The combined Marriott Rewards-Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program kicks in from August 18, 2018. This new program will allow you to earn and burn points on 6500 hotels around the world. One of the cornerstones of the new program is the re-categorisation of existing properties and subsequently a new redemption chart.
Marriott has some of their best hotels and resorts in South East Aisa and the Middle East under The Ritz Carlton & JW Marriott banner. We earlier put out our pick of the 10 Indian Hotels you should book from the SPG/Marriott stable before the merger comes through. Here are our top 10 picks which will get significantly more expensive coming August 18, 2018.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (Future Category 5)
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is no less opulent than its sister hotel in Dubai, which gets more of the limelight. Facing the Al Maqta creek, the resort has over 500 suites and villas along with some great dining and wellness options. If riding the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World was a bit too much for you, sip a drink by the pool to bring those adrenaline levels back to normal.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa (Future Category 5)
South of Cambodia lies Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s many best-kept secrets. Surrounded by emerald blue waters and pristine beaches, The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is something the consider if you are looking for a new beach vacation spot. I spent more than a month in Vietnam last year, and highly recommend the local food, be it the humble pho or the all-out Vietnamese style barbeque.
Book a room at 30,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 35,000 points/night after.
The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert(Future Category 7)
No trip to the UAE is complete without a desert safari. While you are at it, you might as well do it in style. What seems like an oasis in the middle of a dessert, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah is your perfect evening retreat after a day of dune bashing and exploring the local history and culture.
Book a room at 50,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 60,000 points/night after.
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur (Future Category 3)
Located bang in the centre of the city’s commercial district and a short drive from the famed Petronas Twin Towers, lies JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur. With close to 500 rooms along with excellent restaurants, bars and spas, this is a hotel for both business travellers and vacationers alike.
Book a room at 15,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 17,500 points/night after.
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort (Future Category 3)
If you are looking for a quick weekend retreat in the neighbourhood, the Welligama Bay Marriott Resort in Sri Lanka is a resort worth considering. With room tariffs consistently on the higher end of the scale (around USD 200/night), redeeming Marriott Reward points here should bring significant value. If you do end up in Welligama, do not miss the opportunity to go whale watching in the waters south of the island.
Book a room at 15,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 17,500 points/night after.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali (Future Category 6)
A short hop away from mainland Bali lies one of most beautiful diving spots on the planet, around the tiny island of Nusa Dua, on which we can find The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. Whether you plan on exploring the underwater fauna or lie all day on a beach bed, The Ritz-Carlton will make sure that you have a great experience when you stay with them.
Book a room at 40,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 50,000 points/night after.
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (Future Category 6)
Situated beside Dubai’s largest private beach, The Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is one of the small, more intimate hotel resorts in and around Dubai. The hotel is conveniently located close to Dubai’s iconic landmarks and attractions. So the next time you land in Dubai for their annual shopping festival, give this hotel a try.
Book a room at 12,000 Starpoints/night before August 18 or pay 50,000 Marriott Rewards/night after.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi (Future Category 6)
You don’t need to go to South America to see the natural beauty of a tropical rainforest. Located on an island off the Malaysian mainland, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi an idea worth considering if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are a Platinum Elite, you might be upgraded to one of their villas, each with their swimming pools.
Book a room at 40,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 50,000 points/night after.
Doha Marriott Hotel (Future Category 2)
A few minutes away from the Doha’s King Hamad International Airport, the Doha Marriott Hotel is a property for people travelling for work as well as pleasure. With a private beach right around the corner, this hotel is quite a bargain considering how many points it costs for a night’s stay. Not a bad idea when you are transiting via Doha.
Book a room at 10,000 Marriott Rewards points/night before August 18 or pay 12,500 points/night after.
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers (Future Category 6)
Hong Kong is one of those destinations where redemption rates remain consistently high across properties and loyalty programs. And the Sheraton Hotel Hong Kong Hotel & Towers only gets more expensive by 39% from August 18, 2018. Located in Kowloon, this hotel is something you might want to look when planning your next shopping spree in the city.
Book a room at 12,000 Starpoints/night before August 18 or pay 50,000 Marriott Rewards/night after.
The re-categorisation of the above hotels are will make a few of them pretty expensive. And the difference only multiples with each additional day of stay. So, if you plan to stay at any of the featured hotels, book your award nights before August 18, 2018.
What Marriott hotels do you have in mind before the new redemption rates come into effect?
J W marriott phu quoc is cat 6 not 5