Marriott Rewards unveils 3 new additions

Marriott International is expanding its rewards program with new benefits for its loyalty members. The new benefits are threefold: 

1. Experiences Marketplace

The new Marriott Rewards experiences marketplace gives all members, including The Ritz-Carlton Rewards members, access to a number of curated special events. These events include tickets to Broadway shows, the opportunity to meet athletes, private cooking lessons and wine-tasting sessions with a famous sommelier. These options will be available to all members in late May.

2. Elite Concierge Service
Select elite members within Marriott Rewards will be invited to participate in the program's Elite concierge service, which will establish a relationship with members to anticipate their needs before, during and after their stay. In particular, the concierge will reserve on-property amenities such as restaurants, spa treatments and activities, and will also make arrangements for special occasions. This service will launch in late May for U.S. members of Marriott Rewards, and will continue to expand internationally.

3. Guaranteed Late Checkout

Available to gold and platinum elite members of Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, members will be able to check out as late as 4 pm. Late checkouts can be requested by members when making a reservation via phone, mobile app or on arrival to the hotel. The benefit is available at Marriott Rewards hotels, and is excluded from resorts, convention hotels and Marriott Vacation Club. Silver elite members of Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards will be able to request late checkout on the day of departure, and the program launches May 16.

These new offerings draw comparisons to Starwood's Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, which offers experiential rewards through its Moments offering, a dedicated concierge with its Ambassador program and a guaranteed late checkout.

These new programs joining Marriott Rewards are part of a greater push to assume Starwood Hotels & Resorts into its fold, as the merger of the two companies grows closer.