Marriott Bonvoy™ is offering to match status with Accor, Hilton, Hyatt or IHG. Matched status lasts for 90 days and you need to stay a minimum of five nights to retain Gold or fifteen to retain Platinum until February 2022.

There are seven Marriott Hotels in the Czech Republic, including the luxury Augustine in Prague and Marriot Courtyards in Brno and Pilsen.

Platinum Elite looks like the status to aim for as that offers room upgrade (including suites), lounge access, breakfast and late checkout until 4pm – this in addition to the standard benefits like free wi-fi, member rates etc. You can compare the status levels here: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/member-benefits.mi

The good news is that Platinum Elite isn’t out of reach…

Existing Program Name Eligible Membership Levels for the Status Match
Hilton Honors Gold (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
Diamond (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
IHG® Rewards Club Platinum Elite (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
Spire Elite (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
World of Hyatt Explorist (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite)
Globalist (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
Accor Live Limitless Gold (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite)
Platinum (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)
Diamond (Matched to Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite)

Normally I’d jump at the opportunity to try Marriot with status and potentially retain that status. However, in these weird times of virus worries and travel lockdowns, I’m not sure I’d even get to use it and would find it almost impossible to stay 15 nights in 90 days. I also like the way that Hilton behaved during these times; extending status, refunding non-refundable rooms – so to switch to Marriott seems, well, disloyal.

I would say that if you plan to visit a city where there isn’t a hotel where you have status, but does have a Marriott, then sign up! Otherwise, don’t waste this match as they’ll likely refuse you next time they make a similar offer.

If you do decide to match:

What is Proof of Membership?
  • Proof of your current Elite status in the program you selected and a stay with them within the last 12 months.
  • Make sure the screenshots show only your first name, last name and status level.
  • Acceptable file types are JPG, PNG and PDF
What happens after the Status Match is approved?
  • Members will have 90 days (“earning period”) upon registration approval to book and consume the required eligible paid nights to retain their matched status through February 1, 2022. After that, the Elite status will be retained by staying the required number of eligible nights under the terms and conditions of the Marriott Bonvoy™ program.
  • Please see email confirmation after registration approval for the amount of eligible paid nights required.

More details here:

https://help.marriott.com/s/article/Article-24815