Confirmed: Marriott – Starwood Merger Will Close September 23, 2016
Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here’s our full advertising policy: How we make money.
Via Reddit, the merger between Marriott and Starwood received final approval from regulators in China.
While this was expected, it was the last step needed to finalize the transaction between the 2 hotel companies, which will now close on September 23, 2016.
Following the closing of the merger, I do NOT expect any immediate major changes to either hotel chain’s loyalty program. I’ve said that your Starwood points are likely safe until 2018!
I’ll explain what you can expect from the combined hotel company.
What’s Happening With the Marriott – Starwood Merger?
Link: Your Starwood Points Are Likely Safe Until 2018
The Marriott & Starwood hotel merger will officially close on September 23, 2016. The result will be the world’s largest hotel company.Many folks are wondering if they should quickly use their Starwood points balances. But I think you still have time!
In the initial merger announcement, Marriott President and CEO, Arne Sorenson, said there were no plans to combine the Marriott and Starwood loyalty programs until 2018. And I recently met with a Starwood executive who confirmed the same.
Although major changes are not expected with either loyalty program, you might notice new things after the merger. For example, Marriott recently revealed a preview to their mobile app update, which shows you can link your Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, and Starwood loyalty accounts.
I suspect any immediate changes won’t impact the loyalty programs. Instead, it will be advertising and app updates to show folks the hotel brands are now part of one parent company. And perhaps Marriott will begin offering perks to Starwood elite status members, like bonus points on stays.
Each hotel chain will likely continue their own promotions in the near term. For example, Starwood recently announced an offer to earn 2X or 3X Starwood points on stays through December 19, 2016.
With the deal now closed, are there any changes you’d like to see with the loyalty programs?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Intro APR on purchases
N/A
Regular APR
20.49% – 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Balance Transfer Fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Rates & Fees
Other
MORE INFO
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
Join the Discussion!