Greater-tier Marriott Bonvoy elite members have lengthy had entry to Suite Night Awards (SNAs) as a part of this system’s annual choice benefits. Platinum members may select 5 SNAs after they reached 50 elite qualifying nights in a calendar yr, and Titanium members may decide to obtain one other 5 at 75 nights.
The best way SNA’s work is often easy: Reserve a typical room at a taking part property and make the most of SNAs to ensure an improve earlier than check-in.
However now adjustments to SNAs we first heard about last year are lastly beginning to roll out in a phased system this week, in keeping with a Marriott spokesperson.
Let’s delve into what these adjustments entail for you.
Nightly Improve Awards
Probably the most notable adjustments is that SNAs will now be generally known as Nightly Improve Awards (NUAs). Marriott has determined to make this alteration to raised replicate the character of the profit, as every award particularly covers one evening in a premium room (and never essentially a collection).
To be clear, there have been no modifications to the variety of nights every award covers. Beforehand, Platinum and Titanium elite members may select SNAs for 5 nights at a time. NUAs will operate equally — the one distinction is the identify change, which goals to supply extra readability for members.
For comparability, World of Hyatt provides Suite Improve Awards as milestone rewards for high-tier elites (two at 50 nights, two at 60 nights after which a alternative of 10,000 bonus factors or one other improve at 70, 80, 90 and 100 nights). Nevertheless, these are confirmed instantly, topic to availability, they usually cowl stays of as much as seven nights.
IHG One Rewards additionally has confirmable suite upgrades for members by means of its milestone rewards program — you’ll be able to decide one at each 20 and 40 nights after which two at 70 nights. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to solely verify these beginning 14 days prematurely, although each covers as much as 5 nights.
Hilton Honors consists of no printed mechanism to substantiate a complimentary improve earlier than your keep.
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5 new manufacturers
Along with its present manufacturers, you’ll use NUAs at 5 further manufacturers:
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Version Motels
- Aloft
- Aspect
- Protea Motels
This growth is notable, particularly because it consists of high-end properties below the Ritz-Carlton and Version manufacturers. A Marriott spokesperson beforehand confirmed that these manufacturers will “each totally take part in this system … relying on availability, members will be capable of redeem their NUAs for each suites and premium rooms.”
Most entry-level suites at Ritz-Carlton properties boast a front room space separate from the bed room, together with a further half lavatory. So, this could possibly be an incredible improvement in your 2024 stays.
For example, TPG’s Nick Ewen has an upcoming keep at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, and he now sees an choice to request an improve from his customary room (booked with an 85,000-point certificates) to a pair of suites.
These rooms are roughly $600 costlier than the paid fee for his customary room, and beforehand, this reservation wasn’t eligible for any sort of an improve. Hopefully this information level is an indication of what is to come back throughout these 5 manufacturers.
Associated: Your guide to using Marriott Suite Night Awards for upgrades
Extra upgraded room decisions
Marriott can also be increasing the pool of rooms at which you should use your upgrades. It guarantees so as to add “almost 20% extra premium rooms and suites … for upgrades throughout all taking part manufacturers with options like oceanfront rooms, balconies and further area,” the Marriott spokesperson advised TPG.
The spokesperson added that the 20% enhance relies on the 5 new manufacturers and the elevated variety of rooms eligible for the awards. “Our aim from the outset was to make extra rooms total out there for our members,” he famous.
In fact, it stays to be seen simply how this can look as this system adjustments start to roll out this week.
One of many largest frustrations for TPG staffers (and readers) is when a given property restricts the room varieties out there for these rewards. For instance, household vacationers might not need a room on a better flooring or with a greater view. Having further area (together with some separation between the bed room and residing space) is extra vital, so it is nice to have full suites out there as a alternative for these awards.
Hopefully, we’ll see this mirrored meaningfully within the expanded stock.
Associated: Marriott Suite Night Awards: How TPG staff has used them this year, and how they can be improved
A shorter affirmation window
Up to now, Marriott Bonvoy used to test its improve stock and ensure SNAs beginning 5 days earlier than your scheduled arrival. Now, you’ll obtain a notification concerning the standing of your NUA request beginning three days earlier than your arrival.
Sadly, this adjustment might pose some challenges when redeeming NUAs. Because the check-in date approaches, the provision of upgraded rooms sometimes turns into extra restricted, as last-minute company might e book these rooms.
Associated: 8 tips to help you upgrade your hotel room for free
Backside line
We’re happy that Marriott is together with 5 further manufacturers as a part of its transition from SNAs to NUAs, and it is also dedicated to creating extra rooms out there for members to request upgrades.
Nevertheless, it is not all excellent news. Marriott is adjusting the beginning affirmation window for these awards from 5 to 3 days earlier than the scheduled check-in date.
It stays to be seen simply how a lot this can influence your capacity to redeem improve awards throughout the portfolio, however we’ll maintain you up to date now that these adjustments are beginning to be applied.
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