From the press release today:
...the integration of Delta into Marriott's 4,100 plus hotel global portfolio will provide new travel opportunities for both Delta and Marriott customers. We expect integrating Delta into Marriott's systems, sales engines, Marriott.com, and the more than 49 million member Marriott Rewards loyalty program will create meaningful operational synergies for owners and franchisees.This is both good news and bad news. There are many Delta Privilege members who love(d) the program. We received numerous emails from our readers on how they loved the simplicity of it and now it is likely those dining and upgrade benefits will be lost to the usual slate of benefits with Marriott Rewards. On the flipside however, Marriott Rewards represents thousands of hotels Worldwide and now those Delta regulars will have an opportunity to use points earned at their beloved Delta locations at Marriott locales around the globe! Not to mention you'll be able to use points earned on the Marriott Rewards Premier Visa Card at Delta locations (sorry had to get the credit card mention in as it Delta never had one!)
The deal is still subject to government approval but they do expect that by Q2 2015 the deal will be complete and we would guess that integration into Marriott Rewards may take another 6-12 months (based on the recent purchase of Protea Hotels in South Africa by Marriott)
What are your thoughts? We know there are lots of Delta Privilege members who read Rewards Canada everyday! Are you happy? Are you fuming? Let us know!
Interesting. I don't collect many points from hotel programs as I tend to stay in boutique or one-off places when I travel but there's a Delta a stone's throw from my house. I assume that Marriott buying Delta will mean converting all Delta properties?
ReplyDeleteGreat news for Marriott Rewards members and Visa card holders, who can now leverage occasional stays at (former) Delta properties with stays at ubiquitous Marriott properties (especially in the US). And means more places in Canada to redeem and earn points! Delta has some very good properties, including the top hotel in several smaller Canadian cities such as Moncton, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Victoria, Kingston and St. John's.
ReplyDeleteOne more thing...I wonder if Delta will be integrated into the Marriott portfolio as a separate brand (similar to Gaylord Hotels), or if each Delta property will be rebranded and renamed under an existing Marriott brand (e.g. Delta Ottawa could become the Renaissance Ottawa).
ReplyDeleteNot 100% sure if they will be converted. Gaylord Hotels and Protea Hotels which were recently acquired by Marriott are staying under their original brand names. Only time will tell as right now all they state is integration, nothing about rebranding.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, this is great news for Marriott Rewards members not only in Canada but those who travel to Canada and yes this gives an additional boost the Marriott Visa here in Canada.
ReplyDeleteAs I just mentioned below in another reply, only time will tell! Integration is such a broad term. Gaylord and Protea remain and I think from a marketing standpoint, especially for Canadians they should keep it as Delta as the name is well known from coast to coast.
ReplyDeleteI personally enjoy the Delta Privilege program and the fact that Delta Hotels were a full service, top notch, Canadian owned properties. I am hopeful that they will remain Delta branded with the same great service (but American owned). I never could understand when a company buys a successful business, then makes a bunch of changes, and expect it's customers to stay loyal (the current customer base were loyal because they like the way the business was run). I can live with the Marriott Rewards for Delta stays but too many other changes and I'm prepared to move on.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Lee
Delta Privilege Platinum member 5 years running
I would have to say that most of us here in Canada feel the same way as you Daniel!
ReplyDeleteWell being both a Delta Privilege Platinum member as well as a Marriott Silver member, I have very mixed feelings. I guess first of all as we are already well into our stays for Delta for 2015, if the program changed would we receive credit for those stays. As far as programs go, I don't think they are comparible. Delta offers much more for their members than Marriott in Canadian Locations. Even when Marriott has upgrades available they are never offered to the customer unless there is a substantial cost. I was very sad to hear we could be losing our Delta program that we have invested in. I guess we will see.
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