One of the significant benefits of the Marriott-Starwood merger is the ability to status match between Marriott Rewards or Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest. In other words, any elite status you hold with either Marriott or Starwood can now be instantly matched to the other. To reach elite status levels with either of these programs, you typically have to meet some nights or stays requirements per year. However, there are a couple of shortcuts to these stay or night conditions that can instantly grant you Gold Elite status across both programs.