoy membership at participating properties across an extraordinary portfolio of brands around the world. Learn more about Marriott brands. Exclusions apply; see loyalty Program Terms & Conditions page on marriottbonvoy.com.

Q20. How many points do I earn when I stay at a participating property?

Just like other Marriott Bonvoy members, you will earn ten base points for each U.S. dollar, or the currency equivalent, paid by you as the member on qualifying charges at most participating properties. except for the following:

a. Five base points for each U.S. dollar spent on qualifying charges at Element, Residence Inn , and TownePlace Suites® properties, and Homes & Villas by Marriott International’, and

b. Two and a half base points for each U.S. dollar spent on qualifying charges at Marriott Executive Apartments® and ExecuStay® properties.

Q21. What do I earn points on when I star at a hotel? Is there a difference if I am staving with the Explore Program?

As a member, you earn on Qualifying Rates and qualifying charges on stays at participating properties. With the expansion of Marriott Bonvoy for associates, eligible Explore Program rates including Explore. Explore Friends, and Explore More, as well as eligible business travel rates, will become Qualifying Rates*, when available. For examples of what is qualifying and non-qualifying, refer to Section 2.1 in the Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions on marriottbonvoy.com.

Q23. Will family and friends earn points and Elite Night Credit (also known as qualifying night) when staying with the Explore Program?

All family and friends are able to enroll and participate in Marriott Bonvoy. If they are not already enrolled, they are encouraged to enroll on Marriott.com. As of November 25, 2019, family and friends staying through eligible rates with the Explore Program will be able to earn points as well as Elite Night Credit (also known as qualifying night) on those stays. Any stays/activity before November 25, 2019 are ineligible.

Q24. Where can I learn more about the Explore Program?

Learn more about the Explore Program by visiting the Explore Program page on MGS.

Q25. Previously, the Legacy SPG program allowed associates to earn points, Elite Night Credits and status. These accounts were all converted as “non-earning” accounts after August 18, 2018.

Associates that have earned points and/or Elite Night Credit through eligible stays and spend will not see any changes to their account activity.

If a member has earned lifetime status (regardless of associate status) that status is not revoked and remains.

For more information please refer to the Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions on marriottbonvoy.com.

Q26. Will my status remain the same for Marriott Bonvoy if I have a former employee account with SPG?

Yes, your status will remain the same. Please ensure your Marriott account is flagged as an associate account by contacting employeeaccounts@Marriott.com.

Associates may earn up to Titanium Elite Status.

Conclusion

Allowing team members and their Friends & Family to earn points and even possibly status by staying and visiting hotels make sense.

Perhaps this makes selling the Bonvoy-program easier for associates too when they can experience earning and redeeming points by themselves.

The associate rates are really low, as is the tradition in the hospitality sector (Hyatt employees get several entirely free nights per year) where salaries tend not to be high. Friends & Family rates are discounted but not low.