Marriott Bonvoy, the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, has taken a bold step by forming a 20-year partnership with MGM Rewards. This collaboration aims to further expand Marriott Bonvoy, which already boasts over 180 million active members and nearly 9,000 properties worldwide. The addition of 17 new MGM-branded resorts and casinos to their portfolio this fall is set to mark a significant milestone for the loyalty program.
Interestingly, this partnership announcement comes shortly after the termination of ties between World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards. The decision to end reciprocal benefits for members on September 30, 2023, has undoubtedly stirred interest in the industry. Now, with Marriott Bonvoy stepping in to welcome MGM Rewards, the landscape of loyalty programs and the perks they offer could undergo intriguing changes.
Members and enthusiasts of Marriott Bonvoy are eagerly awaiting further details on the benefits and privileges this partnership will bring. Reciprocal benefits are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for both MGM and Marriott Bonvoy members. As the specifics of these reciprocal benefits unfold, travelers will have more reasons to explore and enjoy the offerings of these two renowned hospitality giants.
With their massive combined reach, Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards will likely tap into new markets and attract a broader audience. The partnership could lead to a fusion of diverse hospitality experiences, adding value to the travel journeys of loyal patrons. As this ambitious alliance takes shape, the world of hotel loyalty programs is sure to witness intriguing developments over the next two decades.
17 new MGM hotels to join Marriott Bonvoy
On July 17, 2023, a new deal was signed between two major loyalty programs, Marriott and MGM. The partnership is set to officially launch in October 2023, with some properties available for booking on both Marriott’s and MGM’s websites. By the end of the year, all remaining hotels will be fully integrated into the program.
As for the specific details of the partnership, four MGM hotels and resorts will join Marriott Bonvoy’s existing hotel collections. These include the luxurious Bellagio Resort & Casino under The Luxury Collection, the ARIA Resort & Casino as part of the Autograph Collection, the Park MGM joining the Tribute Portfolio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, also joining the Autograph Collection.
In addition to the four hotels mentioned above, eight MGM resorts in Las Vegas will form the “MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy,” a specially curated collection for this collaboration. These properties include the Vdara Hotel & Spa, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, NoMad Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, and Excalibur Hotel & Casino.
Expanding beyond the Strip, five more MGM resorts will be part of this new collection, and they are Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi; MGM Grand Detroit in Michigan; MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland; and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.
Members to enjoy reciprocal loyalty benefits
MGM and Marriott have recently announced a new partnership that will bring about exciting benefits for their loyalty program members. Under this partnership, MGM Rewards members will have the opportunity to link their accounts with Marriott Bonvoy and enjoy select member benefits. On the other side, Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at all properties within the MGM Collection. This collaboration marks a significant step beyond the conventional franchise agreement and allows both companies to leverage each other’s strengths to enhance the experience for their loyal customers.
The launch of The MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy is scheduled for October 2023. While the exact details of the reciprocal loyalty benefits have not been revealed yet, both MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members can anticipate receiving more information in the coming months leading up to the official launch. This promises to be a robust relationship, offering a wide array of entertainment, culinary, and sports offerings from MGM and a global portfolio of properties for Marriott’s loyal members.
Unlike the previous partnership with World of Hyatt, it seems that Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards’ collaboration will be much more integrated. This integration opens up the possibility of exciting perks such as status-matching opportunities, elite night credits, bonus points, and other exclusive benefits for the members of both loyalty programs. As the launch date approaches, travelers can look forward to a wealth of new opportunities and enhanced experiences through this unique alliance
How to maximize rewards with the program
Marriott Bonvoy recently joined forces with MGM Rewards, presenting a partnership that expands accommodation options in Las Vegas and other U.S. cities, totaling over 40,000 rooms. While the specific elite benefits are yet to be disclosed, members of both programs will enjoy the ability to earn and redeem points within the expansive MGM Collection and Marriott Bonvoy properties.
To make the most of the rewards program, utilizing a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card is a savvy choice. There are various credit card options available, each offering distinct advantages:
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card is a no-annual-fee option that provides 3 points per $1 on purchases made at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2 points per $1 on various travel purchases (ranging from airfare to taxis and trains), and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, with a $95 annual fee, rewards cardholders with 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per $1 on combined annual purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining (up to $6,000 spent), and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
For those seeking elevated benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card offers 6 points per $1 on eligible Marriott purchases, 4 points per $1 on the first $15,000 spent annually on combined grocery and dining purchases, and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases, albeit with a higher $250 annual fee.
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card carries a $250 annual fee and allows cardholders to earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2 points), and 2 points per $1 on all other purchases. Terms apply.
For premium benefits, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases. However, this card comes with a higher $650 annual fee. Terms apply.
Lastly, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, with a $125 annual fee, provides 6 points per $1 on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services from U.S. providers, and U.S. purchases for shipping, along with 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
