Marriott Bonvoy suspended brand standards and Elite Member Benefit Guarantees in March 2020, and the suspension was extended several times and expired on December 31, 2020.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Guarantees are again in place from today (January 11, 2021). Hotels need to offer breakfast and lounge alternatives (or bonus points) and welcome amenities (see the full list below).
You can access Marriott’s page for Elite Member Benefit Guarantees here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvou Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
Here’s the announcement from Marriott:
We are reinstating the elite guarantee compensation which had been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
Please note that based on day-to-day business conditions at individual hotels and/or government regulations, properties may offer a breakfast alternative when lounges and restaurants are closed such as grab and go or credit for food and beverage purchases on property.
As always, the Lounge and Welcome Gift elite benefit depends on brand and geographic regions.
This change takes effect today, January 11, 2021.
Here’s what you need to do to collect the compensation:
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium & Ambassador members are eligible for cash compensation per Welcome Gift-guarantee in a case of property failure.
Benefit Guarantees:
What happened with the guarantees in 2020:
UPDATE: Marriott Suspends Brand Standards & Elite Benefit Guarantees Through July 5, 2020
Marriott Extends Elite Benefit Guarantee Suspensions Through December 31, 2020
Conclusion
I am glad that these guarantees are back because some not so good properties have played fast and loose with them.
Personally, I could have exercised the amenity guarantee several times this past fall and collected several 100 notes in the process.