Earlier today, we got a ton of details on the new Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards tie up.
Marriott and MGM just held a Press Conference (via web conference) and we got a few more details – but not all the ones you all want.
One interesting tidbit is that the deal is for an initial 20 year term. That’s quite a long time!
Next: I, among 1,000 others, asked for specifics about things like if there will be a Tier Match (or just certain reciprocal benefits via what they describe as Linked Accounts). They would only say we should know before they go live with the new program in October 2023.
Brands
The only other interesting tidbit from the call was that while 17 hotels will join the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, only four will be a part of an existing Marriott portfolio brand.
The Cosmopolitan will remain an Autograph Collection hotel. They are exempt from providing breakfast but do offer an elite checkin, lounge access, a modified late checkout (2pm when available) and a one category room upgrade.
The other 3 are:
Bellagio: joins the Luxury Collection
Aria: joins the Autograph Collection
Park MGM: joins the Tribute Collection
Note that I find it incredibly odd that Park MGM joins Tribute but the boutique hotel-inside-a-hotel NoMad does not. I wonder if they will both wind up in the Tribute Collection?
Anyway, while they wouldn’t answer my specific question on this either (I think they quickly grew tired of loyalty program questions as the execs do not yet wish to share details (or may not even have them fully worked out yet), I don’t hesitate to read a bit into this move.
I think that these four properties will *mostly* (like Cosmo today) adhere to their respective brand standards. I have a *feeling* that you will be able to use Suite Night Awards at these four properties, eventually. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll not only give Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and above breakfast at Aria and Bellagio and as a welcome amenity choice at check-in for Park MGM.
Lastly, in line with my prediction that Suite Upgrade Awards will be useable here (again, complete and rampant speculation), I think they may offer complimentary suite upgrades when available. They may limit this in some way, like how only Titaniums and above get suite upgrades at Ritz Carlton. They may also not do this at all 😉
For the other 13 hotels, it seems that benefits would be “lighter” – though I guess we’ll have to wait a couple of months to really get details on this.
Thoughts?
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