Great New Marriott Status Match & Challenge

Marriott Bonvoy has launched a new Marriott Status Match offer with a challenge for members that hold elite status with Accor, Hilton, Hyatt or IHG. You need to complete 15 nights in 90 days to KEEP the status until February 2022 BUT you do get full benefits over the 90 days so if you hold status in one of the earlier mentioned chains it could be worth a look…

How does the Marriott Status Match work?

If you hold qualifying elite status in Accor, Hilton, Hyatt or IHG (and have proof of a stay within the last 12 months) you will be matched to a Marriott Bonvoy status for 90 days depending on what status you hold in the respective program.

Below are listed what each elite status from qualifying programs will get you when using the Marriott Status match…

Hilton

Hilton Honors Gold & Diamond Members get matched to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite

World of Hyatt

World of Hyatt Explorist Members get matched to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite whereas Globalist Members will get matched to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite

Accor Live Limitless

Accor Live Limitless Gold is matched to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Accor Live Limitless Platinum or Diamond is matched to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite

IHG Rewards Club

Both IHG Rewards Club Platinum Elite & Spire Elite get matched to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite

What do I need to do to keep my status?

5 nights in 90 days will give you Gold Elite status & 15 nights in 90 days will give you Platinum Elite status. In both cases, your status would be valid until February 2022.

If you don’t meet either requirement you will be returned to your original status after the 90 days have expired.

What benefits will my Marriott Status Match get me?

To be honest Gold Elite status doesn’t have a lot in the way of benefits so I wouldn’t really bother with it. You get 25% extra base points and up to a 2PM check out on request. (though in my experience I’ve struggled to get past midday!)

Platinum Elite is the sweet stop in terms of benefits offered you are eligible for space available suite upgrades, confirmed 4 PM checkouts (not applicable to resorts & conference hotels), lounge access or breakfast, 50% bonus points, welcome amenity and benefit guarantees.

You can view in detail the benefits each Marriott Status gets here – https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits.mi

How do I apply for the Marriott Status Match?

You need to visit the Marriott Status match website here – https://status-match.marriott.com/

After you’ve logged in (you will need to create an account if you don’t have one already) You simply need to…

1) Select the program and membership level you are matching from.

2) Upload proof of your membership level and a stay dated with that program in the last 12 months.

3) Sit and wait! You should receive an email within the next 10 business days!

Anything to be aware of?

You can read the full terms & conditions of the offer here – https://status-match.marriott.com/en-us/terms – but some of the key things to be aware of are…

1. Gold and Platinum matches are available for new or existing Marriott Bonvoy base and Silver members. Existing Gold members are eligible for the Platinum match.
2. Only paid stays count, stays booked with points (or any reward stays) do not.
3. You have 90 days from the date your temporary status is awarded to meet your target
4. There is no ‘official’ end date but there are only a limited amount of status matches available

Is it worth doing?

If you are matched to Platinum Elite & are able complete 15 nights within 90 days without too much additional effort or expense then I would say yes. There are some bargains to be had at the moment but a 15-night mattress run would be expensive! You’d be better off paying for breakfast or an upgraded room that comes benefits if you aren’t staying frequently.

However… Even if you won’t complete the challenge it may still be worth applying for it if you have any upcoming Marriott stays within 90 days. Why? Remember… the status match will give you full status benefits e.g. lounge access (if open!) and free breakfast (depending on the property) etc.

Are you going to match your status with Marriott?