Details of new MGM Rewards Benefits
I cover a lot of info about M life, which is now known as MGM Rewards as of February 1, 2022. To read more about MGM Rewards, visit this page.
Additional information about the change from M life to MGM Rewards has been released today (January 6, 2022). The major benefit changes are as follows:
MGM Rewards offers members new and exclusive marquee benefits, including waived resort fees (Gold+), Tier Achievement Travel Credit to Las Vegas (Platinum+), complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts (Pearl+), advanced suite upgrades for up to three nights (Platinum+), access to exclusive tier appreciation events and experiences (Gold+) and 4 p.m. late check-out (based on availability; Platinum+). As an added benefit, MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars will not expire for Pearl+ members due to account inactivity.
Below I will break down the most important of these changes.
Tier Credits
One thing to note is that Tier Credits are getting MUCH more difficult to earn starting in February 2022. Under M life, 25 Tier Credits were earned for each $1 spend. This is being drastically reduced to 4 Tier Credit per $1 spend.
Resort Fees
MGM Rewards members with Gold status or above will no longer pay resort fees at MGM Resorts properties. This is a very nice change as resort fees often can be the bulk of the cost of a hotel room (or on free nights, the entirety of the cost). It will be interesting to see if the cost per nights goes up to make up for this, but my guess is that in order to stay competitive on booking websites, they won’t raise the price much.
The fine print is as follows: Applicable daily resort fees will be waived on up to two room reservations per trip when an eligible member books direct, under their name, with MGM Resorts International and his/her eligible MGM Rewards account number is attached to such reservations. To redeem, the eligible member may be required to visit the Front Desk during their stay to confirm eligibility and request waiver of the daily resort fee (e.g., if member advances to eligible Tier level during stay). Not applicable to reservations associated with convention, trade show and/or group sales unless billed to the qualifying member.
It is easy to get Gold status through status match with Hyatt (or during certain times Caesars Rewards).
Complimentary Tickets to MGM Rewards Concerts
It isn’t clear exactly what this will be, but I am guessing it is to line up more with a Caesars Rewards free ticket benefit. Don’t expect to get a free ticket to Lady Gaga unless you are at Noir level. These are probably going to be for less popular concerts; though it would be great if some of the Cirque shows are included — don’t hold your breath.
The fine print is as follows: Offers will vary in terms of frequency, ticket types, number of tickets, location, dates, etc. based on member’s Tier status and spend/gaming activity. Availability of tickets may be limited by capacity or otherwise and are subject to availability. Redemption instructions will be included in offer communication.
Celebration Dinner
Another big change is the addition of a celebration dinner when a member reaches the next tier, starting with Gold (similar to what Caesars Rewards offers). $100 credit when you reach Gold. $200 at Platinum. And $500 at Noir. Note that those that receive their status through a status match will NOT earn the annual dinner.
One (1) Tier Achievement Celebration Dining Experience benefit valid for qualifying member is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying Gold, qualifying Platinum or qualifying NOIR member who has earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with reaching the applicable Tier Level (and, for NOIR Tier Level, invited to such level during such Tier Status Earning Period) based on spend during such period. Members who receive their Tier Level status through a third-party or other partnership tier match program are not eligible for the benefit. Dining Experience benefit is not awarded based on a member’s Tier Level status as of the beginning of the Tier Status Earning Year. A qualifying member who reaches multiple eligible Tier Levels during a Tier Status Earning Year as described above will receive one such benefit (awarded as a dining credit) for each such level reached. Amount of dining credit for reaching specific Tier Levels is as follows: up to $100 dining credit for reaching Gold, up to $200 dining credit for reaching Platinum, and up to $500 for reaching (and invited to) NOIR. Dining experience must be booked by qualifying member through designated MGM staff (who will apply applicable dining credit to member’s MGM Rewards account). Dining experience must be completed within twelve (12) months after qualifying for the benefit. Valid only at participating MGM-owned dining outlets.
Travel Credit
While the Platinum Experience is going away (at least temporarily), a new benefit for Platinum elites is being offered. Members get $600 when they hit Platinum status and another $600 when they hit Noir. Again, status match elites don’t earn this benefit.
One (1) air travel credit benefit of up to $600 is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying Platinum member who has earned the minimum Tier Credits associated with such Tier Level during such Tier Status Earning Year based on spend during such period. One (1) additional air travel credit benefit of up to $600 is offered during the current Tier Status Earning Year to each qualifying NOIR member who is invited to NOIR Tier Level during such Tier Status Earning Year based on spend (including earning the necessary Tier Credits) during such period. Accordingly, a qualifying member who earns the minimum Tier Credits associated with both Platinum and NOIR Tier Levels (and who is invited to NOIR) during such Tier Status Earning Year is eligible to receive two separate air travel credits of up to $600 each, totaling up to $1,200, subject to these term and conditions and the MGM Rewards Rules. Members who receive their Tier status through a third-party or other partnership tier match program are not eligible for the benefit. Air travel credit is not awarded based on a member’s Tier Level status as of the beginning of the Tier Status Earning Year. Air travel must be booked directly by qualifying member and travel must be completed within twelve (12) months after qualifying for the benefit.
Is complimentary valet going away? I see no mention of this.
I’m not sure about that. Let us know if you find out!