Specifics are finally emerging regarding an upcoming partnership between the world’s largest hotel company and the largest operator of casino resorts.
MGM Resorts International and Marriott International plan to roll out a widespread loyalty and branding partnership — including the creation of an MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy brand — early this year. The move comes following a break-up last year of a prior loyalty partnership MGM Resorts had with Hyatt.
While a specific start date of the MGM Resorts and Marriott partnership still isn’t public, the companies Tuesday released details of how the partnership will look for members of both companies’ respective loyalty programs. MGM Resorts properties like Bellagio Las Vegas, Aria Resort & Casino and MGM Grand will be able to book on Marriott’s website and the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Marriott Bonvoy benefits at MGM Resorts
Those with Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy will earn 10% bonus points on qualifying charges at stays at MGM Resorts. Gold Elite Bonvoy members will earn 25% bonus points on qualifying charges and receive a welcome gift of 500 Bonvoy points per stay.
Platinum Elite members will receive 50% bonus points on qualifying charges, enhanced room upgrades based on availability, access to the priority check-in line, complimentary 2 p.m. late check-out based on availability (this perk is offered during a promotional period through the end of the year) and a welcome gift of either 1,000 Bonvoy points per stay or a $15 food and beverage credit for each night of a stay.
Titanium Elite members will receive 75% bonus points on qualifying charges, enhanced room upgrades based on availability, access to the priority check-in line, complimentary 2 p.m. late check-out based on availability (again, only through the year-end promotional period) and a welcome gift of either 1,000 Bonvoy points per stay or a $15 food and beverage credit for each night of a stay.
Ambassador Elite members will receive 75% bonus points on qualifying charges, waived resort fees, one suite upgrade at a Las Vegas hotel each year for up to a three-night stay, enhanced room upgrades based on availability, complimentary 1 p.m. early check-in and 4 p.m. late check-out based on availability, a welcome gift of either 1,000 Bonvoy points per stay or a $15 food and beverage credit for each night of a stay, complimentary self-parking, priority access on dining and check-in and 15% retail discounts.
The suite upgrade, waived resort fees, early check-in and late check-out, complimentary self-parking and priority access for dining and check-in are part of a promotional period lasting through the end of this year. But a Marriott spokesperson, when contacted by TPG, noted the promotional period benefits will be assessed toward the end of the year and could potentially be extended.
Marriott and MGM Resorts status match
MGM Rewards members who enroll in Marriott Bonvoy will be able to transfer points between the two accounts. Further, MGM Rewards members will be able to utilize a status match into the Marriott Bonvoy program.
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MGM Rewards Gold members can tier match to receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status and receive benefits like a reservation guarantee, free in-room Wi-Fi, late check-out based on availability and 10% Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on eligible spending.
MGM Rewards Platinum members can tier match to receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and enjoy benefits like a reservation guarantee, free in-room Wi-Fi, 2 p.m. check-out based on availability, 25% Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on eligible spending and enhanced room upgrades based on availability.
MGM Rewards members with by-invitation-only NOIR status can tier match into Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status and enjoy perks like a reservation guarantee, access to Your24 check-in and check-out flexibility (allowing you to check-in or check-out whenever you desire), free in-room Wi-Fi, lounge access, Ambassador service, nightly upgrade awards, 4 p.m. check-out based on availability, 75% Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on eligible spending and enhance room upgrades, including suites, based on availability.
Initial tier level status match and benefits are eligible through the end of this year.
Bottom line
This is a bonus for Marriott Bonvoy members looking to have more options and loyalty perks at casino resorts, especially when visiting Las Vegas and other U.S. destinations where MGM Resorts has a presence. Further, MGM Rewards members are getting a significant benefit in being able to tier match into the Marriott Bonvoy program.
We are curious about how MGM Rewards members can tier match into Marriott Bonvoy, but Marriott Bonvoy members won’t fully gain MGM Rewards status in the partnership. Instead, Bonvoy members will rely on their existing status with Marriott at MGM properties and enjoy the loyalty perks mentioned above. Under the Hyatt-MGM Resorts partnership, World of Hyatt members were able to gain MGM Rewards status that corresponded to their loyalty tier.
Don’t necessarily chalk this up as a shortcoming of the burgeoning partnership. Company leaders have noted in the past the partnership is meant to be long-lasting and significantly deeper than what was seen with MGM Resorts and Hyatt.
We’ll keep our ears open for an official launch date of the partnership as well as further details on how the two companies will form a deeper bond in the weeks and months to come.
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