Marriott Bonvoy’s Latest Global Promotion Offers Twice as Much

Along with February’s arrival comes a new global promotion from Marriott Bonvoy making it easier and quicker for members to achieve elite status and redeem points for free nights at 7,500 participating hotels globally, gift cards and experiences. Members will receive double elite night credits and double points earned for stays of two nights or longer that occur between February 16 – April 27, 2021 at properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy. To take advantage, members must register here for the promotion before April 13, 2021.

Members can achieve higher elite status even quicker with this promotion when combined with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy’s co-branded credit cards from American Express and JPMorgan Chase, which offer 15 Elite Night Credits annually. Terms apply. To learn more about the cards, please visit here.

Marriott International to bring the Ritz-Carlton brand to the Swiss Alps

The Ritz-Carlton, Zermatt will mark a new era of unrivalled elegance in one of Europe’s highest mountain ranges.

Marriott International has confirmed that along with Mario Julen they will bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Zermatt, debuting the first Ritz-Carlton ski resort in Europe. 

The hotel is expected to open in 2026 and will feature 69-guest room and will echo the style and ethos of other Ritz Carlton hotels.  This will be the second Ritz-Carlton hotel in Switzerland, joining The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva.

“We are thrilled to announce this milestone signing with Mario Julen who has a fantastic vision for the project,” said Satya Anand, President, Marriott International Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Zermatt is synonymous with outstanding skiing, mountaineering and jaw-dropping scenery. As the epitome of modern luxury, this landmark development and stunning destination will enhance our portfolio of iconic Ritz-Carlton properties across the globe, offering guests an exciting opportunity to experience Zermatt’s year-round snowy peaks, world-class ski slopes, and the iconic Matterhorn mountain". 

Marriott International opens the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International will open JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort on Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, just steps from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Centre, the Anaheim hotel is designed to provide travellers with a luxury, curated experience that exudes warmth and peace.

Whether you visit to work, learn, or play, be among the first guests to take part in a luxurious stay in one of the property’s 466 lavish guest rooms, including 19 suites with quiet floors. Boasting barn door entrances to closets and bathrooms and large walk-in showers with stand-alone bathtubs and vanities, each space emanates luxury and ease.

Infused with modern art and augmented reality technology, while inspired in its design by Orange County’s diverse agricultural history, JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort invites travellers to discover a kingdom all their own with enlightening moments found at every corner. Stunning architectural designs that bring an equestrian farming concept to life radiate throughout the property’s entirety, beginning at its entrance with a thin steel art installation—featuring a harvester planting a seed—that disappears depending on the angle of the onlooker. Guests will delight in eye-catching, modern décor featuring handpicked marble flooring, a glass-blown chandelier, and nature-inspired honeycomb concepts throughout, highlighting natural materials, rustic tones, and a warm colour palette.

Earn bonus points quicker with Marriott Bonvoy’s new Summer/Fall promotion

For Marriott Bonvoy members planning a staycation or a getaway trip, the travel program and its participating hotel brands welcome you back with the launch of an exciting promotion. Beginning today through October 18, 2020, members who register for the promotion will receive 2,500 bonus points for their first and second upcoming paid stays, plus a one-time bonus of 5,000 additional points after their third paid stay. There is no limit to the number of bonus points members may earn with this promotion. This means members will continue to receive 2,500 bonus points for every paid stay thereafter throughout the promotional period.

Here are some additional helpful details:

It is important to register now (or as early as possible) because bonus points can only be earned on stays following registration
For a list of current participating hotels, visit www.marriott.com/loyalty/earn/hotels.mi
Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member’s nights or stay
There is no length of stay requirement
It is best to book directly on Marriott.com because rates available through most third-party online retailers and select travel agency rates do not qualify for this promotion
A “stay” is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity on any points-eligible rate (“Qualifying Rate”).
Homes & Villas by Marriott International, ExecuStay®, Marriott Executive Apartments® and Marriott Vacation Club® owner-occupied weeks are not eligible for bonus points, and nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for bonus points.

Major data breach at Marriott effects approximately 5.2 million guests

A major data breach at Marriott might affect up to 5.2 million guests the hospitality firm has confirmed today,.

The list of personal details that might have been breached is astounding and includes names, address - both email and postal, phone numbers, birthdays, gender, preferences and even details of any other linked loyalty programmes - like frequent flyer names and numbers.

At the moment the firm sats there is no reason to believe that Marriott Bonvoy account passwords or PINs, payment card information, passport information, national IDs, or driver’s license numbers has been compromised, yet the investigation is still ongoing. 

How could such a massive data loss happen?  Well, hotels operated and franchised under Marriott’s brands use an application to help provide services to guests at hotels. Towards the end of February 2020, Marriott found out that an unexpected amount of guest information could have been accessed using the login credentials of two employees at a franchise property. According to the company's investigation, they believe this data harvesting started in mid-January 2020. 

Marriott Jacksonville Celebrates Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

Marriott Jacksonville, managed by Columbia Sussex, recently celebrated the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation of the 255-room hotel with a grand reveal event that included tours of the hotel and centred on the spectacular Grand Ballroom.

Located at the epicentre of Jacksonville, with easy access to the city’s vibrant downtown area, famed sporting and entertainment venues, and stunning beaches, Marriott Jacksonville offers a comfortable home base for enjoying the best of the city with luxury amenities and contemporary, thoughtfully designed spaces. Reflecting the intensely musically and theatrically driven culture of Jacksonville, the hotel’s new aesthetic is bursting with warm and rich tones that rhythmically come together through visually appealing design elements.

Marriott Phoenix Airport Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

Full Transformation of Guest Rooms, Meeting and Public Spaces, Restaurant, Bar and Lounge Establish Hotel as Most Updated Accommodations with Central Phoenix Location

-Columbia Sussex, one of the largest Marriott franchisees in the country, continues its aggressive renovation program to at least 10 of its Marriott owned and operated properties. Today, Marriott Phoenix Airport announces the completion of its multi-million-dollar renovation and introduces new guest rooms, meeting and public spaces, restaurant, bar, Concierge Lounge and pool area.

Known for its proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the vibrant downtown Phoenix scene and Major League Baseball’s spring training venues, the hotel has played host to NBA All Star Terry Porter, number one NBA draft pick Deandre Ayton, MLB Announcer Harold Reynolds, several college athletic teams, and scouts from various MLB teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and the Cincinnati Reds.

JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay opens

W Marriott, part of Marriott International, Inc., announced the opening of JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay, located on the Haitang Bay, the National Coast of China. The property marks JW Marriott’s second resort on Hainan and eighteenth hotel in Greater China, seamlessly blending in with the lush landscape of Haitang Bay and illustrating the beguiling charm of the entire coast.

Adjacent to Yalong Bay National Tourism Resort, Haitang Bay boasts stunning scenery including tropical forests, white sandy beaches and shimmering waters. A 40-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the area is home to numerous tourist attractions including Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya Haichang Fantasy Town, Nanshan Temple and the Wanda International Cinema, among others. The new JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay is located on a 21.8-kilometre-long shoreline, providing a luxury escape for travellers who come to feel present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized through the brand’s curated programming.

“We are truly delighted to continue to expand our brand portfolio in Sanya, China.” said Mitzi Gaskins, Vice President & Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay is bringing a modern, luxurious setting to our guests in Sanya, as well as encouraging them to embrace the present and savour life to the fullest in a mindful and nourishing environment.”

United Joins with Marriott International to Offer Industry's First Complimentary Baggage Delivery Service

Starting November 1, United Airlines will begin offering Polaris customers on flights between New York/Newark and London Heathrow complimentary baggage delivery exclusively to five Marriott International properties. Whether they are bound for the boardroom or Big Ben, this first-of-its-kind service will allow United Polaris customers to start their London journey the moment they clear customs and drop their bags.

United's new baggage delivery benefit coincides with the airline operating its newly reconfigured Boeing 767-300ER on the route – an aircraft that features an extended cabin with 46 United Polaris business seats in the premium cabin and 22 United Premium Plus seats.

"The flight between New York/Newark and London is one of the most serviced routes in the world, and we are continually looking at how we can offer superior services and amenities for our customers travelling between these two major cities," said Andrew Nocella, the airline's chief commercial officer. "And as our customers continue to demand greater convenience and choices, we will be ready to deliver, offering the caring, creative solutions that will keep them choosing United."

Marriott International buys the W New York – Union Square.

Marriott International has confirmed that it has purchased the 270-room W New York – Union Square in the heart of Manhattan’s dynamic Union Square neighbourhood. 

The company paid a whopping $206 million for W New York – Union Square, with plans for a significant renovation. Marriott International will transform the existing hotel into a cutting-edge W Hotels showcase, advancing the company’s strategy to redefine and reinvigorate the brand in North America.

“There’s no better place than New York City to reveal to the world the future of our W Hotels brand, so we’re tremendously excited about this acquisition and the unique opportunity that it presents for our reinvention strategy,” said Arne Sorenson, President and CEO, Marriott International. “When W has launched as a single hotel in New York 21 years ago with ground-breaking design and a bold approach to nightlife, it pushed the boundaries of how people thought about a hotel. Given how much travellers crave these types of experiences today and the brand’s global reach, we see limitless potential for the W brand with hotel owners and developers, travellers and locals.”

Marriott International Signs Agreement to Introduce The Ritz-Carlton Brand to Montenegro

The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro is scheduled to open in 2024 and design plans for the hotel include 120 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites.

Marriott International, Inc. announced the signing of a milestone agreement with Northstar D.O.O. to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Montenegro. Under the plan funded by Al Yasra, The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Montenegro are scheduled to bring the brand’s unrivalled elegance and legendary service to the country in 2023.

“With its striking views of the Adriatic coast, Montenegro has quickly become a favourite Mediterranean destination for global travellers,” said Carlton Ervin, Chief Development Officer – Europe, Marriott International. “The signing of The Ritz-Carlton, Montenegro highlights the demand for our luxury brands in this exciting region. Combining the country’s serene, natural beauty together with the brand’s legendary service makes Montenegro the perfect destination for The Ritz-Carlton guest.”

The Philadelphia Marriott Old City Opens

The Philadelphia Marriott Old City has opened and is now welcoming guests as the city’s newest hotel in a flag-raising ceremony celebrating its conversion from the former Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill. Operated by PM Hotel Group, one of the nation’s leading hotel management companies, the hotel has completed phase one of a multi-million dollar, total renovation, including the city’s introduction to the new elevated concierge lounge experience, M Club.

“This hotel has been an important member of the community for more than three decades,” said Jeremy Costa, hotel general manager. “Evolving the hotel’s design and service that embraces innovation, an element central to Marriott Hotels brand, will greatly enhance the premium experience for our guests in Philadelphia’s historic district.”

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott opens in Durban

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge officially opened this month, making it the first Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotel in KwaZulu-Natal and the fourth in South Africa. A highly anticipated addition to the brand’s fast-growing portfolio, it joins Fire & Ice! by Marriott hotels in Melrose Arch (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Menlyn (Pretoria).

A short drive from King Shaka International Airport, Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Durban uMhlanga Ridge is nestled along the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal coastline in the sought-after seaside town of uMhlanga, just north of Durban. In close proximity to the breathtakingly beautiful uMhlanga Rocks Beach, the Gateway Theatre Mall and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, it provides easy access to the region’s resplendent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage as well as its burgeoning energy and vibe.

Featuring the hallmarks of the Fire & Ice! by Marriott brand such as comedy and DJ nights, bold décor, and associates who go the extra mile, it is set to transform the hotel scene in uMhlanga and emerge as the new coolest hotspot. A Durban-inspired menu, a retro VW combi, DJ booth, and design elements linked to a beach and surf theme, lend the hotel its own unique flavour and twist.

MCR Acquires the Residence Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport

Photo Marriott

Spice up any plans to visit New Mexico’s biggest city with a stay at MCR’s new hotel, where the hottest shows can be streamed from in-room Smart TVs.

 MCR, the sixth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, has acquired the 110-room Residence Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport. Just 5 miles southeast of downtown, the property is close to many of the city’s sizzling destinations for work and play.

New Mexico is known for its Hatch chiles: the carne adovada, a slow-cooked pork dish in red chile sauce, is legendary at Albuquerque’s Mary & Tito’s Café, though you’ll even find green chiles at McDonald’s! Yet these days what’s heating up the Duke City is the arrival of tech companies. Netflix recently purchased ABQ Studios, a production studio complex less than 7 miles from the Residence Inn Albuquerque Airport. Facebook’s Los Lunas Data Center has also opened nearby and will become the company’s largest data centre once an expansion is completed in 2023.

Chase and Marriott International Launch No-Annual Fee Marriott Bonvoy BoldTM Credit Card, with Rich Earn and 50,000-Point Limited Time Offer

Chase Card Services and Marriott International have launched a new no-annual-fee credit card for the first time ever – the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card. The card is designed to give cardmembers the opportunity to create new memories and deeper connections with family and friends, all with no-annual-fee. Marriott Bonvoy is the new brand name for the company’s travel program offering members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, travel and destination experiences, and rich benefits.

The Ritz-Carlton Named First Official Hotel Partner of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, is excited to announce a multi-year agreement with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport to be the first Official Hotel Partner of the legendary team. Kicking off at the Formula 1™ Grand Prix in Montreal June 7-9 2019, the partnership brings together two like-minded brands committed to excellence and promises exclusive access and special experiences for members of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s newly renamed travel program, which includes The Ritz-Carlton.

At various races throughout the season, Marriott Bonvoy Members will have an opportunity to interact with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, experience races from the paddock, and enjoy exclusive at-track VIP hospitality in the Team’s Silver Arrows Lounge. For the first event in Montreal, a Ritz-Carlton concierge desk will be available in the Silver Arrows Lounge where attendees can receive insider tips for exploring the city.   As part of the collaboration, The Ritz-Carlton logo will also appear on the racing suits of drivers Hamilton and Bottas.

The Alida Hotel in Savannah, Georgia opens

Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s newest collection of independent, characterful hotels, together with Rockbridge and Makeready, has further expanded its portfolio with the recent addition of The Alida Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. 

The Alida's pool deck         Photo Marriott International

Marriott to take on Airb&b

Marriott International launches home rentals

 in over 100 markets

Marriott International announced on Tuesday, April 30th, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a home rental initiative offering 2,000 premium and luxury homes located in over 100 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Starting next week when the offering launches, we expect members of Marriott Bonvoy can earn and redeem points at these highly-curated homes, providing even more choice of accommodations that suit a range of travel needs around the world.

“The launch of Homes & Villas by Marriott International reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation as consumer travel needs evolve,” said Stephanie Linnartz, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Marriott International. “What started out as a pilot a year ago is now a global offering, providing our guests with the space and amenities of a home backed by a trusted travel company, and the very best in loyalty benefits.”

Fairfield by Marriott opens Its 1,000th property worldwide

 Fairfield by Marriott announced on Thursday, April 25th, the opening of its 1,000th hotel location, making it the second brand in the Marriott International portfolio besides Courtyard by Marriott to reach this milestone. 

“With 1,000 Fairfield hotels now open, we are well positioned to continue building on this powerhouse brand’s popularity with franchisees and guests,” says Eric Jacobs, Marriott International, chief development officer, North America select service and extended stay brands. “Fairfield is a brand that has great appeal to our franchisees and also resonates with travellers who seek a comfortable, uncomplicated and consistent experience – wherever they travel.”

Marriott International to expand in Mexico by more than 50% by the end of 2023

Photo Marriott International 

The Hotel giant Marriott International has said it expects to expand in Mexico by more than 50% by the end of 2023!

In 2018, the company signed 36 deals in the Caribbean and Latin America, including more than 2,300 rooms or close to 40% of total rooms in Mexico. With these new deals, Marriott’s total Mexico pipeline now features nearly 50 properties consisting of 8,000 rooms across the country – from Mexicali to Cancun, including key gateway cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey and resort markets like Cancun, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.