Here's What Will Happen To Starwood's Loyalty Points Post Merger With Marriott

Investors have had plenty of time to digest Marriott International Inc MAR's multi-billion dollar acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc HOT, which was officially closed on Friday.

However, some customers of the two hotel chains may have been left in the dark as to what will happen to their loyalty reward points post merger.

According to Fortune, Marriott said it will continue operating the two programs for at least the next two years before eventually phasing out Starwood's Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program.

Related Link: Marriott And Starwood Investors Voted To Approve Merger

Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott's executive vice president and global chief commercial officer, was quoted as telling Travel + Leisure that while there is "a lot of work to do," consumers will be happy to know that "right out of the gate, they will be able to link their accounts and match their status from day one."

Fortune confirmed that as of Friday, loyalty members could link their Marriott Rewards and SPG accounts online. Customers could transfer points online at a ratio of three Marriott Rewards points to one SPG Starpoint. Customers can also match their elite status on either platform and points can now be redeemed for visits across the combined 5,700 hotels and 30 brands.

"Marriott's and Starwood's guests have shown tremendous loyalty to our brands, and now that we are one company, we are seizing the opportunity to reinforce our loyalty to them," Fortune also quoted Linnartz as saying.

Full ratings data available on Benzinga Pro.