Marriott Bonvoy has continuously updated its terms and conditions governing the loyalty program ever since the program merger in August 2018.
We have covered all these changes when they are significant enough (some are just clearing up the language). Now, there are two significant changes implemented of which one has already been in place but not properly disclosed.
You can access Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
1. More Expensive Awards Coming
Select properties may have redemption rates in excess of the Category 8 Redemption Rates.
Marriott inherited from SPG some stunning properties that used to be very expensive using SPG Starpoints, but were and still are reasonably priced under Bonvoy.
Marriott here is saying that their top category is 8, but some properties may require more points than this category would otherwise require ( hotels in Maldives, Bora Bora, and Venice come to my mind).
2. Qualifying Stay
(ii) the guest room is direct billed to the company who has arranged payment for the Member’s stay that is not associated with a convention or group meeting.
These stays have been qualifying, but the fact has not clearly communicated. These direct billed stays are qualifying as long as they are not part of a convention or group.
Conclusion
It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone that the current Marriott Bonvoy award chart, even at the cat 8 and high season, is not able to handle the most sought after properties of which redemptions must be extremely expensive for the program.
Marriott Bonvoy has now added this cop-out rule to the terms that allow these hotels to be priced basically at whatever point level they, program leadership, seem appropriate.
I guess once the US stop giving 100k point to whoever spend few thousand, the first change will make sense, for those of us that earn the points by actually staying and earning 2k a month already existing 8 cat points and prices look ridiculously expensive.
As to the qualifying stays (for clarification); if my company pays for the room, I (as the rewards member) get credit for the stay? Unless it’s for a convention?
Yes, you will get credit for the stay and the points.
I received a convention rate At the Cosmo in Vegas for a convention at another hotel and received qualifying stay credits. It was booked through the convention website.
It’s a surprise to me! Why have categories in the first place if Marriott is going charge whatever they like. Better get my next stay in quick smart.
Yes, some of the prices of properties can be ridiculously expensive or the amount of points you need for redemption is a boatload of them. I try and find a balance between paid stays and redemption.
Marriott’s CEO Sorenson is a greedy individual with only money money money on his mind. He has all but ruined the program with his push for more revenue at all costs. SPG was a great program and great CS and elite delivery of benefits. Hopefully this greedy snob will be leaving the company sooner than later.
I See, if youre a Chairman you would place a CEO who doesnt care about your revenues at the top of your company. Sounds noble.
Question:
Can i have anything for free(not a mug or usb stick) from the company you are working for? Please…
Sounds like you support them screwing loyal customers. I didn’t say they had to give up revenue, I said they need to deliver benefits to folks who have earned them. Yes, you should be rewarded for working hard for a company by either a raise or gifts. Seems you are a greedy one also. Remember money isn’t everything, treating people fairly and with respect gets more revenue in return by loyalty. Wow what a noble idea!
I didn’t know Mr. Sorenson treated you disrespectfully, I am sorry to hear.
Not me personally but to all elite members he has through his agents who carry out his policies. The program has changed under his leadership and not for the good.