Marriott announced the change on the FlyerTalk Forums, updating the award type from Suite Night Awards to Nightly Upgrade Awards in early 2024.
Nightly Upgrades to Include Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, with Sooner Upgrade Confirmations
The new Nightly Upgrade Awards are an across-the-board replacement to Suite Night Award and can be earned through the Annual Choice Benefit or the Brilliant Earned Choice Award program. While Annual Choice Benefits are earned and selected after Bonvoy elites earn 50 and 75 Elite Night Credits, the Brilliant Earned Choice Award is earned after spending $60,000 on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card in a calendar year.
With the new Nightly Upgrade Award benefit, Bonvoy travelers will be able to use their awards with more brands. Starting in early 2024, the award will be usable at Aloft, EDITION, Element, Protea Hotels, and some Ritz-Carlton properties. Certificates can be used on both paid stays and those using Marriott Bonvoy points.
The awards will not be limited to suite upgrades. According to Marriott, the awards will be extended to “Premium Rooms and Suites with features like oceanfront views, balconies, patios and extra space.” With the additional room types available, the hotelier claims this will increase total room inventory by 20%. Additionally, travelers will find out if their upgrade request was successful between three days prior to arrival up until 2:00 p.m. of the traveler’s arrival local time. If a Nightly Upgrade Award is denied by a property, it will be returned to the traveler’s account for future use.
For those who currently have existing Suite Night Awards requests, nothing will change: Travelers can use them under the current rules and will be honored and approved based on availability. When the changeover happens in early 2024, the name will automatically change to “Nightly Upgrade Award” with the new benefits applying.
Marriott has not committed to a hard date for the transition to take place.
Share your thoughts about the new Nightly Upgrade Awards directly with Marriott on the FlyerTalk Forums!
Source: frugal travel guy