Chase just dropped a pleasant surprise for existing Ritz-Carlton Credit Card holders, and if you’re among them, your wallet might be getting a bit heavier. Why? Because the metal version of the card is making a comeback, and you won’t need to lift a finger – all current cardholders will automatically receive the new design sometime this month.
The card’s benefits remain unchanged for now, but the return of the metal design is likely to bring a sigh of relief to those who found the plastic version less than satisfying. Many complained that the plastic design made the card feel cheap, especially when most cards with comparable annual fees are now metal.
For points and miles enthusiasts, the Ritz-Carlton card holds a special place in the hearts (and wallets) of many. It stands out as one of the very few, if not the only, cards offering unlimited guests when utilizing Priority Pass lounge access – a perk that’s hard to beat, and makes this card a favorite among those in the know.
Although the card officially closed its doors to new applicants back in 2018, there’s a nifty workaround. While a direct application is a no-go, you can snag the lower-tier Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card by Chase. After holding it for a year, a call to Chase requesting a product change to the Ritz-Carlton card is all it takes.
But does this subtle change hint at the card reopening for new applicants? Don’t get your hopes up. Marriott’s credit card partnerships have been complex since the SPG merger. The current arrangement seems to allocate the higher-tier cards, like the Bonvoy Brilliant, to AmEx for new applicants, while Chase handles the lower-tier cards such as the Bonvoy Boundless and Bold.
Yet, as they say, never say never. In a curious turn of events in 2022, Marriott simultaneously introduced the Bonvoy Bevy and Bonvoy Bountiful. These two cards are nearly identical in every aspect, with the Bevy being an AmEx card and the Bountiful a Chase Visa.
Oddly enough, the Bountiful seems to have been all but forgotten since its launch, overshadowed by the Bevy. However, it’s still available for new applications on Chase’s website. The Bountiful’s only potential edge over the Bevy? It might appeal to those who frequent Costco or need wider acceptance abroad, given Visa’s global footprint. Depending where you go in Europe, it seems like either everyone accepts AmEx, or nobody accepts it.
Speculating on what would happen if the Ritz-Carlton card reopened to new applicants, my hunch is that there could be some adjustments to the Priority Pass benefits. The current unlimited guests feature, especially for those with families, might be too good to last. If the floodgates were to open for new applicants, a plausible scenario could involve capping Priority Pass guests at two per visit, mirroring the setup of the Sapphire Reserve. Chase has surprised us before, and it’s likely they’ll surprise us again, so stay tuned.
The Bilt Rewards MasterCard has been gaining attention as one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards. Spearheaded by Richard Kerr, Bilt Rewards has swiftly established an impressive rewards network, boasting quality transfer partners such as World of Hyatt, Aeroplan, and Flying Blue. Notably, it’s the sole transferable points system that links to AAdvantage, a feat even Citi’s ThankYou points can’t boast about.
Kerr, renowned in the points and miles realm, was a pivotal figure in formerly esteemed website that we’re not gonna name here – one which, in his absence, has devolved into a collection of AI-generated cruise “top 10” lists (seriously, what’s “GPT” spelled backwards?).
While Bilt’s array of transfer partners is generally commendable, the recent addition of Marriott Bonvoy gives us some pause. Similar to Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Reward points convert to Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio. However, unlike other partners, Marriott Bonvoy points traditionally carry a lesser value (significantly so). To help sorta-kinda mitigate this discrepancy, Bilt introduced an additional incentive: a 25% bonus with every 20,000 Bilt points transferred in a single transaction, yielding an extra 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
While this measure is a noble gesture on the part of Bilt, despite the bonus, transferring points to Marriott Bonvoy may not be the most prudent choice. My valuation typically places Bonvoy points within the range of 0.6 to 0.8 cents per point (cpp). In contrast, World of Hyatt’s point value frequently exceeds 2.0 cpp; a judicious redemption strategy might even reach 4-5 cpp, though 2 cpp is a reasonable baseline for most redemptions.
Should you just really need to use Bilt points for a Marriott property, utilizing the Bilt travel portal might still be your best bet here. Although you’ll forfeit any elite benefits or credits toward Bonvoy status, the fixed rate of 1.25 cpp might still make a lot more sense. If you are able to just pay cash and save your Bilt points for more valuable redemptions, that’s what I’d do.
I suppose it’s good to have options. More options are (generally) better than fewer options. If you stumble upon a Bonvoy redemption with significant outsize value, this may be beneficial. In general though, I’d think very carefully before transferring to Marriott.
Changes are coming to Marriott Bonvoy’s upgrade awards in 2024. First and foremost, the Suite Night Awards that we’ve grown accustomed to will be rebranded as “nightly upgrade awards.” Marriott seems to be using this new name to set the record straight: don’t expect to be swimming in suite upgrades, even if you’re an elite member.
Now, let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details. These nightly upgrade awards will extend their reach to a broader range of brands, including Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Aloft, Element, and Protea Hotels. While the notion of an upgrade at an Aloft might be puzzling, the prospect of an upgrade at Ritz-Carlton or EDITION is genuinely exciting, as it enhances the overall program experience. Ritz-Carlton previously hardly offered any elite benefits at all, so it’s nice to see them aligning the brand a little more closely with competitor Park Hyatt, where full elite benefits are offered to World of Hyatt members.
The suite upgrade game is also evolving in terms of room types. Marriott will expand the room inventory, adding nearly 20% more room types beyond just suites. Expect to see options like oceanfront rooms, balconies, and additional space, though it’s worth noting that even with these new room types, the 20% figure they’re promoting is influenced by the inclusion of five additional brands.
One significant shift to be aware of is the timing of upgrade processing. In the past, suite upgrade requests were considered five days prior to check-in. However, Marriott is shortening the upgrade window, now processing upgrades a mere three days before arrival and allowing more time to upsell on paid upgrades or sell the suites outright. This puts them in stark contrast to Hyatt and IHG, who confirm upgrades in advance, either at booking or 14 days before check-in.
Marriott will often try to upsell guests, even non-elites, on paid suite upgrades. In contrast, IHG and Hyatt are more generous when it comes to offering suite upgrades to elite members. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Hilton doesn’t seem to have a defined policy on suite upgrades, leaving it up to the discretion of the front desk agent.
In the end, this isn’t as groundbreaking as it sounds; what Marriott is doing with upgrade awards is simply a step toward setting realistic expectations for Platinum elites and higher. While upgrades will still be part of the perks, the chances of snagging a suite are slim. In many ways, Marriott is merely formalizing what has been the unofficial policy for years – many Bonvoy elites will attest to difficulty in redeeming SNA awards under the current scheme. So, as you look ahead to 2024, keep these changes in mind when planning your Marriott stays. Happy travels!
Last month, I had the pleasure of staying at The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of boutique properties. Admittedly I was cheating on Hyatt here, as there are currently no Hyatt options in or near any major cities in Scotland – in fact, the only Hyatt property in Scotland is in a remote area near the border with England (though this will change in 2025 with the new Centric near Haymarket Station). The hotel is situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, and I was pleasantly surprised by my stay. Here’s my review of this unique establishment.
Location The hotel’s location is tough to beat. It is nestled in the city center, conveniently located on a square, just steps away from the Picardy Place tram stop. This hotel is a mere one tram stop away from Waverley Station and a 45 minute tram ride directly to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Moreover, it’s a short walk to St. James Quarter, where I recommend snagging a reservation at Duck & Waffle. Be prepared to walk up and down some steep gradients – though that’s more of an Edinburgh problem than a problem with this specific property.
Accommodation The Glasshouse Hotel boasts 77 rooms, including 17 suites, each named after a Scottish whisky or whisky region. No two rooms are alike, as the hotel is a historic building. The rooms are well-appointed, with many (but not all – mine did not) featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and blackout curtains, perfect for the long summer days at such a high latitude. While my view was nothing to write home about, featuring an office building, some parts of the hotel offer a distant view of the Firth of Forth. Each room features a complimentary minibar, restocked daily by the housekeeping team; while this was a wonderful and unique feature to have, the hotel could do a better job of communicating that the minibar’s contents are free to take. If I’d known that from the get-go, it would have saved me a trip across the square to Tesco after a very long travel day.
View from First Floor Room, Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Layout The hotel’s layout is one of the most bizarre I’ve encountered in any hotel, which I supposed is expected in a historic church repurposed into a hotel. If your room isn’t on the 3rd floor, be prepared for a bit of a hike. You’ll need to take the elevator from the lobby to the 3rd floor, as it does not access floors 1 or 2 – the staff cited UK historical preservation regulations as the reason, though I suspect the real reason is those elevator landings likely connect back to the OMNi Centre (more on that in a sec). From there, you must navigate a long hallway to reach the Snug bar and then walk down a staircase (an elevator is available within a nearby fire escape).
I almost never accept offers from hotel staff to personally show me to my room and help with my luggage, but Morgan at the front desk insisted due to the unusual layout of the facility. Indeed, I’m not sure I would have located my room without his help, and I’m not normally one to be directionally-challenged – the layout was simply that strange. Pro tip: the fire escape that contains the elevator is a much more convenient way to exit the hotel, though re-entry still requires a trek through the lobby.
Elite Recognition As a lowly Bonvoy Gold Elite member, I went in with low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised that the hotel went above and beyond the published tier benefits. I was upgraded to a larger and newly remodeled king room on the first floor, which was relatively spacious even by American standards and massive by European standards. I received two drink coupons for the bar, which is not a normal elite benefit but was a welcome gesture. I also managed to secure a 2 pm checkout at the last minute, after KLM offered me significant compensation to move to a later flight following an equipment swap from a 737-800 down to a -700. All Bonvoy members enjoy a 10% discount on all food and beverages at the Snug, regardless of their status.
Spacious King Room at the Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Service The service at The Glasshouse Hotel was exceptional and the staff very warm and friendly, as expected in Scotland. Every member of the staff, from management to housekeeping, went out of their way to ensure a memorable stay. One manager, hailing from Poland, even took the time to personally escort me through a staff corridor to show me her favorite view of the Firth of Forth from the hotel. We had a wonderful conversation, and she even jotted down recommendations for my next destination in Europe, Amsterdam.
Clientele During my stay, I noticed that nearly all of the clientele were Americans. According to the staff, the hotel and Edinburgh as a whole used to be popular with guests from Asia. However, even as pandemic-era travel restrictions have eased, guests from Asia have yet to return in significant numbers. That said, Americans have flocked to Edinburgh in droves to pick up the slack, with even JetBlue adding nonstop flights from JFK to EDI (if anyone from AA is reading this… hint hint). Despite the way American tourists are perceived in many parts of the world, the Scottish seem to genuinely like and welcome us, and the hotel staff were certainly no exception.
Rooftop Garden One of the standout features of this hotel is the rooftop garden. It offers stunning views of Calton Hill and, in the far corner, the Firth of Forth. It also contains a small wedding/event venue, but during my stay, guests were up there simply enjoying the warm, sunny weather.
Rooftop garden at the Glasshouse Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott (C) Points & PDBs
Food and Beverage The hotel’s Snug Lounge on the 3rd floor is the centerpiece of the hotel… which it sounds strange that the centerpiece would be on the 3rd floor, but again, the layout is odd. It features an indoor fire pit and offers locally sourced Scottish cuisine, afternoon tea, and whisky tastings. While I didn’t dine there, I did use my drink coupons at the bar. Haig, the bartender, made excellent recommendations, and his captivating Scottish storytelling added to the ambiance – the stories would be outlandish anywhere else, but in a magical place like Edinburgh, anything seems believable. The Brasserie, which offers breakfast only, received mixed reviews. As a Gold member, I was not entitled to complimentary breakfast, so I opted to explore local restaurants instead.
Hotel Facilities One aspect worth noting is that the hotel is not a standalone building but is built into the margins of the OMNi Centre, a small shopping mall with various dining and entertainment options. Much of the hotel’s namesake glass facade belongs to the mall, not the hotel itself. While I experienced no noise issues, some guests have reported hearing loud music from bars and restaurants in the mall inside their rooms, so be aware of this when booking.
Additionally, not long after my stay, an incredibly bright advertising display was installed on the side of the building, and I’d have to think that might be disruptive to sleep. Despite facing away from the building, the layout of the square and the sheer brightness might still cause the display board to impact your sleep quality.
Bottom Line Those who enjoy more boutique-type properties and aren’t dissuaded by the price tag (and relative lack of amenities for a full-service property) will absolutely love this hotel. However, while I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Glasshouse Hotel and was impressed by the exceptional service, I might hesitate to stay again. The rates at this hotel usually exceed £300 per night (and often north of £500), which I found challenging to justify given this is a boutique hotel in a secondary European market. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel by Hyatt often commands comparable pricing, but the hotel is much better, and it’s steps from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station in central London! Marriott Bonvoy points are a better value, clocking in between 40k-65k points many nights with Marriott’s fully dynamic award pricing.
Additionally, most of us will likely be better served by some interesting Edinburgh properties currently in the pipeline, both of which will feature a more comprehensive range of amenities (and hopefully, a better layout). As a Hyatt Globalist, I’d find it tough to cheat on Hyatt for this property once the Hyatt Centric Edinburgh Haymarket opens in 2025. For Marriott loyalists, the highly anticipated W Edinburgh (or as the locals call it, the “poop building”), slated to open in just a few short weeks, is just steps away, attached to St. James Quarter. These may be worthwhile alternatives for your next visit to Edinburgh.
Marriott Bonvoy members have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to start earning and redeeming points at MGM Resorts properties. The hype around this partnership escalated when MGM Resorts made the significant move to sever its ties with Hyatt in favor of embracing a broader, more extensive collaboration with Marriott International. The possibilities seemed endless, spanning not only the realm of hotel loyalty but also branching out into online betting and hotel branding. This announcement angered Hyatt loyalists, who had previously used Vegas as an all-you-can-eat buffet of cheap elite nights.
A specific launch date remained shrouded in uncertainty. While October 1st had been casually tossed around as a potential start date, the situation took a sudden turn when MGM Resorts faced an unprecedented cyberattack last month. The fallout from this event cast doubts on the partnership’s commencement. Now, we have official word from both companies that Marriott and MGM Resorts have decided to postpone the launch to sometime in early 2024.
In a joint statement, the companies expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership and the vision they have for their collaboration. “Marriott International and MGM Resorts International are creating an extraordinary experience for our loyalty members with the introduction of MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy,” the statement read. “Our two companies are excited to deliver world-class offerings and benefits for our guests. We look forward to debuting MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy by early 2024.”
Despite the anticipation surrounding this partnership, neither company has commented on the specific reasons for the delay. However, considering the recent cyberattack on MGM Resorts, it’s not entirely surprising that the launch has been pushed back by a few months. Cybersecurity concerns are no small matter, and both companies likely want to ensure the utmost security and readiness before introducing their collaboration to the world.
As we wait for the dust to settle and the partnership to take shape, many details about the specifics of this collaboration remain to be announced. While the delay may be a tad disappointing for Marriott Bonvoy members eager to explore the offerings at MGM Resorts properties, great things are worth the wait. Let’s hope the extra time gives the companies the opportunity to refine and enhance the offerings they plan to bring to the table.
