Key takeaways
- Marriott launched a Complimentary Upgrade List app feature for Gold members and above to show their exact position in the upgrade queue before check-in.
- The upgrade list feature is currently in beta testing and will expand to more than 250 U.S. and Canadian hotels by November 2026.
- The new Marriott Bonvoy Lounge debuts at 100 Asia-Pacific hotels in February 2027, followed by 220 properties in Greater China in early 2027, offering elevated food and beverage programming.
Marriott International announced two Bonvoy program enhancements following its Member Day event, introducing upgrade queue transparency that members have requested while simultaneously launching lounge offerings across Asia-Pacific and Greater China in 2027.
Transparency Comes to the Upgrade Selection Process
For elite members arriving at a Marriott hotel, one question has traditionally remained unanswered until check-in: will I receive a complimentary room upgrade tonight? Marriott is eliminating this uncertainty through a new Complimentary Upgrade List feature launching in its mobile app, which will reach more than 250 hotels across the U.S. and Canada by November 2026.
The feature directly addresses member feedback requesting visibility into the complimentary upgrade allocation process. Members holding Gold status or higher can now view their exact position on the upgrade queue before arrival and check-in, providing advance notice rather than discovering upgrade decisions at the front desk.
How the Queue Information Displays
The app will show members their exact position on the upgrade list for a specific hotel before they arrive. This allows advance planning and realistic expectations about upgrade prospects. The feature is currently in beta testing at a subset of properties.
November Expansion to 250+ Hotels
Marriott plans to expand the Complimentary Upgrade List to more than 250 hotels across the United States and Canada by November 2026. The company is monitoring how these queues function during peak travel periods and at popular destinations, though it has not shared projections for expected list lengths.
Eligible Members and Access
Gold status members and all elite tiers above—Platinum, Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite, and Titanium Elite—will have access to the upgrade list at participating properties. The phased rollout acknowledges that not all hotels can implement the system immediately.
Key Questions About Upgrade Prioritization Remain
Marriott has not disclosed how Nightly Upgrade Awards will factor into the priority ordering of the upgrade queue relative to members on the standard list. The company also has not confirmed whether the system will operate like airline upgrade queues, which typically use fixed priority tiers based on elite status level and account history.
These mechanics could significantly affect members’ positioning and their likelihood of receiving an upgrade at busy properties during peak travel periods.
Marriott Bonvoy Lounge Debuts in February 2027
Marriott is simultaneously introducing a new lounge experience called the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge, debuting in Asia-Pacific in February 2027 with additional locations in Greater China following in early 2027.
Asia-Pacific Launch with 100 Properties
The first 100 premium-tier hotels across Asia-Pacific will launch the lounge concept in February 2027. Each lounge will feature elevated food and beverage programming with locally-inspired menus tailored to regional preferences and locally-sourced ingredients where possible.
Greater China Expansion Follows in Early 2027
An additional 220 hotels across Greater China will introduce the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge in early 2027. Dedicated associates will staff all lounges during peak hours to manage service and member hospitality.
How Members Find and Access the Lounges
Bonvoy members can search for hotels with the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge using a dedicated filter in both the Marriott mobile app and on Marriott.com. The app displays specific lounge hours and property-specific operational details to help members plan their stays.
Marriott has indicated that additional information about the lounge experience, including specific member benefits and entry requirements, will be released as the February 2027 launch approaches.
Program Enhancements Reflect Member Priorities
These announcements demonstrate Marriott’s responsiveness to member requests. Upgrade transparency has long been among the most requested improvements from Gold members, who depend on complimentary upgrades as a cornerstone benefit of elite status.
The lounge expansion provides elite members planning stays in Asia-Pacific and Greater China with meaningful additional benefits tied to their membership tier, strengthening the value of Bonvoy elite status.
Source: The Points Guy Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Complimentary Upgrade List feature?
The Complimentary Upgrade List is a new app feature that lets Gold status Bonvoy members and above see their exact position in the upgrade queue before arriving at a participating hotel. The feature is currently in beta testing and will expand to more than 250 hotels across the U.S. and Canada by November 2026.
Which Marriott members can access the upgrade list?
Members with Gold status or higher—including Platinum, Platinum Elite, Diamond Elite, and Titanium Elite—can access the upgrade list at participating properties. The feature is not available at all Marriott hotels yet.
When and where will the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge launch?
The Marriott Bonvoy Lounge will debut in February 2027 at 100 premium-tier hotels across Asia-Pacific, with 220 additional hotels in Greater China joining in early 2027. Each lounge will offer elevated food and beverage programming with locally-inspired menus and dedicated staff during peak hours.
