The new Marriott Rewards includes new benefits for Elite members. And one of those new benefits is the Marriott Choice Benefit for Platinum Elite members and up. What options we’d have under this new program, though, was a mystery, until now.
Right now, the big news surrounding Marriott is the leaked terms and conditions of the new program. But, you know what? I’m not going to talk about that. The leaked terms and conditions had a lot of disturbing, but unconfirmed speculation in it. And I’m just tired of it all already. I have my exit plan in place if need be, so we’ll just see what happens in a week. So, today, let’s talk about something we know is coming to fruition, which is the Marriott Choice Benefits Options.
What is It?
Ok, so this program isn’t exactly new. Like many other elements of the new Marriott Rewards, Choice Benefit is an adaptation of an SPG program. I’ve never been an SPG Platinum, so I have no experience with their version of Choice Benefits. But, I do look forward to seeing how Marriott’s version operates. However, until recently, we didn’t know the complete benefits list.
Choice Benefits Options
Marriott’s Choice Benefits program will have two separate tiers, 50 nights and 75 nights. At the 50 nights level, members may select from one of the following:
- Five Elite Night Credits
- Five Suite Night Awards
- Gift Gold Elite Status
- $100 Gift to UNICEF
- 40% off “the Marriott/Westin/Ritz-Carlton bed”
At the 75 nights level, members will be able to choose one of the following:
- Five Elite Night Credits
- Five Suite Night Awards
- Gift Gold Elite Status
- $100 Gift to UNICEF
- 40% off “the Marriott/Westin/Ritz-Carlton bed”
- One Free Night Award
Benefits Explained
The above benefits are stackable. So, if you hit 50 nights, you’ll be able to choose one benefit from the first list. Then, if you hit 75 nights in the same calendar year, you’ll be able to select a benefit from the second list.
Speaking of those benefits, the Five Elite Night Credits are precisely what they sound like. Selecting that option will give you five additional EQN, helping you to reach the next level. Likewise, the Five Suite Night Awards grant you one suite upgrade for every award you redeem. But you must redeem one suite night award for every night of your stay.
Gifting Gold Elite Status allows you to give someone Gold Elite status, but why? That person will still need to earn 50 EQNs to hit Platinum and Gold is worthless. The next two are pretty self-explanatory as well, though I don’t think many will take these options. And the final benefit, available only to Platinum Premiers, will allow you to stay one night for free at a Category 5 property during peak season or a Category 6 property off-peak.
Marriott Choice Benefit, Final Thoughts
Again, I’m excited to give these Choice Benefits a try. I only wish I could use them this year for my upcoming trip in November. Some of these options, though, are interesting. I mean, how many people does Marriott think will take the bed option? And, as I’ve said before, the Gift Gold benefit is laughable. I sincerely hope no one goes for that one.
Personally, I can see myself using either the Elite Night Credit or the Suite Night Awards. In fact, the Suite Night Awards is the one I want to try the most. But it’ll be interesting to see how this is implemented at various properties. After all, not “suites” are created equal. And Marriott has given owners some flexibility in what they mean by suite too. Only time will tell, though, how worthwhile this benefit will be.