Las Vegas, the city known for its glittering lights and world-class hospitality, saw a whirlwind of activity in 2024 as major hotel loyalty programs underwent significant shifts. From new partnerships to old alliances ending, here’s a recap of the most notable changes that impacted loyalty members this year.
September 2023: MGM and Hyatt End a Decade-Long Partnership
After a successful 10-year run, MGM Resorts and Hyatt bid each other farewell in September 2023. This long-standing collaboration allowed loyalty members to enjoy reciprocal benefits, and its conclusion left many frequent travelers re-evaluating their strategies for earning and redeeming points in Las Vegas.
March 2024: MGM and Marriott Bonvoy Partnership Goes Live
Just six months later, MGM Resorts unveiled a new alliance with Marriott Bonvoy. While this move opened new doors for Bonvoy members, it came with some caveats. MGM Rewards members were granted Marriott Bonvoy status, but the reverse wasn’t true—Marriott Bonvoy members received no automatic MGM Rewards status. Moreover, Marriott loyalists had to book directly through Marriott to enjoy their benefits, a requirement that caused frustration among some travelers accustomed to more seamless integrations.
July 2024: Cosmopolitan Integrated into MGM Rewards
In July 2024, The Cosmopolitan, already a part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, became more integrated into MGM Rewards. While maintaining its affiliation with Marriott Bonvoy, the integration made it easier for guests with MGM Rewards status and Marriott Bonvoy membership to earn points when staying at the hotel.
October 2024: The Venetian Announces Departure from IHG Rewards
In a surprising announcement, The Venetian revealed it would be leaving the IHG Rewards program effective January 1, 2025. This change marks the end of a significant partnership and leaves IHG loyalists without a flagship property in the heart of the Strip. Many are now left wondering where their points will take them next.
November 2024: Rio Joins Destination by Hyatt
In a move that was years in the making, the Rio officially joined the World of Hyatt program in March 2024, followed by its inclusion in the Destination by Hyatt collection in November. This partnership had been announced back in 2021, but the integration took several years to complete. With this addition, World of Hyatt members regained a property in Las Vegas to earn and redeem points.
November 2024: Caesars Ends Status Match with Wyndham Credit Cards
Another significant blow to loyalty gamers came in November 2024 when Caesars Entertainment announced it would no longer match Wyndham Rewards status for members who earned it through a co-branded Wyndham credit card. This change disrupted a popular “status match merry-go-round” strategy that allowed savvy travelers to attain Caesars Diamond status—and its lucrative perks like free rooms and cruises—via Wyndham’s program.
December 2024: The Venetian Joins World of Hyatt
Capping off the year, The Venetian announced a new partnership with World of Hyatt. While details are still emerging, it’s confirmed that World of Hyatt members will soon be able to earn and redeem points for stays at The Venetian and enjoy on-property benefits. Additionally, Venetian Rewards members will receive benefits within the World of Hyatt program in the future. As of now, we’re awaiting a confirmed start date for this exciting collaboration.
December 18, 2024: Delano Las Vegas Rebranded as W Hotel Las Vegas
As of December 18, 2024, the 1,117-room Delano Las Vegas has been rebranded as the W Hotel Las Vegas. This means the property is now fully integrated into Marriott Bonvoy in terms of earning and redeeming points, plus taking advantage of elite benefits. This rebranding is part of the MGM and Marriott partnership, where some properties are being transitioned into Marriott brands.
What Does This Mean for Loyalty Members?
2024 has been a rollercoaster year for Las Vegas loyalty programs. For travelers, these changes underscore the importance of staying informed and flexible. Whether you’re re-evaluating your preferred loyalty program or mapping out your next Las Vegas getaway, it’s clear that the city’s hospitality landscape is anything but static.
Have you been impacted by these changes? Share your experiences and strategies for navigating the evolving world of Las Vegas loyalty programs in the comments below!
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