Starting in August, Marriott is introducing new status levels. There will be 5 different status levels available. In the current Marriott program, Platinum Elite is the highest status, but they are now introducing a higher level Platinum Premier status. Before 2018 ends, many people (myself included) are trying to chase lifetime status. This is because this is the only year you’ll be able to earn Platinum Premier lifetime status. Starting in 2018, the highest lifetime status you’ll be able to earn is Platinum. But is earning Platinum Premier status actually worth it?
With Platinum Premier, you’ll receive the following benefits over just having Platinum status:
- Extra bonus points: With Platinum Premier you’ll receive a 75% with every stay, while you’ll only earn a 50% bonus with Platinum. If you stay often at Marriott hotels then this could add up, but if you only stay here and there or typically use points, then this will not have a huge impact.
- 48-hour guarantee: If you need a Marriott or SPG property and the hotel is sold out, as long as it is 48 hours or more from your check-in date, those with Platinum Premier status are guaranteed a room. The huge caveat to this is that you’ll pay rack rate which can be incredibly expensive. I’ve personally had Marriott Platinum status for 8 years in total and have never once use this benefit, so the value really depends on the person. For me, the value is incredibly minimal.
- United Premier Silver Status: Through the RewardsPlus partnership, those with Platinum Premier status will receive United Silver status. All you have to do is link your Marriott account to your United MileagePlus account. Of course it is nice to earn airline status for literally doing nothing, but this is only helpful if you fly United. I hardly fly them, but for those once in a blue times, having status is nice and I can reap the benefit of no checked baggage fees.
While the other main difference between the two status levels include the choice benefits, you must actually earn the status on a yearly basis. Having lifetime status will not actually get you this perk. Platinum members receive 5 suite night awards and Platinum Premier members receive 10 suite night awards (or you can select a gift option).
As you can see above, there really isn’t a huge difference between the two status levels. Yes, you might get a slightly better room upgrade, although in my experience Marriott is pretty stingy with upgrades (unlike SPG properties). And yes, you’ll walk around with a cooler lifetime status level. But if chasing this higher status level is going to cost you a ton of money out of pocket, it probably isn’t worth it. Although benefits can always change, so there is always the chance that you might be surprised with a new benefit as some point in the future, but who knows.
Will you be chasing Platinum Premier lifetime status?
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Marriott Platinum Premiere has never helped me. I still enjoy Marriott (far more than SPG) but the Premiere thing has been a joke. The 2.5 bonus points seems like the only useful perk.
It used to be that you go United Gold instead of silver… that was fantastic since it meant Star Gold! They took that away in 2018.
About the stingy upgrade thing… I don’t understand . 14 years Platinum , 2 PP with Marriott I have never had a problem getting suite upgrades when they are available. I just ask nicely.
I have tried many times at SPG properties and found no better suite upgrade opportunities. Here are a few examples for YTD:
Marriott Waterside Tampa – Suite upgrade for 4 nights – did not ask
Marriott Marquis Atlanta – Suite Upgrade for 2 nights – did not ask
Renaissance Reno – suite Upgrade for 2 nights – had to ask
Fairfield Marriott The Colony , TX – NICE property for a Fairfield, Suite upgrade, 6 nights did not need to ask.
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes – No Suite but a nice corner room
Westin North Dallas – No upgrade, only 2 queens beds left (in honesty thats what I booked since no King rooms were left) bad property.. moved to the Fairfield and was much happier
Sheraton McKinney, TX – No upgrade, they did try though – GREAT hotel if you are in that area.
Sheraton Seattle – Upgraded for 2 nights, had to ask. They at first told me I had no suite upgrades?? huh?
Sheraton Sacramento – No upgrade, I asked and they said they were sold out but the app was still selling them . I showed them and they told me in error.
So far I am 50/50 on the year but Marriott is 80% and SPG is 20%
YMMV – I am sharing for data purposes. I could care less if I get a suite. 1 person traveling on business does not need a suite, not at all. Bed, shower, desk, luggage rack coffee maker!
@Ryan – Thank you for sharing your experience!
I’m trying to decide if Plat Plus is worth it. I have 1000+ nights and 960,000 points. I thought I could transfer 40k from SPG but according to BA Blogs that won’t count. Thoughts?
@Mike – To get Platinum Premier you’ll need 2 million points. While most transferred in points count, points transferred from SPG do NOT count.