Marriott bought Starwood Hotels and SPG the Loyalty program a while ago. They have merged their IT and now Elite Members of the Marriott Program can apply their Status to be matched with Starwood or the other way around.

There were a lot worries by SPG Members as SPG is the far superior Rewardsprogram with unlimited Suiteupgrades. In Asia you get upgraded to Suites all the times, just book the cheapest room and receive some impressive suites (St.Regis or W Bangkok) but Marriott made a good job, 1 SPG Point converts to 3 Marriott Points which is a fair rate.

Let's have a look at the Marriott Status requirements first:

It's very tough, for Gold which basically just gives lounge access and free breakfast you have to stay 50 nights and for Platinum you have to stay 75 nights with Marriott (There's some tricks for example the Marriott Branded credit-card, with 75.000 USD spending will give you Platinum etc.)

SPG (Starwood Preferred Guest) on the other hand has the easiest Platinum Qualification Requirement with only 25 Stays (and only 10 for Gold)

Now if you are a Starwood Gold this is the best deal, for only 10 Stays you will receive Marriott Gold with free breakfast and guaranteed Lounge access (SPGs Gold do not get these benefits with SPG) If you don't have a Marriott account find one of the New-member Signup Offers (Stay 2 nights at Marriott and get a free night) and match your Status after that. 

As a Starwood Platinum you will be able to link your Marriott Account with your Starwood Platinum Account and instantly receive Platinum Status with Marriott. (0 Stays instead of 75 Stays) 

Marriott Rewards Elite Members can do the same thing and receive Instant Gold or Platinum Status. 

It works without any hiccups!!! (Kudos to both IT departments)

The deal gets even better as Marriott Platinums receive free United Airlines Silver Status (Free Luggage and Free Premium Eco on United etc..)

Here is how your upgrade to United Silver will look like

OK, now let me show you how to game the system a bit, if you want to receive Marriott / SPG Status.

1.) Signup for SPG and book 10 stays at an ultra cheap Fourpoints or Aloft (there is hotels at 45$ per night) match to Marriott Gold

2.) If you have Status with Hilton or Hyatt, Signup for a SPG challenge and do 18 stays for Platinum and than Match to Marriott

3.) Get the SPG Creditcard and receive 5 Nights or 2 Stays as a credit towards Gold or Platinum with SPG (only 8 Stays in a Hotel needed) match to Marriott

4.) Get the Marriott Creditcard, spend 75.000 USD and receive Marriott Platinum match to SPG Platinum

5.) If you have a Amex Platinum or Centurioncard, get your free SPG Gold Card and match to Marriott

6.) If you are a United Gold you will receive free Marriott Gold, match to SPG Gold

Now the best thing, if you live in the USA or Canada and are able to apply for a Starwood Amex, than get that card asap. 

There is no Card in the market which will earn you 3 Mariott Points per 1 USD. (Remember you can transfer Starpoints at a rate of 1:3 to Marriott) 

Please leave a comment if want more travel hacks!!!

I am blogging about the following topics :

• I travel the world (Travel and Restaurant Blog)
• Exposed (Uncovering Stories you need to know)
• Lifehacks (How to save money,etc) 
• SPOTTED (Limited Edition Food, Drinks, Gadgets)
• Steemperlen (German Version)
• SQUEEZE (Interview Series) 
• COOKED (10 Episodes Cooking Series)
• Working anytime, anywhere (New series for freelancers)