Marriott and Ritz-Carlton widens loyalty programme

Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards have announced benefits for its loyalty programme – ‘Fab Four’.

Members will now be able to share points among friends and family, book stays with a mix of cash and points more conveniently, book travel in advance before having enough points, and earn elite night credits for stays paid for with points.

The group’s brands that will participate include: Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Autograph Collection and Courtyard by Marriott.

“Giving our members greater freedom in their reward travel is part of our mission,” said Thom Kozik, vice president, loyalty, Marriott International.

“The Fab Four is just one example of how we are continually adding more simplicity and flexibility to the Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards programs, giving our 53 million members even more value for their loyalty.”

The four benefits included in the programme are points sharing, cash + points, points advance and redemption stay credit.

Points sharing lets members transfer and receive points into and out of their accounts among all family and friends. Whereas cash + points allows for flexibility in booking redemption travel with a mix of Marriott Rewards or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards points and cash.

Meanwhile, points advance lets members book redemption travel even if they do not have enough points to cover their travel at the time of the booking. Lastly, redemption stay credit presents the opportunity to earn Elite night credits for redemption stays paid for with points at all participating hotels.