Marriott Rewards will offer the same Elite bonus as other loyalty programs

Marriott Rewards today announced that award blackout dates will go away. If you stay for a single night the blackout date removal will be helpful. I have successfully been redeeming blackout free Starpoints for years.

This Marriott program enhancement will start on the 15th of January 2009, with an increase in the Platinum bonus to 50%, in keeping with the industry standard. - Priority Club (IHG), and Starwood (SPG) give Platinum Elite members a 50% Elite point bonus on base points.

The elite point bonus offered by Marriott is presently only 20 to 30% max (for Plat) whereas the SPG ELITE 50% BONUS is earned on platinum and gold. At the Preferred SPG level, you earn 2 Starpoints per every eligible dollar spent and at the gold and Platinum -3 points.
The elite point bonus for Hilton HHonors is 15 to 50% Hyatt Gold passport Varies between 15-30% with Priority club distinguishing between the elite levels the most with a 10 to -50% bonus. 10% bonus on base points is given to gold members and platinum get 50% bonus to base points.
Next year Marriott will also offer a 5th Award night free. Priority Club (IHG) give Platinum Elite members a 50% Elite point bonus on base points.

Blackout dates will be eliminated at nearly 2,900 Marriott hotels worldwide
Participating brands include Marriott Hotels and Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott.

The offer to redeem 4 nights to get the 5th redemption night free is advertised as an enhancement but some are wary.
The Marriott point cost for 5 nights at a Category 5 hotel will cost 5.000 more points for the stay than with the previous point price list.