Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus have a longstanding partnership, which offers some reciprocal perks. In this post I wanted to take a closer look at what’s available through this collaboration, since it’s something that many members overlook.
The concept of an airline and hotel group working together makes sense, since those who fly a lot are also likely to stay in hotels a lot. This isn’t the only such tie-up in the industry, as World of Hyatt and American AAdvantage also have a partnership (for that matter, Marriott Bonvoy and Emirates Skywards also have a partnership).
In this post:
Details of the Marriott & United collaboration
The partnership between Marriott and United is known as Rewards Plus, and it offers elite reciprocity and the ability to transfer points between programs at a more favorable rate. The partnership is unlikely to be a game changer for anyone, but it’s better than nothing, and is most definitely worth using if eligible. Let’s look at the perks that are available through this, in no particular order…
Select Marriott elites receive United status
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador members receive United MileagePlus Premier Silver status at no additional cost. This isn’t a one-time thing, as you can take advantage of this on an ongoing basis, as long as you maintain your status.
This is United’s entry level elite status, which offers space available upgrades to first class or Economy Plus, priority boarding, bonus miles, and more. Don’t get too excited about this, but it’s better than nothing, and once in a while you may even score a first class upgrade because of it.
Select United elites receive Marriott status
United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, 1K, and Global Services members, receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold status at no additional cost. This isn’t a one-time thing, as you can take advantage of this on an ongoing basis, as long as you maintain your status.
This is Marriott’s second lowest of five elite tiers. Marriott Gold status offers perks like 25% bonus points, enhanced room upgrades, priority late check-out, a welcome gift of points, premium Wi-Fi, and more.
Convert Marriott points into United miles
As far as hotel loyalty programs go, one of the unique things about Marriott Bonvoy is how you can convert Bonvoy points into airline miles at a fair ratio. Thanks to the partnership between Marriott and United, you get an even better transfer ratio:
- Marriott Bonvoy points ordinarily convert into most airline miles at a 3:1 ratio
- While you ordinarily receive a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transfered, in this case you receive a bonus of 10,000 miles for every 60,000 points transfered
This means that 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points convert into 30,000 United MileagePlus miles, meaning you can convert miles at a 2:1 ratio, in the right increments. Now, I still wouldn’t recommend taking advantage of this, based on my valuation of points — I value United miles at 1.1 cents each, and Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, so by my valuation you’re losing value there.
Convert United miles into Marriott points
There aren’t many airlines that let you efficiently convert miles into hotel points. Thanks to this partnership, Premier members can convert United MileagePlus miles into Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio. Personally this isn’t how I’d choose to redeem my Bonvoy points, but it’s at least not the worst redemption value on earth.
Limited time dual accrual promotion
Unfortunately on an ongoing basis there aren’t any dual accrual opportunities with Marriott & United. However, for a limited time in late 2023, hotel stays credited to Marriott Bonvoy and flights credited to MileagePlus are more rewarding:
- Marriott Bonvoy Titanium and Ambassador members can earn 750 bonus Bonvoy points per United ticket
- United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members, can earn 500 bonus MileagePlus miles per Marriott stay
There’s no indication that this will be a long-term opportunity, but it sure would be nice…
Bottom line
Marriott Bonvoy and United MileagePlus have a special partnership, offering reciprocal elite status and improved points transfer rates. While it’s hardly the most exciting partnership out there, it’s one that many people aren’t familiar with, so I figured it’s worth recapping.
Have you take advantage of the Marriott & United partnership?
You mentioned "United MileagePlus Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K members, can earn 500 bonus MileagePlus miles per Marriott stay", but as a United Silver I just earned 500 miles for a Residence Inn stay a few days ago.
Does anyone else read (on either Marriott's or United's website) that you need to be UA Silver Premier status to be able to transfer Marriott points into UA? I was ready to cancel my UA ccard and saw this fine print so I am keeping the card for now. I'm questioning it as I have never seen any of the travel bloggers mention this when they talk about points transfers. Maybe cause you all have elite statuses and don't come accross this rule???
I have United status through this promo. How do I add my United number to an award flight on United metal booked via Aeroplan, to take advantage of United Status? It has my Aeroplan number attached and no obvious way to change it to United.
Oh yeah sure I'll pay $350 a night for a room at the Marriott and pay for parking ($25), breakfast ($30), wifi ($15) and pool ($15), so by the time it's done it's $600.
Why not go to the Comfort Inn and pay $99 a night and get parking, breakfast, wifi and pool all included.
Luxury hotels are just a status symbol for sad, pathetic, brainwashed little people, who fail to even realize that a hotel room is a hotel room whether it is at a Comfort Inn or Marriott.
Well... no. First of all, Marriott has lots of price points and quality levels, from limited service to luxury resorts. Also you totally miss the point that this promotion is for elite members of the loyalty program who aren't going to be paying for breakfast, wifi and the pool. There are also plenty of sub-$100 Marriott properties that offer free parking in small cities and suburbs.
But for most of us, a room is not...
Well... no. First of all, Marriott has lots of price points and quality levels, from limited service to luxury resorts. Also you totally miss the point that this promotion is for elite members of the loyalty program who aren't going to be paying for breakfast, wifi and the pool. There are also plenty of sub-$100 Marriott properties that offer free parking in small cities and suburbs.
But for most of us, a room is not just a room. A nicer room comes with a better bed, sheets, pillows and towels, as well as a decent gym with equipment that works. Often more effort is made to keep rooms clean as well. If you don't mind a mattress that sags and tiny, threadbare towels, knock yourself out. It helps keep the occupancy down for better hotels and, therefore, the rates lower for the rest of us.
And, finally, if you don't give a cr*p about luxury travel, why are you reading this blog... about luxury travel. Are you just here to troll?
You omitted the fact that only after I spend $11000 per year (the average before you're in this tier), will I get my free parking.
So, now I know for sure. You're just here to troll. You've pulled a bogus stat out of your a@@ for something not offered by Marriott. Look, if you want to stay at Comfort Inns, knock yourself out. Feel free to extol the virtues of the Comfort Inn. Just don't call the rest of us sad, pathetic and stupid because we don't want to stay there. It just makes you look like a jerk. And, if you keep trolling, you'll confirm that you are a jerk. Your choice.
AD, I never insinuated that the rest of you are "sad, pathetic and stupid', merely that if you choose to stay at a Marriott (average Google review for the chain, systemwide - 4.1) versus a Comfort Inn (average Google review for the chain, systemwide - 4.2) that you either have a mental disorder or an undescended testicle.
Has anyone seen any points or miles post from the current United/Marriott promotion? Or should I expect to wait until the end of the promotion period to see my points and miles?
My 500 miles posted on my United account 2 days after checking out of the Marriott property.
The United miles post immediately as the stay credits to Bonvoy account. Best seems that in addition to the 500 miles there is additional 500 Marriott points posted with the stay as well. Ambassador here with United Silver status due to the Marriott “match”.
Peter -- thanks for the info. I was wondering if it wasn't working since my United status is also through the match. That also explains the random extra 500 points on my last few Marriott stays. I'll contact United support about my miles.
How this reminds me a bit of the good times with SPG and Delta crossover.
Funny how you show support of airline-hotel partnerships when it suits you and not when discussing the topic with me.
You're not understanding my initial statement obviously as I never said such partnership is bad for customers.
But thanks for coming all the way from Ethiopia to tell me this.
I have replied there too.
I'm not sure why you keep picking fights with me on here? You have a most unusual business sense.
And I'm not sure what "thanks for coming all the way from Ethiopia to tell me this" Is supposed to mean?
Means in this post you are just like the Tim Dunn of Choice Hotels.
Sorry Darryl, I just looked at the 2023 World Hotel Awards rankings and turns out Choice Hotels was #2. I take that back.
Yes, obviously per my previous posts on other pages, Choice Hotels operates the premier lodging establishments in all except for major US and European cities.
Marriott Hotels are just plain overpriced. You mean to tell me that anybody would rather pay $300 a night and have no free breakfast, no free parking and no pool VERSUS Comfort Inn $99 a night with a free breakfast, free parking and a wonderful pool.
Anybody stating at a Marriott is just doing so to rub it in others faces, but in the end look like absolute dinks. Low IQ move.
If I had a dime for every time a guest account on here rages about "low IQ" people in any context that doesn't fit exactly their world view and circumstance, I'd have at least a dollar.
Great comment, Andrew. Very intelligent, insightful, and not at all Low IQ! WELL DONE!