MGM Partners with Marriott, Drops Hyatt

MGM Partners with Marriott, Drops Hyatt. In a game-changing move that promises to redefine luxury travel, Marriott International and MGM Resorts International have unveiled an exclusive long-term strategic licensing agreement. This collaboration marks the launch of the highly anticipated MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy, set to debut in October 2023. The collection will encompass 17 remarkable resorts across the United States, featuring over 40,000 rooms, including renowned properties in Las Vegas and other major cities.

What about MGM Partnership with Hyatt?

However, it’s important to note that this partnership comes as the longstanding collaboration between Hyatt and MGM comes to an end by the end of September 2023. For nearly a decade, World of Hyatt and MGM Rewards had a loyalty collaboration that will be discontinued as of September 30, 2023. The motive behind this change was the decision by MGM to favor Marriott over Hyatt, possibly due to Marriott Bonvoy’s wider distribution power.

The MGM Collection:

Beginning in October, guests will be able to book several MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy resorts directly through Marriott’s website and mobile app. By the end of the year, all 17 properties are expected to be available for booking, offering travelers unparalleled access to exceptional accommodations and unparalleled experiences.

Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy and MGM Rewards Members:

Marriott Bonvoy members will have the privilege of enjoying exclusive benefits when staying at MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy resorts. Members of MGM Rewards, the esteemed loyalty platform of MGM Resorts with over 40 million members worldwide, will also be eligible to link their accounts with Marriott Bonvoy, opening doors to select member benefits.

Earn and Redeem with Marriott Bonvoy:

Members of Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning loyalty program with over 180 million members globally, will be able to earn and redeem points for stays at all properties within the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy. This means that loyalty members can maximize their rewards and unlock extraordinary experiences across these exceptional resorts.

The Fusion of Marriott and MGM:

Marriott International’s President and CEO, Anthony Capuano, expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the benefits that members of both loyalty programs will experience. This collaboration brings together Marriott’s world-class hospitality expertise and MGM Resorts’ renowned entertainment offerings, resulting in a fusion of excellence that sets new standards in luxury travel.

A Glance at the MGM Collection:

Within the MGM Collection, four properties in Las Vegas will also be affiliated with existing Marriott collection brands. Bellagio Resort & Casino will join The Luxury Collection and be known as Bellagio, A Luxury Collection Resort & Casino, Las Vegas. ARIA Resort & Casino will become part of the Autograph Collection and be named ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection. Park MGM will join the Tribute Portfolio and be called Park MGM Las Vegas, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, an existing member of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection, will continue its affiliation and be known as The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection.

Additionally, the following eight MGM resorts in Las Vegas will join the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy: Vdara Hotel & Spa, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, NoMad Las Vegas, The Signature at MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel and Casino, and Excalibur Hotel & Casino.

Expanding Beyond Las Vegas:

The MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy extends beyond Las Vegas, offering remarkable destinations across the United States. Five additional MGM Resorts in various locations will join the collection: Borgata (Atlantic City, New Jersey), Beau Rivage (Biloxi, Mississippi), MGM Grand Detroit (Michigan), MGM National Harbor (Maryland), and MGM Springfield (Massachusetts). These properties provide travelers with even more options to experience the extraordinary hospitality of Marriott and MGM.

Exclusive Collaboration with BetMGM:

In a further development, Marriott International also entered into a loyalty marketing agreement with BetMGM, MGM Resorts International’s online gaming and sports betting joint venture. This agreement designates Marriott Bonvoy as BetMGM’s exclusive hospitality loyalty program partner in the U.S. and Canada. The collaboration will offer Marriott Bonvoy members the opportunity to earn points on select BetMGM transactions and participate in exclusive games, experiences, and offers on the BetMGM platform. Likewise, BetMGM Rewards members will have the chance to convert their rewards points into Marriott Bonvoy points.

Conclusion:

The licensing agreement between Marriott and MGM Resorts sets the stage for a new era of luxury travel experiences. The launch of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy brings together the best of both worlds, granting guests access to exceptional properties, exclusive benefits, and unforgettable moments. 

As a top elite member of Marriott Bonvoy, I see this as a win-win. While World of Hyatt may offer certain advantages in terms of rewards, the extensive distribution power of Marriott Bonvoy will certainly provide greater accessibility and opportunities for members. However, it remains to be seen how this partnership will impact elite status recognition, especially at The Cosmopolitan, which traditionally did not fully acknowledge Marriott elite status. Only time will reveal the full implications of this change.

Nonetheless, the Marriott-MGM partnership opens up a world of possibilities for travelers, offering them extraordinary accommodations, unparalleled benefits, and remarkable destinations. As the collaboration evolves, even more exciting developments and exclusive offerings are expected. 

What are your thoughts about this Marriott & MGM marriage?