Starwood and Marriott Q2 points promotions announced

Starwood and Marriott have announced their respective points promotions for Q2 of 2018. Registration for these promotions is open from now till 30 June 2018, and the promotions cover stays between April 16 and 20 July 2018.

This means there is no gap in promotions- the current Starwood/Marriott Q1 promotions end on April 15 so we’ll transition nicely from one to the other. If you have a stay that starts on or before April 15 but ends after April 15, your entire stay is counted under the Q1 promotion.

Starwood’s More Nights, More Starpoints

Starwood’s Q2 promotion offers 250 bonus Starpoints for each night spent at participating SPG hotels and resorts, starting from the third night. Registration is required and can be done here. You can find the full T&C here.

You can earn a maximum of 12,000 bonus Starpoints during this promotion, meaning you’ll max it out with 50 nights (remember the first 2 nights don’t earn any bonus).

Marriott’s Megabonus

Marriott’s MegaBonus promotion awards members 750 bonus points per night, starting with the third night. Members can earn a maximum of 36,000 bonus points during this promotion. Registration is required and can be done here. The T&C have not been uploaded at this time.

Remember the exchange rate between Starwood and Marriott points is 1:3, so you can see these promotions are exactly aligned. I believe the intention of management is that the two sets of brands should not be competing with each other based on promotions.

The good news for Marriott’s promotion is that  almost all Marriott brands are participating in this promotion (versus Starwood, where individual properties can opt out). Marriott ExecuStay, Marriott Executive Apartments and Marriott Vacation Club owner-occupied weeks do not qualify.

Conclusion

I don’t find either chain’s promotion particularly compelling, but I’m a slave to Starwood anyway and will take what I can get.

On another note, at the upcoming Miles Masterclass this weekend I’ll be talking about various hotel-related tips like earning elite status faster and getting lower rates on your stays. Really look forward to seeing everyone there!