The Starwood-Marriott Merger is Complete: Now You’ve Got to Link Your Accounts, Again

It’s been almost two years since we wrote: “The Starwood-Marriott Hotel Merger is Complete – Here’s How That’s Good for You.”

As of this past week, August 18, 2018, to be exact, the acquisition of Starwood Hotels by Marriott International really is complete, and the combination of its three existing loyalty programs (Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards) has been finalized.

Which means, there is now one program that will operate under one set of unified benefits – and one currency – over the entire loyalty portfolio.

You can view/search all 6,700 hotels and their associated award category and nightly points requirements at the link below.

Marriott Hotels Points Redemption and Categories List

Combining the Loyalty Programs

Much has been written over the past few years about this acquisition, and especially so over the last month or so since Marriott announced the official date for the loyalty programs’ combination.

A quick Google search will provide more than enough specific information and maximization tips should you be interested.

This post, however, is very specific, focusing on the fact that now that all three loyalty programs are one, one last combination of programs must be done.

It might seem odd since in the post we published almost two years ago, we provided information on linking loyalty programs.

And yes, that worked, providing members of all programs the ability to combine points and status levels.

But, now that all the intricacies of combining programs are complete, all programs must one final time, be combined.

It’s not a difficult process, especially if you have already linked your programs over the past few years.

Once you log in to your account, you’ll be prompted to combine accounts.

Simply follow the prompts and in a minute or two you’ll be done, your accounts fully combined.

Much of this is housekeeping in nature – providing one member number, profile, and log in.

But for those with higher levels of status, and more intricate award benefits, the combination will ensure all benefits will be available for all reservation bookings.

Below is a chart illustrating what will be available and when once accounts are combined.

Wrap Up

Even though members in both the Starwood and Marriott loyalty programs have been able to link accounts, combine points and enjoy shared status for almost two years now, an “official” combination of an individual’s programs is required one last time.

If you haven’t checked your Starwood or Marriott accounts since last weekend’s (August 18, 2018) loyalty program merger, log in now and you’ll be prompted to combine your accounts one last time.

The process is quick and easy, and in no time your accounts will be combined and you’ll be able to book reservations at a much larger number of now-Marriott properties spread around the globe.