What ACTUALLY happens to your Marriott Travel Package following the SPG merger
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As I write this, the new Marriott and Starwood websites are still unavailable as the huge task of combining the two databases continues. If we’re lucky it will be up and running when you read this, but then think of TSB ….
At 7.15pm last night, Marriott Rewards finally disclosed via a Flyertalk post what will happen to Travel Packages which have been bought but not redeemed.
They will be mapped across like this.
For bookings made before January:
- Cat 1-5 can book a new Cat 1-4
- Cat 6 can book a new Cat 1-4
- Cat 7 can book a new Cat 5
- Cat 8 can book a new Cat 5
- Cat 9 can book a new Cat 6
- Tier 1-3 can book a new Cat 6
- Tier 4-5 can book a new Cat 7
For bookings made after peak and off-peak pricing is launched in January, this is how I interpret the Flyertalk post (but it can be read other ways, see the comments below):
- Cat 1-5 can book anything up to 30,000 points
- Cat 6 can book anything up to 30,000 points
- Cat 7 can book anything up to 40,000 points
- Cat 8 can book anything up to 40,000 points
- Cat 9 can book anything up to 60,000 points
- Tier 1-3 can book anything up to 60,000 points
- Tier 4-5 can book anything up to 70,000 points
Let’s be clear about one thing. No-one loses in the long term here. In each case, you can book an equivalent or higher value property than you could previously book. For example, at present a Cat 9 is a 45,000 point hotel and you can book anything up to 60,000 points from January.
Some people have clearly spent more than necessary. Anyone who has a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 Travel Package could have bought a cheaper package one level lower and still been able to book the same hotels.
It is also worth noting that, because of the caps, from January it doesn’t matter what certificate you currently hold – no-one can book a standard or peak date Cat 8 hotel. Both of these are more than 70,000 points. You could get a Cat 8 on an off-peak date which would be 70,000 points. Check out the new reward chart:
I am surprised that Marriott did this. Clearly some of its higher value members will now feel a little annoyed, even though they are no worse off. That’s human nature.
If, in the last few days, you upgraded a Cat 1-5 to a Cat 6, or a Cat 7 to a Cat 8, or a Cat 9 to a Tier 1-3, I would certainly be sending Marriott a note to ask for a refund given that you have literally wasted those points.
The real question is why Marriott Rewards could not have released this information earlier, as it is now too late. This is especially true given that you can no longer upgrade any certificate you currently have in the bank.
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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)
There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 15th July 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This would convert into 25,000 Avios or into 40 other airline schemes. It would also get you at least £300 of Marriott hotel stays based on our 0.5p per point low-end valuation. Other T&C apply and remain unchanged. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.
You can apply here.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
60,000 points (to 15th July) and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.
Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card? It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.
We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.
The Platinum Card from American Express
50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:
- American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)
and for small business owners:
- The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)
The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.
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