In 2013, Hyatt and MGM Resorts formed a partnership.This provided more ways for Hyatt members to enjoy Las Vegas. Initially, the partnership was basic, with no additional benefits. However, in 2017, things became more exciting. Members of the World of Hyatt could earn and redeem points at MGM Resorts in Las Vegas. They may also match their membership status. However, the partnership came to an end in September 2023. Then, in July 2023, Marriott International and MGM Resorts made a major announcement. They launched a new long-term partnership called “MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy.”
The two companies have just revealed what elite members can expect from each other. Starting in early 2024, Marriott Bonvoy members will have the opportunity to earn and redeem points at a broader range of locations in Las Vegas, both on the Strip and beyond, as part of this long-term license agreement. If you were a member of MGM Resorts’ loyalty program, MGM Rewards, you could link your accounts for extra benefits. You could also transfer loyalty points between the two programs. Some MGM resorts would be linked with well-known Marriott brands such as The Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection, and Tribute Portfolio.
What is MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy?
MGM Resorts International and Marriott International have teamed up to create the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. This partnership allegedly means that you get to enjoy fantastic places to stay and numerous perks. These properties become available in early 2024.
Participating MGM Resorts Destinations
Sixteen MGM Resorts destinations are set to become part of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. Among them, four will be affiliated with well-known Marriott collection brands [link]:
- Bellagio Resort & Casino: The Luxury Collection
- ARIA Resort & Casino: Autograph Collection
- Park MGM Las Vegas: Tribute Portfolio
- The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Autograph Collection
Seven MGM Resorts destinations in Las Vegas will also join the collection, including:
- Vdara Hotel & Spa Las Vegas
- MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
- The Signature at MGM Grand
- Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
- New York-New York Hotel & Casino
- Luxor Hotel & Casino
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Additionally, five MGM Resorts destinations in other U.S. locations will be part of the MGM Collection:
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (Atlantic City, New Jersey)
- Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi, Mississippi)
- MGM Grand Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)
- MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, Maryland)
- MGM Springfield (Springfield, Massachusetts)
Status Opportunities & Flexible Point Transfers
In the near future, eligible MGM Rewards members who have enrolled in Marriott Bonvoy can link their accounts and enjoy exclusive tier matching benefits at select Marriott Bonvoy destinations [link]. This initiative offers an initial tier level status match and benefits, valid through December 31, 2024.
Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer points between accounts, giving them more flexibility when it comes to redeeming rewards.
- Gold-level MGM Rewards members can link their accounts to receive Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status,
- Platinum members receive Gold Elite status.
- NOIR members receive Ambassador Elite status.
No elite membership is required to link accounts, but Gold-level and higher MGM Rewards members can take advantage of status match opportunities. Marriott Bonvoy members of all levels can earn and redeem points at MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy destinations, with additional benefits for Elite members. Both programs enable point transfers between accounts.However, Marriott Bonvoy does not match tiers with MGM Rewards, which may limit benefits for Marriott members.
Marriott Bonvoy Membership Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy members enjoy benefits based on their membership level during Qualifying Stays at MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy destinations. Once these properties are available on Marriott channels, members can unlock unique advantages:
- Silver Elite:
- 10% bonus points on charges.
- Gold Elite:
- 25% bonus points on charges.
- Welcome gift of 500 points per stay.
- Platinum Elite:
- 50% bonus points on charges.
- Enhanced room upgrades, priority check-in, and late checkout.
- Welcome gift of 1,000 points or $15 F&B credit.
- Titanium Elite:
- 75% bonus points on charges.
- Enhanced room upgrades, priority check-in, and late checkout.
- Welcome gift of 1,000 points or $15 F&B credit.
- Ambassador Elite:
- 75% bonus points on charges.
- Waived resort fee, suite upgrade, and priority access.
- Welcome gift, complimentary parking, and more.
PROS
- Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer points between accounts, allowing for more flexible rewards redemption.
- Marriott Bonvoy members can now earn and redeem points at a broader range of locations in Las Vegas.
- MGM Rewards members can link their accounts for additional benefits, while eligible MGM Rewards members who enroll in Marriott Bonvoy can receive tier matching benefits.
- Some MGM resorts will be connected to well-known Marriott brands such as The Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection, and Tribute Portfolio.
CONS
- Gold Elite members seem to be getting the short end of the stick, receiving what can be described as basically nothing in terms of perks and benefits.
- Members must achieve Ambassador Elite status to avoid resort fees. But it could be tough, because we all know how difficult it is to achieve that status.
- Marriott Bonvoy does not match tiers with MGM Rewards, which may limit benefits for Marriott members.
- Stays at MGM properties will only be eligible for Marriott Bonvoy if they are booked directly through Marriott, potentially limiting customer flexibility in finding the best rates.
- The ‘MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy’ program has been delayed until 2024, which may affect member trust and anticipation.
- The partnership may result in higher room rates in Las Vegas, as Marriott Bonvoy is expected to attract customers willing to pay more at resorts.
In a Nutshell
Marriott International and MGM Resorts launched the “MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy” in July 2023. Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn and redeem points at a variety of Las Vegas locations beginning in early 2024, expanding their options.
This partnership has left me feeling somewhat disappointed. Hyatt was way ahead!
On the positive side, Marriott Bonvoy members can now transfer points between accounts, which expands their reward redemption options. They can also earn and redeem points at a wider variety of Las Vegas locations, giving them more options for their stay. MGM Rewards members can link their accounts for additional benefits, and eligible members can receive tier matching benefits by enrolling in Marriott Bonvoy. However, when it comes to cons, Gold Elite members appear to be on the losing end, receiving virtually no perks or benefits. To avoid resort fees, you must first achieve the elusive Ambassador Elite status, which may prove difficult for many members.
The disappointment continues as Marriott Bonvoy fails to match tiers with MGM Rewards, potentially limiting benefits for Marriott members. Stays at MGM properties will only qualify for Marriott Bonvoy if booked directly through Marriott. Adding to the frustration, the ‘MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy’ program will be further delayed (no specific date has been provided), affecting member trust and anticipation. Furthermore, there are concerns that the partnership will drive up room rates in Las Vegas, as Marriott Bonvoy is expected to attract customers willing to pay more at resorts.
In contrast to these challenges, the initial excitement surrounding the July 2023 launch has subsided, and the overall impact of the partnership on member expectations is unknown.
