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Re: Marriott System (by Eric F.):

kekouri Terry: I found this on the Marriott Rewards website. I believe a few companies had completely changed their rewards systems. I believe Marriott would feel justified to do this as well:

"...

General Membership

1. Marriott Rewards membership and its benefits are offered at the discretion of Marriott. Marriott and its travel partners have the right to change, limit, modify or cancel Program Rules, regulations, rewards, and reward levels at any time, with or without notice, even though such changes may affect the value of points or miles already accumulated, the ability to use accumulated points or miles, or the ability to obtain certain rewards. Marriott and its travel partners may, among other things: (a) increase or decrease the number of points or miles received for a stay or required for a reward; (b) withdraw, limit, modify, or cancel any reward; (c) add blackout dates, limit rooms available for any reward at any participating hotel, or otherwise restrict the continued availability of rewards; (d) change program benefits, travel partners, locations served by Marriott or its travel partners, conditions of participation, rules for earning, redeeming, retaining, or forfeiting points or miles, or rules governing the use of rewards; (e) change or cancel its travel partner rewards. The accumulation of points or miles does not entitle members to any vested rights with respect to points, miles, rewards, or program benefits. In accumulating points or miles, members may not rely upon the continued availability of any reward or reward level. ..."

Here's the Starwood basic terms and conditions:

1. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP RULES 1.1 We may change these Terms and Conditions at any time, without notice. This means that we may make changes that affect, without limitation, processes, benefits, Program affiliates, rules for earning and redeeming Starpoints, Starpoint redemption levels, rules for the use of Awards, availability of Awards, Award inventory, and Award types. Unless otherwise stated, all Membership benefits are subject to availability.

1.2. We may terminate the Program with six months advance notice to all Active Members, and may substitute a similar loyalty program for the Program at any time immediately upon notice to all Active Members. A Member may not accumulate Starpoints or claim awards after the termination of the Program. If the Program is terminated, all unredeemed Starpoints shall be forfeited without any obligation or liability, and no award claims shall be honored after the conclusion of the notice period. We may terminate the Program in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction(s) on less than six months' notice if required to do so by applicable law.

1.3 Starpoints and your Membership are not your property and belong to us. On termination of your Membership for any reason, all unredeemed Starpoints will be forfeited and you will no longer be able to participate in the Program. On your death, unredeemed Starpoints may be transferred to a family member or a friend of yours as we decide in our absolute discretion. Starpoints have no cash value and we will not pay you cash for any forfeited or unused Starpoints.

1.4 Membership benefits and awards may be subject to income or other taxes. The recipient is responsible for paying all such taxes and for making all applicable disclosures to third parties, including the party who paid for the transaction from which you earned Starpoints. We will not be liable for any tax liability, duty or other charges in connection with the issuance of Membership benefits or awards.

Looks very similar doesn't it? I'll be back with more of the same from Hyatt, Hilton etc.