Marriott Status Match was a way for rewards members to match their elite status from another hotel rewards program to the equivalent Marriott elite status level. However, Marriott has replaced its status match program with status challenges, which allow Bonvoy members to fast track their elite status progression by completing a number of stays within a specific period of time.
For a status challenge, Marriott will match your elite status for a limited period of time (usually 90 days) and challenge you to complete a certain requirement, like a minimum number of nights stayed. If you successfully complete the challenge, you will retain your Elite status for a longer period of time (usually one year).
You ordinarily need to spend at least 25 nights at Marriott hotels in one year to earn Gold Elite status for the remainder of the year and the following one. However, if you are looking for a quick way to gain these elite perks, signing up for a Gold or Platinum status challenge might be a solution. You can even be a current Gold Elite member and undertake a Platinum Elite status challenge as a way to get higher-tier benefits sooner. Currently, Marriott only offers Gold and Platinum status challenges.
There is no cost to undertake a status challenge, and you do not need to currently hold Marriott status or elite status in a competing loyalty program to qualify. You can sign up for a Marriott status challenge once every three years.
Here's how to request a Marriott status match challenge:
Call Marriott Bonvoy customer service at 801-468-4000 and request to challenge for Gold or Platinum status.
Stay 8 nights for Gold status or 16 nights for Platinum status. Only paid nights count toward the challenge. You must complete your stay(s) within 90 days of registering for the challenge.
Receive Gold or Platinum status within 48 hours of successfully completing the challenge. This status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year and the following one.
Take your time to understand the full terms before going for a status challenge because there are restrictions on how frequently you can utilize a challenge. Before registering, make sure that the 90-day window works for your travel plans and goals. Also, you cannot enroll in the Platinum challenge if you already have Platinum status or higher.