Personal Finance News
MGM and Marriott Reveal Details on Upcoming Partnership
After being delayed due to a widespread cyberattack on MGM Resort last year, the brand has revealed more details on its planned partnership with Marriott.
About the MGM Resort-Marriott International partnership:
Last year, after announcing the cancelation of its longstanding partnership with Hyatt, MGM Resort revealed a new pact with Marriott Bonvoy. This deal would include the creation of the MGM Collection along with other MGM properties joining existing Marriott Bonvoy collections. Now, ahead of the partnership’s official launch, more details are coming to light regarding benefits for Marriott and MGM customers.
First, those with certain MGM Rewards status will enjoy complimentary status matching to Marriott Bonvoy. Those with MGM Gold will receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver, while those with MGM Platinum will match to Bonvoy Gold. Meanwhile, those with the invite-only Noir status at MGM can unlock Ambassador Elite with Marriott.
As for Marriott Bonvoy members staying at MGM properties, they’ll receive special perks and bonuses based on their status. Starting with Marriott Bonvoy Silver elites, they can earn 10% Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on qualifying charges made at MGM Resorts. That rate increases to 25% bonus points for Bonvoy Gold elites, with this tier also adding a 500 Marriott Bonvoy Points per stay bonus. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite members will enjoy 50% bonus points, enhanced room upgrades (upon availability), complimentary 2 p.m. late checkout (based on availability), and the choice between 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per stay or a $15 per night food and beverage credit. Titanium elites enjoy these same perks, but with a 75% bonus point rate. Finally, Ambassador elites with Marriott can take advantage of all of those benefits plus waived resort fees, complimentary self-parking, 1 p.m. early check-in and 4 p.m. late checkout (based on availability), one confirmed suite upgrade at a Las Vegas Hotel per year (up to 3-night stay), and more.
An exact start date for this partnership has yet to be announced, but the program is expected to start in “early 2024.”
My thoughts:
Ever since this partnership was announced, I had been looking forward to it since I’m both a fan of Vegas and someone with (some) Marriott Bonvoy status. Unfortunately, I’m disappointed in the details for a few reasons. At the top of the list, while it’s nice that MGM Rewards elite members will gain Marriott Bonvoy status via matching, the lack of a reciprocal option means that my speculatory Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card trick won’t work. However, that isn’t to say that there won’t be any perks for cardholders or other Bonvoy elites as there are some decent benefits, including the option of a $15 daily food and beverage credit when staying at MGM properties. Just a warning, though, that $15 might not get you too far on the Strip.
Although neither company has revealed a start day for this partnership, it is worth noting that the current MGM Rewards program year ends on January 31st. Therefore, if I were a betting man, I’d expect a February launch date — but I have been wrong before.
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