One Mile At A Time (H/T) has reported today that Marriott is sending some elites downgrade emails. Some Marriott loyalists are trying to do last minute hotel stays to requalify for their current level of status. But Marriott is sending out emails to some members who seem unlikely to requalify for their current status tier next year in 2020.
Is Requalifying Worth It?
Your mileage may vary here. But for many Marriott elites, the answer is a resounding “no”. Marriott has been disastrous all around since the merger with SPG in 2018. Droves of former SPG and Marriott loyalists are leaving Marriott for Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG.
Customer service, IT, and most of their credit card lineup are areas that are sorely lacking relative to competing hotel chains. But Marriott is the world’s largest hotel chain and they have locations seemingly everywhere. The sheer number of locations is convenient for many travelers. But that does not mean having status is worth the headaches.
However, for other travelers, status can be worth requalifying for. Marriott loyalists who are a few nights away from retaining their current level or reaching the next one should decide if the perks of that level are worth it. Also, those who like Marriott over the other chains and do not mind the headaches should requalify.
Requirements for Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Each level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status requires a different number of nights. But you can get the lower levels of status by having certain Marriott credit cards. These levels come as perks for as long as you have that card. There are six levels of status: Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador.
Member Status is the lowest level of status. It has no stay requirement and it comes with no perks. This is the lowest level Marriott elites can fall to if they do not requalify for status.
Silver Status requires 10 nights per year. But you can also get this level of status from having the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card from Chase. Business travelers can get Silver Status from having the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card from American Express.
Next, Gold Status requires 25 nights per year. But you can also get this level of status from having the American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card or any version of the American Express Platinum Card.
Platinum Status is the first level of status that is worth going for if you are a Marriott loyalist. It requires staying 50 nights per year. Alternatively, you can spend $60,000 in a calendar year on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. There is no way to earn Platinum Status directly by applying for a credit card.
Furthermore, Titanium Status requires staying 75 nights per year. It used to be called “75-Night Platinum Status” before Marriott overhauled their status system.
Ambassador Status lies at the top of the Marriott Status pyramid. This level of status requires staying 100 nights per year and spending $20,000 at Marriott.
Final Draw
Requalifying for hotel or airline status is another situation when your mileage may vary. I currently have Marriott Gold Status because I had the American Express Business Platinum Card. But since I no longer have that card, I am not going to requalify because I have not stayed for at least 25 nights. I am fine with that because I want to stay at Hyatt and Hilton hotels in the future. Their lower level statuses provide more benefits than Marriott Silver or Gold Status provide. Plus, there are fewer headaches with those chains than Marriott.
Regardless of your Marriott status level, you must consider how often you’re traveling and how loyal you are to Marriott. These two factors will help you decide whether you should go for a higher status.
