Marriott Rewards launches new benefits for members

Marriott International has announced the launch of several major enhancements to Marriott Rewards® that are specifically designed to recognize the program's most loyal members. Effective immediately members of Marriott Rewards can achieve Elite level status faster than ever before and receive exclusive benefits across all Marriott brands that participate in the program.

Program enhancements include:

· Elite Bonus Points Expanded to All Brands - Elite members will receive a 20 percent (Silver level), 25 percent (Gold level), or 30 percent (Platinum level) bonus on points for stays at all participating brands - now including  Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites - in addition to JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Vacation Club International.

· 48-Hour Guaranteed Availability for Platinum Members at All Brands - Platinum members will be able to make reservations up to 48 hours prior to arrival and be guaranteed a room at any Marriott Rewards participating hotel worldwide. (Not available at Marriott Vacation Club International.)

· Welcome Gift for Platinum Members at All Brands - Welcome refreshments will be delivered to Platinum members with every Marriott stay at all participating brands. For example, wine and cheese at full-service hotels,  and bottled water and gourmet cookies at Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites locations. (Not available at Marriott Vacation Club International)

· Faster Elite Status - Marriott Rewards members can earn Silver Elite status and benefits after spending just 10 nights per year. (previously required 15 nights)

· Elite-Only Rewards - Marriott Rewards is introducing new Elite-Only Rewards for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members. They will be exclusive and include a variety of packages, destinations and savings. To kick-off this benefit, Marriott Rewards Elite members can redeem the popular  Hawaiian Island Hopper award for fewer points. This award features a total of seven nights at three Marriott resorts located on Hawaii, Oahu, Maui or Kauai. Additional exclusive Elite-Only Rewards are expected to be announced soon.

· Next Day, Electronic Awards - All Marriott Rewards members can now request hotel stay awards just 24 hours before check-in to most Marriott Rewards participating hotels by calling 1-800-450-4442 or visiting marriottrewards.com. Paper award certificates are no longer required. (Some Fairfield Inn and SpringHill Suites hotels, as well as some hotels located outside of the United States do not yet offer this benefit)

· Toll-Free Guest Services Number Just for Elite Members.

"With these special enhancements, frequent Marriott guests will not only qualify for Elite status and privileges after fewer stays, but will be able to redeem the rewards they desire faster than ever," said Rita Cuddihy, senior  vice president of marketing for Marriott International. "Once Elite status is achieved, members are also rewarded with bonus points at more than triple the previous number of hotels."

"Continually enhancing the manner in which we thank our very best guests, while at the same time adding to our growing selection of great hotels around the world, is what has made Marriott Rewards a leader for 20 years," said Cuddihy.

In addition to free hotel stays, members may redeem Marriott Rewards points for more than 300 different reward options, including Nick Faldo and John Jacobs golf schools; spa packages; luxury Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaskan cruises; car and SUV rentals from Hertz; theme park passes to Disney®, Universal Studios and Discovery Cove Orlando; retail merchandise and more. Marriott Rewards offers more resorts, more spas, and more hotels with on-site golf, as well as the opportunity to redeem free nights at more Mobil-rated three-, four- and five-star hotels than any other lodging program.