TalkBoard Topics - Ritz-Carlton Rewards Forum

Ritz-Carlton Rewards was launched nearly two years ago and has grown considerably ever since. Since its launch, we've seen periodic promotions for free nights, bonus points, and other amenities. JP Morgan now offers an affinity credit card, new hotel locations are coming online, a new Ritz-Carlton iPhone app has also been launched. While Ritz-Carlton related discussion has been staged in the Luxury Hotels forum, I think it would be worthwhile creating a dedicated forum for all things Ritz-Carlton. I'd also consider devoting some of my personal time to create, moderate and maintain the new forum if there is sufficient interest.

Hi there! From TB guidelines, here are some of the things we consider when considering a new forum. Answers to these questions gives us a starting place when doing our research.

The following are qualitative criteria that the TalkBoard believes are useful to consider when evaluating proposals to create, close, split, or move forums. Whenever a forum change is discussed on the TalkBoard Topics, the TalkBoard encourages posters to fully address these criteria in addition to any other reasons supporting or opposing the change.

1. Will the forum be (or is it now) beneficial to FlyerTalk?

2. Will the new forum benefit a relationship with FlyerTalk? E.g., does the forum provide value for FT members, such as a friendly ear highly placed in the company

3. Is FT the best place to discuss this subject?

4. Is there a passionate following? This is essential in order to provide dedicated expert helpers to get questions answered.

5. Is a critical mass of posts and readers anticipated or existing? We need adequate traffic to keep everyone visiting frequently. One living forum is more valuable than two mostly dead ones.

6. Is this the best place on FlyerTalk for this subject? This is the classification issue. The answer depends primarily on achieving and maintaining critical mass. It also depends on whether or where the discussion might (or does) occur in the absence of the forum.

7. For proposals to split a forum, is the split expected to improve the signal to noise ratio? Why?

On a different note, someone suggested in May editing the Marriott forum name adding Ritz Carlton to it due to the rewards programs, etc.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1345207-suggestion-rename-marriott-forum-include-ritz-carlton-updated-title.html

And someone mentioned yesterday in the Marriott forum the same. I asked in that thread that they respond in the TB forum thread, as TB members read this forum more often than individual forums. I also mentioned in that thread your suggestion for a separate Ritz-Carlton forum, which could possibly impact any potential name change.

Cheers.

Many questions that arise with regards to the RC rewards program are about how in interrelates with and/or differs from the Marriott Rewards program. I feel like having two separate boards is redundant and will lead to the experts in the program answering the same questions in two places.

Many questions that arise with regards to the RC rewards program are about how in interrelates with and/or differs from the Marriott Rewards program. I feel like having two separate boards is redundant and will lead to the experts in the program answering the same questions in two places.

I see where you are coming from but they are effectively two separate programs. There are promotions and benefits unique to Marriott and similarly unique to Ritz-Carlton. It just seems to me if Fairmont President's Club gets a dedicated forum and is really just a 'recognition' program Ritz-Carlton should similarly get a forum of its own.

As it is Ritz-Carlton discussions is scattered between the Luxury Hotels and Marriott Rewards forums, I believe it would make the most sense to consolidate to a single forum for convenient access.

I see where you are coming from but they are effectively two separate programs. There are promotions and benefits unique to Marriott and similarly unique to Ritz-Carlton. It just seems to me if Fairmont President's Club gets a dedicated forum and is really just a 'recognition' program Ritz-Carlton should similarly get a forum of its own.


I don't feel the anology is apt as Fairmont has always managed it's own brand unlike RC who has chosen to affiliate itself with Marriott. For example Ritz-Carlton is one brand that can be selected on Marriott's search engine and to me closely identifies the two as operating in partnership to lead me to not support a separate Ritz-Carlton forum at this time.

Should that arrangement change in future then perhaps it could be revisisted but for now IMHO it makes more sense to me to keep RC topics under the Marriott umbrella, especially if a majority of the topics relate to the Marriott affiliation.

I see where you are coming from but they are effectively two separate programs. I tend disagree with this.

My thoughts are they are "effectively" one program, but each with a little different "lipstick" applied (i.e. advertising). You can switch between the two almost at will. The points are the same. Earning points are basically the same. Maybe some different promos, but since one can switch between the two program, you can probably get whichever promos you prefer. And the rules, the awards, etc. are virtually the same. Even the T&Cs are located on the same webpages.

I don't understand why people are so opposed to creating a new forum. I generally don't stay at Marriott hotels, I don't want to have to sift through threads discussing Courtyard properties in Buffalo NY to get to threads and discussion about the Ritz-Carlton, RC rewards, and RC properties. As I said, much of the discussion is scattered around multiple forums and this would make the most sense, IMO.

I tend disagree with this.

My thoughts are they are "effectively" one program, but each with a little different "lipstick" applied (i.e. advertising). You can switch between the two almost at will. The points are the same. Earning points are basically the same. Maybe some different promos, but since one can switch between the two program, you can probably get whichever promos you prefer. And the rules, the awards, etc. are virtually the same. Even the T&Cs are located on the same webpages.If one has both Marriott/RC accounts, is it possible to transfer points between the two (especially from RC -> Marriott)? If yes, how to do that? TIA.

If one has both Marriott/RC accounts, is it possible to transfer points between the two (especially from RC -> Marriott)? If yes, how to do that? TIA.No, you can only have an account with one of the two. As stated, they are really one program with different front ends. Marriott won't let you have an account with both at the same time.

No, you can only have an account with one of the two. As stated, they are really one program with different front ends. Marriott won't let you have an account with both at the same time.That person must have inadvertently created both. Should he then just asks Marriott to merge both into one?

I don't understand why people are so opposed to creating a new forum. I generally don't stay at Marriott hotels, I don't want to have to sift through threads discussing Courtyard properties in Buffalo NY to get to threads and discussion about the Ritz-Carlton, RC rewards, and RC properties. As I said, much of the discussion is scattered around multiple forums and this would make the most sense, IMO.

I don't know that people are 'so opposed' to this per se, as much as you've not yet made a case for it. Because the other guy (Fairmont) has one or I don't want to sift through Marriott or CY threads isn't a case totally made.

If you want to make your case, answering these questions will probably help (see info in link).

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18823533-post2.html

Also, in taking a quick glance at the Luxury & Marriott forums (the only 2 forums that the discussions are 'scattered around' as far as I can tell), it looks like:

1) most property discussions take place in the Luxury forum, either about the property itself or comparing it to other brands, such as Aman, Four Seasons, etc, &

2) most RC reward programs/promos take place in the Marriott forum, because, as noted, the elite/reward programs are similar, just with a different front-end. Marriott forum does have some RC property threads.

It's also been suggested in a different thread that:

3) the name of the Marriott forum be adapted to include Ritz-Carlton, primarily because the reward programs are similar;
4) Ritz-Carlton be made a sub-forum of the Marriott forum.

FWIW - my guess is that people wanting to do comparisons of the Ritz properties to other high-end brands are still going to post mainly in the Luxury forum.

Cheers.

not different, the same

awards have always been available, earning is what is new

and with increased redemption levels, probably less FTers doing it now

AND how many FTers immediately jumped to paying RC rates because earning is allowed?

hotel discussion, in terms of luxury service/accommodations, is in luxury hotels forum

isnt there at least one other past thread on this? ah, the title change thread, related.

not different, the same

awards have always been available, earning is what is new

and with increased redemption levels, probably less FTers doing it now

AND how many FTers immediately jumped to paying RC rates because earning is allowed?

hotel discussion, in terms of luxury service/accommodations, is in luxury hotels forum

isnt there at least one other past thread on this? ah, the title change thread, related.

You're making some assumptions in a couple of your comments above. Based on posts in the Marriott forum, there are FTers that stay at RCs & are more willing to do so now that it's got an earning program as well.

If the OP can make a case, TB is willing to consider this. It may be it makes sense. It may be it doesn't, or a sub-forum makes sense or just a forum name change.

That's what threads like these are for, to consider a variety of options & if there are pros/cons to what's being suggested.

Cheers.

TB's "demand" standards are very high, that is all i am referring to, and not commenting on

actual HOTEL discussion is in luxury hotels forum

so there are TWO existing forums, and again, there is no difference, its like having hotel forums being broken down by brand - that hasnt been done on FT - only like that with airlines that have merged

actual HOTEL discussion is in luxury hotels forum

so there are TWO existing forums, and again, there is no difference, its like having hotel forums being broken down by brand - that hasnt been done on FT - only like that with airlines that have merged

RC property discussions currently reside in both the Marriott & Luxury hotel forums.

Property comparison discussions (such as how does RC XX compare to Four Seasons XX or Aman XX) reside in the Luxury hotel forum.

If I understand the OP correctly, he would like to see RC get its own forum because RC has a rewards program, CC tie-ins, etc, and see discussions re: those & properties (not comparison threads) go in to a separate RC forum.

That might make sense (or not), just as it might make sense (or not) to have RC become a sub-forum of Marriott since the rewards program is basically the same w/ 2 different front ends, or it might make sense to just change the Marriott forum title to incorporate RC (or not).

There are 3 possible items for TB to consider, based on this thread & the other changing the forum title thread.

Cheers.

RC property discussions currently reside in both the Marriott & Luxury hotel forums.

Property comparison discussions (such as how does RC XX compare to Four Seasons XX or Aman XX) reside in the Luxury hotel forum.

If I understand the OP correctly, he would like to see RC get its own forum because RC has a rewards program, CC tie-ins, etc, and see discussions re: those & properties (not comparison threads) go in to a separate RC forum.

That might make sense (or not), just as it might make sense (or not) to have RC become a sub-forum of Marriott since the rewards program is basically the same w/ 2 different front ends, or it might make sense to just change the Marriott forum title to incorporate RC (or not).

There are 3 possible items for TB to consider, based on this thread & the other changing the forum title thread.

Cheers.

I think a subforum within Marriott would be a good compromise, but ultimately I believe a standalone forum would be best. The main forum reads the following for Travel and Dining:

Travel&Dining
These topics are for discussing travel issues, food and drink.

and since RC Rewards is a points based loyalty program I think it would be most consistent and appropriate to file it under Miles&Points.

The following are qualitative criteria that the TalkBoard believes are useful to consider when evaluating proposals to create, close, split, or move forums. Whenever a forum change is discussed on the TalkBoard Topics, the TalkBoard encourages posters to fully address these criteria in addition to any other reasons supporting or opposing the change.

1. Will the forum be (or is it now) beneficial to FlyerTalk?

Yes, I believe a consolidated forum to discuss all things Ritz-Cartlton would be beneficial. As it is discussion is distributed throughout Luxury Hotels and Marriott Rewards, with some redundancy, duplicate threads, and other inconsistencies. I think it would be useful for those like myself only interested in Ritz-Carlton related discussion to have a place without needing to sift through endless Marriott Rewards and Marriott property related threads.

2. Will the new forum benefit a relationship with FlyerTalk? E.g., does the forum provide value for FT members, such as a friendly ear highly placed in the company

Yes, I believe so for the same reasons as stated above. I'm do not have an affiliation with Marriott or the Ritz-Carlton to know if they will leverage such a forum but I know a little bit about the social media initiatives the individual hotel locations have used. Perhaps this is something they would consider adding in the future.

3. Is FT the best place to discuss this subject?

Discussion is already taking place on FT, clearly there is an interest. Since the Ritz-Carlton and other luxury hotel chains are increasingly leveraging points based rewards and recognition programs I believe this is an FT worthy discussion.


4. Is there a passionate following? This is essential in order to provide dedicated expert helpers to get questions answered.

I would say so. Some luxury hotel guests prefer the Four Seasons, but I'm a very loyal Ritz-Carlton guest. Been a lifelong guest and have fond childhood memories at the St. Louis and former Boston location. Over the years I've traveled to nearly 20 properties worldwide and consider myself fairly aware and knowledgeable of their properties, amenities, and the rewards program.

5. Is a critical mass of posts and readers anticipated or existing? We need adequate traffic to keep everyone visiting frequently. One living forum is more valuable than two mostly dead ones.

I would say so. As it is discussion is spread across various areas of FT, and I believe a single forum would be superior to a hodge podge of threads throughout various forums. Ritz-Carlton is opening many new properties throughout Asia and the Middle East, and is also pursuing other growth opportunities.


6. Is this the best place on FlyerTalk for this subject? This is the classification issue. The answer depends primarily on achieving and maintaining critical mass. It also depends on whether or where the discussion might (or does) occur in the absence of the forum.

I believe it would be better than what we have now. Allow Marriott discussion to focus on Marriott properties, Luxury Hotels to center around with non-RC and point related discussion.


7. For proposals to split a forum, is the split expected to improve the signal to noise ratio? Why?

Splitting the forum would be an acceptable alternative IMHO, but a separate forum altogether would be ideal. It would take some adjusting and possibly moving threads around but ultimately I believe it would be an enhancement for FT readers seeking Ritz-Carlton related discussion.

Allow Marriott discussion to focus on Marriott properties, Luxury Hotels to center around with non-RC and point related discussion.

In that case where would Marriott Rewards members collecting or redeeming at RC discuss their topics?

i would argue marriott is removing the "gap" between RC and its other brands

but i now recognize the position that it is different from other chains, in terms of being a "subsidiary" or something like that

As a newbie poster but frequent visitor for information and help, wouldn't it be good to look at this from the point of those coming here for information? Say you are new to the credit card game, you google search the new card you have received to see if you are fully taking advantage of that specific cards offerings, or if you could maximize its potential. While you are correct that the Marriott Thread is a mix of basically the same features, the fact is my card is Ritz Carlton branded. I search for Ritz Carlton, and information in the thread is geared towards that end.

IMHO no harm in a thread that is useful and helpful for all to use, new and old.

Splitting the forum would be an acceptable alternative IMHO, but a separate forum altogether would be ideal. It would take some adjusting and possibly moving threads around but ultimately I believe it would be an enhancement for FT readers seeking Ritz-Carlton related discussion.

I agree with this. The Ritz Carlton experience is different than the Marriott experience and the discussion surrounding is varied too (based on discussion in the Luxury Hotel forum vs. the Marriott forum discussions). There are just as many Ritz Carltons as their are Fairmont hotels and I think there's enough of a following and discussion topics to allow for a separate forum.

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of subfora - primarily due to how they display on FT.

st regis, park hyatt, waldorf...

There are just as many Ritz Carltons as their are Fairmont hotels and I think there's enough of a following and discussion topics to allow for a separate forum.

Sorry but the comparison to Fairmont that keeps getting made is IMHO invalid as unlike Fairmont, Marriott and RC have chosen to allign themselves with each other and that affiliation makes it harder to discuss them separately. Fairmont was never a partner of another hotel chain and so didn't trade on any corporate marketing relationship or association with another hotelier.

Trying to separate the conjoined Marriott/Ritz-Carlton twin is only asking for more confusion about topic location and overlapping threads in both forums and future complaints that it's too frustrating. That is merely MHO of course and YMMV.

Sorry but the comparison to Fairmont that keeps getting made is IMHO invalid as unlike Fairmont, Marriott and RC have chosen to allign themselves with each other and that affiliation makes it harder to discuss them separately. Fairmont was never a partner of another hotel chain and so didn't trade on any corporate marketing relationship or association with another hotelier.

Trying to separate the conjoined Marriott/Ritz-Carlton twin is only asking for more confusion about topic location and overlapping threads in both forums and future complaints that it's too frustrating. That is merely MHO of course and YMMV.

Could not agree with you more...

Hello! Ritz-Carlton is Marriott is Ritz-Carlton.

If anything, possibly amend the current Marriott forum title to include Ritz.

But seriously, the people that come to FT know that Ritz is Marriott. And if they have any questions, go to the Marriott forum (and in some cases, the Luxury Hotels forum).

FWIW, I stay mainly at JW MR, MR, Ren, and RC properties. I have no problem ignoring CY, SH, FFI, and RI threads. I also often use the search feature (heaven forbid) and will search for specific hotels and/or cities I am interested in. Doing this in one forum would be much more convenient IMO especially since the programs are the same. Same rules, same redemption opportunities, same hotels. The only difference are their promos. Not to mention the vast resource of information already available via the search function regarding the aspects and nuances of the MR and RCR programs (same rules remember).

So my vote is for a joint Marriott Rewards & Ritz-Carlton Rewards forum. It is that already with the exception of the name.

In that case where would Marriott Rewards members collecting or redeeming at RC discuss their topics?Marriott Reward members would discuss all of their Marriott Rewards related topics in the MR forum (or whatever name it may be changed to) as they are now. Discussions of RC properties would continue there too because many MR members earn and burn at RC as they do at other MR brands.

If there is a separate RCR forum then they would discuss both RC and other Marriott brands earning and burning opportunities there also. After all their program, like the MR program, allows earning and burning at all Marriott brands (including RC).

Keep in mind these forums are not Hotel forums, but are frequent stay program forums. Therefore we have a choice:

1) A Marriott Rewards forum and a separate Ritz-Carlton Rewards Forum whose rules are identical and whose earn and burn opportunities are identical. There will be redundant discussions, some discussions about other Marriott brands by RCR members in their forum and other discussions about RC brand by MR members in their forum.

- or -

2) A combined Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards forum whose programs are governed by common T&C.

#2 just makes way more sense IMO.

Keep in mind these forums are not Hotel forums, but are frequent stay program forums.

They are supposed to be but in reality virtually anything Marriott related is up for discussion.

#2 just makes way more sense IMO.

Agreed. ^

I would vote to rename the current MR forum to a joint name. I don't think we need an extra forum.

sounds fine.

In the Marriott forum there is a Poll thread on this very topic, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1380295-should-marriott-rewards-board-renamed.html, where any FT member can vote on their preferred option. The voting will last until Oct. 22. So there is a lot of time for everyone to make their voice heard.

My first choice would be a sub-forum for RC within Marriott. This opinion is based somewhat on my recent personal experience staying in a RC. First of all, the Platinum Premier line was very helpful in answering questions about the Hong Kong property, which I ultimately booked through FHR as it was a better deal and I wasn't willing to spend IIRC 70,000 points per night. In addition, they made a dinner reservation for me. Secondly, the property recognized my Platinum Premier status; front desk and lounge employees seemed familiar with my card and knew that it was a higher level than Platinum. I received a nice upgrade, to a large corner junior suite. I never felt that they would have treated someone from the RC program better, although they obviously would give preference to those who had previously been guests at the property. Third, my points posted quickly and accurately. To me, all of this indicates that the programs are well integrated, even though it is just one data point.

The title of the Marriott forum should be changed to indicate that RC is now included, but I don't have strong views on how the new name should be formulated.

There is a poll in the Marriott Rewards forum re: whether to keep the forum name as is (ie, no change), or to change it to Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton). Poll is open to November 25th.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1401186-should-marriott-rewards-board-renamed-part-2-a.html

Cheers.