Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Just got downgraded.. What can I do?!

My clients checked in into the Ottawa Marriott for 2 nights and their reservation they had 2 deluxe rooms, larger than a standard room with a king size bed and a sofa bed.
I did the reservation through their website and it was the only room option available.
When they arrived they told them the hotel is full for Canada Day and that they do not have the deluxe rooms I reserved. They instead gave them two rooms, one with 1 king bed size, and the other with 2 double beds. The rooms are super small, and their 3 bags can't fit the closet, one is actually on top of the desk and they are just very tired and pissed off.
First of all because they paid more for a larger room and got a super small room.

They have a some problem speaking english so I already sent an email which basically tells the manager that they do expect a refund. I also did something that works 99% of the time which is showing them that you write critics at TripAdvisor, and believe they do care for a critic of 1 point.

So should my clients receive a partial refund??
When I say refund, is just for the difference they payed more for a larger room.

first off, was the res made by MR member with any status? if so, then:

Guaranteed Room Type
When making a reservation, be sure to note both your Marriott Rewards membership number and room/bed preferences. At locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, we'll always honor your bed type request.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits/guarantee.mi



My clients checked in into the Ottawa Marriott for 2 nights and their reservation they had 2 deluxe rooms, larger than a standard room with a king size bed and a sofa bed.
I did the reservation through their website and it was the only room option available.
When they arrived they told them the hotel is full for Canada Day and that they do not have the deluxe rooms I reserved. They instead gave them two rooms, one with 1 king bed size, and the other with 2 double beds. The rooms are super small, and their 3 bags can't fit the closet, one is actually on top of the desk and they are just very tired and pissed off.
First of all because they paid more for a larger room and got a super small room.

They have a some problem speaking english so I already sent an email which basically tells the manager that they do expect a refund. I also did something that works 99% of the time which is showing them that you write critics at TripAdvisor, and believe they do care for a critic of 1 point.

So should my clients receive a partial refund??
When I say refund, is just for the difference they payed more for a larger room.

I also did something that works 99% of the time which is showing them that you write critics at TripAdvisor, and believe they do care for a critic of 1 point.


IMHO, this is borderline blackmailing. I would tell you to go pound sand.

BKKLEE is correct. The reservation guarantee is the way to go, if your clients are Marriott elite members.

Well, no he is member of Marriott but he is not an elite member.
And it would've only valid if their reservation was not honored.
Although one observation I mad is that my clients had stayed through all of their Canada vacation in Marriotts.
They stayed 2 nights (2 rooms) in Niagara and 3 nights (2 rooms) in Toronto. I though it with these two he would already have 10 nights and therefore be a Sliver member but apparently not. Is this correct?

And what should I do? Call the 800 number?

sorry to tell ya but although you'll get points for both rooms you'll only get stay credits toward elite status for one (and quite frankly you really shouldn't get ANY stay credits as this requires YOU to have stayed in at least one of the rooms, but seems only your clients did)

and, even IF the hotel miscredited points/stays, as a silver you are still NOT entitled to the URG benefits

as for calling someone, since you tried to "beat the system", yes, call 800-TISSUE

Well, no he is member of Marriott but he is not an elite member.
And it would've only valid if their reservation was not honored.
Although one observation I mad is that my clients had stayed through all of their Canada vacation in Marriotts.
They stayed 2 nights (2 rooms) in Niagara and 3 nights (2 rooms) in Toronto. I though it with these two he would already have 10 nights and therefore be a Sliver member but apparently not. Is this correct?

And what should I do? Call the 800 number?

So any recommendations in what to do?
Call the hotel, send more e-mails, because seriously if any of you would pay for a something nicer and get something so small, what would you do?

the guest rooms at this hotel are 246sqft/22sqm-264sqft/24sqm with either 1 king or 2 doubles.................. your clients got EXACTLY what you booked.......and
if your clients are torqued off at anyone IMO they should be torqued off at you...........

So any recommendations in what to do?
Call the hotel, send more e-mails, because seriously if any of you would pay for a something nicer and get something so small, what would you do?

the guest rooms at this hotel are 246sqft/22sqm-264sqft/24sqm with either 1 king or 2 doubles.................. your clients got EXACTLY what you booked.......and
if your clients are torqued off at anyone IMO they should be torqued off at you...........

Seems like you have a reading comprehension issue... OP booked the larger of the two room types, which is 372sq feet... He has every right to be upset.

OP, you should tell the manager "I paid for the bigger room, you guys made a mistake, I think I ought to get a refund of the difference between the two and 5000 (or 10,000) MR points for my troubles." I think it's a given you'll get the refund, a competent hotel manager would also give you points. If the discussion is going amicably, but he is resisting on points, I would say "I always leave reviews on trip advisor, and I'm looking forward to detailing how you managed to make up for the Hotel's mistake, thus making it a non-issue"

If the discussion is going amicably, but he is resisting on points, I would say "I always leave reviews on trip advisor, and I'm looking forward to detailing how you managed to make up for the Hotel's mistake, thus making it a non-issue"

OP is not staying at the hotel so he/she is not allowed to leave a TripAdvisor review. Very easy for a hotel to have a review like this removed.

I'm confused about who is staying in the hotel and how these people are related to you.

If you are not a travel agent, but you are pretending to be one, then I've got no sympathy for you. You put your clients in a position where something could easily go wrong, but had no plan to handle when something goes wrong: you are in the wrong. If you are acting as a professional on client's behalf, you shouldn't be in a position where you have to panically post on the Internet to ask how to handle a travel blip.

The Marriott Website's Terms of Use are pretty clear about who can use the site and how. TOU #3 makes it clear that you can only make reservations for yourself and your guests (not clients/customers) through the site, and #10 provides instruction for a travel agent making reservations for customers/clients through the site. OP, are you a travel agent? If so, don't you have a policy for handling this? There are reasons MI doesn't want people making reservations for third parties on its site, and you have just illustrated one of them.

Did you call the hotel that morning and make sure the room reservations could be fulfilled? As an individual, I always do that, especially when there is a special request involved. (Connecting rooms, room type/view/location.) A paid professional would certainly have taken the two minutes to ensure something important.

There is nothing that could have been done to get the guests into a larger room once the room was no longer available. Your clients shouldn't have to pay for the larger room if they did not get the larger room. If the hotel is unwilling to make the adjustment, the guests should dispute the charge with the credit card company or the travel agency to which they pre-paid the stay. If they pre-paid the stay, the agency should immediately refund the money to the customer and then work within the travel agents' site to get the refund.

It's pretty simple. It's not something that should cause panic in a travel professional.

the posting OP just trying to get points & stay credits (......I did the reservation....) for 2 rooms that he did not use at all (....,When they arrived ....) nor even pay for (....they paid ....), and now wants additional compensation.......... enough said!

[QUOTE=CJKatl;18851171]I'm confused about who is staying in the hotel and how these people are related to you.

If you are not a travel agent, but you are pretending to be one, then I've got no sympathy for you. You put your clients in a position where something could easily go wrong, but had no plan to handle when something goes wrong: you are in the wrong. If you are acting as a professional on client's behalf, you shouldn't be in a position where you have to panically post on the Internet to ask how to handle a travel blip.

BK and all

The OP does not deserve any help. By his own admission, he often lies to achieve a result:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13945711-post1.html

By the way, OP, I have unlimited calling to Canada and I will monitor T/A for a review from you. If you dare to post a negative review, I will alert T/A's personnel that you are by your own admission a liar, and that you were willing to blackmail the hotel to achieve your ends -- again by your own admission.

What's more, I am alerting the moderator to your admitted fraudulent activity and can only hope that some kind of discipline will be taken against you by those who run this web site.

in reading NJUPINTHEAIR's reference I really find it strange that this OP now claims he made reservations for his clients, but in the reference states he/she is a "minor"...................
I therefore 2nd NJ's request to the moderator to ban further garbage eminating from this OP

BK and all

The OP does not deserve any help. By his own admission, he often lies to achieve a result:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13945711-post1.html

By the way, OP, I have unlimited calling to Canada and I will monitor T/A for a review from you. If you dare to post a negative review, I will alert T/A's personnel that you are by your own admission a liar, and that you were willing to blackmail the hotel to achieve your ends -- again by your own admission.

What's more, I am alerting the moderator to your admitted fraudulent activity and can only hope that some kind of discipline will be taken against you by those who run this web site.

in reading NJUPINTHEAIR's reference I really find it strange that this OP now claims he made reservations for his clients, but in the reference states he/she is a "minor"...................
I therefore 2nd NJ's request to the moderator to ban further garbage eminating from this OP

Right. You can't trust anything that the OP may claim.

BKKLEE - I'm still not seeing how the OP is trying to get points from this. The reference to the "clients" Marriott status makes me think they are getting credit for the stay, but both you and NJUPINTHEAIR and others are correct in your call that this person should not be posting on FT. While many on this site try to get the most and the most out of entitle benefits, we all draw the line at gaming the system.

Ugggh, I hate it when people lie to achieve their goals, especially as a standard practice, but the OP seems to have gotten what he deserved in this case. No need for Flyertalk to weigh in and pile on.

Bruce
Moderator

And it seems he "plays travel agent" for 16 year olds too.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/550996-consolidated-connections-lax-terminals-time-etc-5.html#post18563422

Trying to pull some hidden city BS: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1300132-another-topic-throwaway-ticket.html

Then we have thread where he travels with his 16 year old son: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxury-hotels/1276736-lermitage-vs-peninsula-beverly-hills.html#post17398453

Yet in this http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13945711-post1.html he says he is a minor in 2010.

And in this post he claims he is 17 in 2011 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flying-blue-air-france-klm-other-partners/1203720-any-flight-available-urgent.html#post16187915

OP booked the larger of the two room types, which is 372sq feet... He has every right to be upset.

OP, you should tell the manager "I paid for the bigger room, you guys made a mistake, I think I ought to get a refund of the difference between the two and 5000 (or 10,000) MR points for my troubles." I think it's a given you'll get the refund, a competent hotel manager would also give you points.

Putting aside the OP & his behavior & focusing solely on the situation. Let's say that another FTer encountered (or might encounter the same situation in the future) & is looking for advice. I think the above is pretty spot on.

If it were me & I didn't receive the type of room I paid for, I would be upset & I would ask for the difference in room costs to be credited to my credit card. That's a given. The extra points would help assauge some of the irritation. If the manager didn't comply with the refund, etc, I wouldn't go to TripAdvisor but instead contact Marriott HQ.

Cheers.

Hopefully someone will print out and PDF to the GM this thread. S/he can figure out who booked and get the account and CC closed ASAP. Maybe make sure authorities do a little bit of checking on what OP is really up to.

After reading through his other posts he does seem to be more ethically challenged than most. Marriott may even want to take a close look at those reservations.

Aside from the fact that this thread should be sent to MR for review, the case of invol. downgrades is a real issues.
A few weeks ago in Hamburg I was about to be downgraded as well, luckily I saw it a few days in advance because they listed the lower room type in the reservation. I called them to ask what the hell was going on and they ended up being very apologetic about it, but stated they didn't know I could see the room types on my end :rolleyes: Anyway, the hotel was overbooked and they apparently tried to downgrade some guests (:rolleyes: why pick a Gold :rolleyes:). I told them that's a no go and asked them to come up with a solution by the time I get there ... yep, the solution was the presidential suite :D

I'm confused about who is staying in the hotel and how these people are related to you.

If you are not a travel agent, but you are pretending to be one, then I've got no sympathy for you.

Yes, I'm not a travel agent and you know what?! Who needs those people?
I feel bad for travel agents

Seriously people you don't have anything better to do in your lives than checking on my old posts?
But whatever, think whatever you want and the reality is that I got my clients/friends a refund of 40 USD per night per room.

Again, I'm 16 years old, I have been writing reviews since I was 11, my reviews have been read over 80,000 times and if I had to tell people I was an adult, it was because of people like you who think an american adult can do the triple a teen can do.

Seriously! Do something in your lives! Don't spend the whole night checking on my old posts!

blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..............
you've been outted for what you are............... and I for one won't bother reading, let alone responding to a self-rightous individual who likes to think others give a damn what YOU think (or say)

Yes, I'm not a travel agent and you know what?! Who needs those people?
I feel bad for travel agents

Seriously people you don't have anything better to do in your lives than checking on my old posts?
But whatever, think whatever you want and the reality is that I got my clients/friends a refund of 40 USD per night per room.

iztok: I'm saving you time of pulling out the calculator, my friends saved 180 USD, which is fair, plus they received in total 10 free breakfasts.
If you have any travel agent that can do that kind of work please tell me.
Again, I'm 16 years old, I have been writing reviews since I was 11, my reviews have been read over 80,000 times and if I had to tell people I was an adult, it was because of people like you (morons) who think an american adult can do the triple a teen can do.
Just a reminder, I'm not your typical teen from America, I'm not even American, so yes I don't smoke, drug myself, drink alcohol, and think my education is the best just because is American.
Seriously! Do something in your lives! Don't spend the whole night checking on my old posts!

You come here soliciting advice (on several occasions) pretending you are something else than you are - it seems you post based on situation your clients are in. Now you have the gal to try and accuse us? It seems you are trying to gain advice which in turn you get paid for by your clients. You've been made, your posts shown too many red flags and this one seems to be the one past finally caught up with you.

I already tried to get this OP banned and was unsuccessful, however if you feel that this OP was intending to defraud you and other readers (as you write) then report him to the Moderator to have his/her membership revoked and we'll all be done with listening to his/her blah, blah, blah

Attempting to Defraud any Member - link to this guideline
Anyone who uses FlyerTalk in an attempt to defraud a member will have his or her membership revoked.
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q85

You come here soliciting advice (on several occasions) pretending you are something else than you are - it seems you post based on situation your clients are in. Now you have the gal to try and accuse us? It seems you are trying to gain advice which in turn you get paid for by your clients. You've been made, your posts shown too many red flags and this one seems to be the one past finally caught up with you.

I already tried to get this OP banned and was unsuccessful, however if you feel that this OP was intending to defraud you and other readers (as you write) then report him to the Moderator to have his/her membership revoked and we'll all be done with listening to his/her blah, blah, blah

Attempting to Defraud any Member - link to this guideline
Anyone who uses FlyerTalk in an attempt to defraud a member will have his or her membership revoked.
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q85

Advice is freely given. I don't consider this defrauding me (or anyone else). One can choose to give or not to give an advice. I will just make a mental note of the OP and move on.

I choose to participate here because once in a while I need an advice and giving advice/opinion/help is right thing to do. If I were to seek help for a 3rd party (family/friends) I would clearly indicate so in my post. Not everyone abides by representing oneself in the truthful manner.

Unfortunately even if OP gets banned he can always open a sock puppet accounts and continue until caught and repeat again and again. Just sad. Perhaps one day he'll realize that even banter he received warning him what he is doing is not the best thing was given because of his own good. One day I hope, before it is too late and he ends up in real trouble either with the law or in the civil world.

I already tried to get this OP banned and was unsuccessful, however if you feel that this OP was intending to defraud you and other readers (as you write) then report him to the Moderator to have his/her membership revoked and we'll all be done with listening to his/her blah, blah, blah

Attempting to Defraud any Member - link to this guideline
Anyone who uses FlyerTalk in an attempt to defraud a member will have his or her membership revoked.
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q85

Paging SkiAdcock, vice president SkiAdcock...

But whatever, think whatever you want and the reality is that I got my clients/friends a refund of 40 USD per night per room.



Reality, indeed!

How did you get them a refund of $40 USD, when the currency of payment was/is in Canadian dollars! :rolleyes:

Yes, I'm not a travel agent and you know what?! Who needs those people?
I feel bad for travel agents

Seriously people you don't have anything better to do in your lives than checking on my old posts?
But whatever, think whatever you want and the reality is that I got my clients/friends a refund of 40 USD per night per room.

Again, I'm 16 years old, I have been writing reviews since I was 11, my reviews have been read over 80,000 times and if I had to tell people I was an adult, it was because of people like you who think an american adult can do the triple a teen can do.

Seriously! Do something in your lives! Don't spend the whole night checking on my old posts!

Got you!

If you are, indeed, 16 years old, then you have blatantly lied to the readership when you had declared that you were an adult traveling with your kids.

I have got to believe that there is some rule against lying so openly and unforgivingly to the membership here on F/T.

I neither know nor support the OP, but I do have to say wow! Some of you take this site way too seriously. It's one thing if the OP offered to sell you oceanfront property in Arizona and you took him up on his email to "immediately wire one million dollars to the Prince of Zimbabwe", but to claim foul and defrauding by simple words of what someone says they are on an internet forum? And then to suggest that moderators should get him and show him good for his ways and ban him? Good thing you've never frequented a chat room, Myspace, or Facebook!

Edit: Just read some of his previous posts... quite amusing... but still this is an internet medium and unless you suffered actual damages (besides just a waste of time and a headache) from the OP, lighten up! There are much worse things to worry about...

Just wondering where a 16 year old gets all the money for this supposed travel and such.... :rolleyes:

That's right, from his clients :D

I don't think we take this site too seriously as a general rule (but certainly there are some who do), but some manner of internet policing is certainly necessary to keep the hallowed halls of FT free from this kind of crap.

Just wondering where a 16 year old gets all the money for this supposed travel and such.... :rolleyes:

That's right, from his clients :D

I don't think we take this site too seriously as a general rule (but certainly there are some who do), but some manner of internet policing is certainly necessary to keep the hallowed halls of FT free from this kind of crap.

I still have no idea what's happening in this thread, and while I don't want to stand up for the OP, by any means (based on the little I understand), his initial question was a valid one even if it was to help out his parents ("clients") or relatives ("clients"), as opposed to himself or real clients. So doesn't bother me too much, but maybe I'm just easy ("that's what she said!")

This thread is nearing the end of its useful life, as it has turned into a discussion of itself (and the OP) rather than of Marriott Rewards issues. I'm going to wait a little while, but expect this to be closed pretty soon if it doesn't improve. Right now, it's just a waste of our time.

Bruce
Moderator

I also did something that works 99% of the time which is showing them that you write critics at TripAdvisor, and believe they do care for a critic of 1 point.


This statement brings all your Tripadvisor reviews into question, for instance are you trying to get something from this property?

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150787-d157015-r132995045-Quinta_Real_Acapulco-Acapulco_Southern_Mexico.html

I've always suspected that a lot of TA reviews are written either by prisoners or by high school kids with internet access and time on their hands. Very few of them contain any specific details about the property. Kids should be supervised on the internet, including on FT.

However, it's a shame that a decent hotel, Marriott or otherwise, receives bad reviews this way. I hope the policy of this hotel is to refuse to give people what they want but are not entitled to just because they threaten a bad TA review or promise a good one if the hotel goes along with their improper requests. It's unfair to the guests who do not behave this way, including elites who would otherwise get upgrades, etc.

Putting aside the OP & his behavior & focusing solely on the situation. Let's say that another FTer encountered (or might encounter the same situation in the future) & is looking for advice. I think the above is pretty spot on.

If it were me & I didn't receive the type of room I paid for, I would be upset & I would ask for the difference in room costs to be credited to my credit card. That's a given. The extra points would help assauge some of the irritation. If the manager didn't comply with the refund, etc, I wouldn't go to TripAdvisor but instead contact Marriott HQ.

Cheers.

To quote myself - forget the OP & focus on the situation & provide advice re: that.

the case of invol. downgrades is a real issues.
A few weeks ago in Hamburg I was about to be downgraded as well, luckily I saw it a few days in advance because they listed the lower room type in the reservation. I called them to ask what the hell was going on and they ended up being very apologetic about it, but stated they didn't know I could see the room types on my end :rolleyes: Anyway, the hotel was overbooked and they apparently tried to downgrade some guests (:rolleyes: why pick a Gold :rolleyes:). I told them that's a no go and asked them to come up with a solution by the time I get there ... yep, the solution was the presidential suite :D

Indeed - let's focus on the actual situation.

blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..............
you've been outted for what you are............... and I for one won't bother reading, let alone responding to a self-rightous individual who likes to think others give a damn what YOU think (or say)

Then the solution is easy - don't read the thread! That goes to all who are upset by the OP & his actions/posts. Even better - there's a feature on FT called "Ignore". If you're bothered by a FTer, just put him/her on your ignore list. @:-)

I already tried to get this OP banned and was unsuccessful, however if you feel that this OP was intending to defraud you and other readers (as you write) then report him to the Moderator to have his/her membership revoked and we'll all be done with listening to his/her blah, blah, blah

Attempting to Defraud any Member - link to this guideline
Anyone who uses FlyerTalk in an attempt to defraud a member will have his or her membership revoked.
http://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules.php#q85

Obviously you do give a d*mn ;).

I see no attempt by the OP to defraud another FTer. Also, re: banning. My understanding (I am not a mod, but from what I've heard) there's actually a procedure & it usually involves (if someone has violated TOS) a warning, then suspension for a week, then suspension for a month, then banned forever. Of course circumstances vary for these items.

Advice is freely given. I don't consider this defrauding me (or anyone else). One can choose to give or not to give an advice. I will just make a mental note of the OP and move on.

I choose to participate here because once in a while I need an advice and giving advice/opinion/help is right thing to do. If I were to seek help for a 3rd party (family/friends) I would clearly indicate so in my post. Not everyone abides by representing oneself in the truthful manner.

Perhaps one day he'll realize that even banter he received warning him what he is doing is not the best thing was given because of his own good.

What he said.

Paging SkiAdcock, vice president SkiAdcock...

Why page me - unless it's as a regular FTer to try & get people to focus on the scenario the OP presented rather than the OP?

For those who might not know, Talkboard has nothing to do w/ moderation, suspensions, banning. TB covers things like forum creation, closing forums, renaming forums, deciding on forums being open to all or restricted, posts counting, etc.

I neither know nor support the OP, but I do have to say wow! Some of you take this site way too seriously. It's one thing if the OP offered to sell you oceanfront property in Arizona and you took him up on his email to "immediately wire one million dollars to the Prince of Zimbabwe", but to claim foul and defrauding by simple words of what someone says they are on an internet forum? And then to suggest that moderators should get him and show him good for his ways and ban him? Good thing you've never frequented a chat room, Myspace, or Facebook!

Edit: Just read some of his previous posts... quite amusing... but still this is an internet medium and unless you suffered actual damages (besides just a waste of time and a headache) from the OP, lighten up! There are much worse things to worry about...

100% agree.

I still have no idea what's happening in this thread, and while I don't want to stand up for the OP, by any means (based on the little I understand), his initial question was a valid one even if it was to help out his parents ("clients") or relatives ("clients"), as opposed to himself or real clients. So doesn't bother me too much, but maybe I'm just easy ("that's what she said!")

+1.

This thread is nearing the end of its useful life, as it has turned into a discussion of itself (and the OP) rather than of Marriott Rewards issues. I'm going to wait a little while, but expect this to be closed pretty soon if it doesn't improve. Right now, it's just a waste of our time.

Bruce
Moderator

Agree.

Hopefully FTers can get back to the actual subject/scenario & not continue to get sidetracked by who the OP is.

Cheers.

Yeah it seems so. This 16 year old has kids as well :)

"Well after a bad night of seasickness of my kids, we got to La Serena, Coquimbo."

http://my-tripss.blogspot.mx/2012/06/day-2.html

It looks like he is making stuff as he goes along.

It looks like he is making stuff as he goes along.

Who cares? Let it go folks. It's obvious by now the OP has a few issues. Life's too short to keep banging on about him. Geesh. Continuing to focus on the OP & not the actual scenario will just get the thread shut.

If people have input on what to do in the actual downgrade situation, other FTers who might encounter a downgrade situation someday would probably appreciate suggestions on what they can/should do! And not everyone in that situation will be a Plat.

Cheers.

I've always suspected that a lot of TA reviews are written either by prisoners or by high school kids with internet access and time on their hands. Very few of them contain any specific details about the property.....

Good Grief, I hope not everyone feels the way you do...I have written quite a few detailed TA reviews to assist others, am neither a high school kid nor a prisoner, and would hate to think I completely wasted my time!

Of course, I suppose there are those who think my FT posts are a waste of time... ;-)

if one actually gets downgraded (as opposed to the OPs made-up story) you do not need to be plats, as stated, in order to invoke the URG as this guarantee is applicable to golds as well ............

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits/guarantee.mi

however, in the event that a real guest is not gold or plat then I suggest that each problem would necessitate being handled on a case-by-case basis so there's no flat one-time certain answer (as the reason which caused the downgrade would more then likely not be consistent)

If people have input on what to do in the actual downgrade situation, other FTers who might encounter a downgrade situation someday would probably appreciate suggestions on what they can/should do! And not everyone in that situation will be a Plat.

Cheers.

Good Grief, I hope not everyone feels the way you do...I have written quite a few detailed TA reviews to assist others, am neither a high school kid nor a prisoner, and would hate to think I completely wasted my time!

Of course, I suppose there are those who think my FT posts are a waste of time... ;-)
Well, I do not read TA reviews, but if yours are indeed detailed and go beyond the several sentence very general room too small, bathroom not clean, front desk staff rude, breakfast slow, etc. style of most reviews, then they would not fall into this category in my mind. But, honestly, what fraction of the reviews on a given hotel convince you that the writer has ever stayed there as opposed to just faking it?

i think that the question is valid and relevant and haven't seen any practical and feasible advise.

That being said, i believe that the questionable motive of the complainant is similar to other users who are more evasive in using the site for more lucrative objectives such as "for profit" organized events and travel industry agents.

I think there is also an "ignore" setting one can use.

I don't see why you should need to be a Plat, Gold, or any other status to receive what you reserved and paid for. This isn't a bed type change Room Type), nor it it a walk situation (URG), it's a different size room with different pricing. If the difference in room rate, at a very minimum, was not refunded, I'd dispute the bill with my credit card company for services not provided.

I picked a few random nights and it appears that $30-$40/night is the typical differential. A refund of this amount is the absolute minimum due.


(Looking up the Ottawa Marriott and checking the room types - Guest Room and Larger Guest Room - provides the details)

I have no problem with anyone claiming the difference between that purchased and that provided. That being said, if one is either gold or plat (and you included your MR # in the res) you are elligible for the URG.
Why only golds/plats - that question can only be responded to by MI....

I don't see why you should need to be a Plat, Gold, or any other status to receive what you reserved and paid for. This isn't a bed type change Room Type), nor it it a walk situation (URG), it's a different size room with different pricing. If the difference in room rate, at a very minimum, was not refunded, I'd dispute the bill with my credit card company for services not provided.

I picked a few random nights and it appears that $30-$40/night is the typical differential. A refund of this amount is the absolute minimum due.


(Looking up the Ottawa Marriott and checking the room types - Guest Room and Larger Guest Room - provides the details)

I've always suspected that a lot of TA reviews are written either by prisoners or by high school kids with internet access and time on their hands. Very few of them contain any specific details about the property.

Well, I do not read TA reviews, but if yours are indeed detailed and go beyond the several sentence very general room too small, bathroom not clean, front desk staff rude, breakfast slow, etc. style of most reviews, then they would not fall into this category in my mind. But, honestly, what fraction of the reviews on a given hotel convince you that the writer has ever stayed there as opposed to just faking it?

How is it that you can be so dismissive of TA's reviews in one post and in less than 13 hours admit that you do not read TA's reviews? :rolleyes:

I've always found them to be a fairly accurate resource, particularly when there's little to no information about the property here on FT. But like FT, the input given is from a very diverse group of travelers whose priorities differ from person to person. For example, a property that is popular with families might not be such a great stay for a business traveler. Regardless, there's usually enough details in the reviews to help me determine if a particular property is a good fit.

Contrary to your assessment, the vast majority of TA's reviews that I've read have been valuable and seem to be written by well-adjusted adults who are not "faking it".

How is it that you can be so dismissive of TA's reviews in one post and in less than 13 hours admit that you do not read TA's reviews? :rolleyes:

Contrary to your assessment, the vast majority of TA's reviews that I've read have been valuable and seem to be written by well-adjusted adults who are not "faking it".

Maybe about one third of online reviews are fake according to academia, and human cannot really distinguish between a real and fake one.

http://moneyland.time.com/2012/02/06/how-computer-geeks-aim-to-put-a-stop-to-fake-online-reviews/

I have no problem with anyone claiming the difference between that purchased and that provided. That being said, if one is either gold or plat (and you included your MR # in the res) you are elligible for the URG.

As the URG states
we’ll pay for your accommodations that night at a nearby hotel and compensate you for the inconvenience.

I believe it applies to being walked/no room available. I don't see in the T&C's anywhere the definition of "honor your reservation" so it would be an interesting discussion as to whether a different room type in fits this definition. But if you argue that it doesn't, wouldn't you have to decline the alternate room and slog to another hotel to collect?

Maybe about one third of online reviews are fake according to academia, and human cannot really distinguish between a real and fake one.

http://moneyland.time.com/2012/02/06/how-computer-geeks-aim-to-put-a-stop-to-fake-online-reviews/

Actually, the academic in the article estimated that perhaps a certain percentatge were fake. I put that in the "85% of people citing statistics make them up" category!

Add to that the fact that the academics appear to be trying to sell software that nobody has found worth buying, and I would take the academics' comments with something poured out of a Morton's cylinder.

TripAdvisor has proven to be a useful tool, IME. You've got to treat TA the same as you would recommendations from friends: ignore the best and worst, cut through the hyperbole and personal gripes and look for trends and mass agreement. One of the most useful features is being able to message the reviewer to ask for clarification or additional information. I get questions often and reach out to posters, too. Usually, I only reach out to someone after checking a couple other of their postings to ensure these reveiwers are people I can probably trust. And they've sent me a couple really nice sturdy shopping bags I use when grocery shopping to thank me for posting!

I believe it applies to being walked/no room available. I don't see in the T&C's anywhere the definition of "honor your reservation" so it would be an interesting discussion as to whether a different room type in fits this definition. But if you argue that it doesn't, wouldn't you have to decline the alternate room and slog to another hotel to collect?

I've collected the door prize twice: Once I was walked across the street from a CY to a SHS (or visa versa, can't remember) and the other time I was given a two bed room when I had been confirmed for a one bed room. I did not have to go to another hotel to collect the second time.

Guaranteed Room Type
When making a reservation, be sure to note both your Marriott Rewards membership number and room/bed preferences
https://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits/guarantee.mi

makes it very clear that it does..............

[QUOTE=CPRich;18862789] I don't see in the T&C's anywhere the definition of "honor your reservation" so it would be an interesting discussion as to whether a different room type in fits this definition. QUOTE]

I don't see why you should need to be a Plat, Gold, or any other status to receive what you reserved and paid for. This isn't a bed type change Room Type), nor it it a walk situation (URG), it's a different size room with different pricing. If the difference in room rate, at a very minimum, was not refunded, I'd dispute the bill with my credit card company for services not provided.

I picked a few random nights and it appears that $30-$40/night is the typical differential. A refund of this amount is the absolute minimum due.

(Looking up the Ottawa Marriott and checking the room types - Guest Room and Larger Guest Room - provides the details)

On-topic:

I agree w/ the above. If I paid more for a certain type of room & then was downgraded, I would do the same - ask for the price difference to be refunded to my credit card & if it wasn't done, dispute the bill.

In the case of the OP's scenario, he said he did get $40 credited to his clients/friends/whatever they are, which seems to match CPRich's research.

Off-topic:

Re: TripAdvisor. I don't go to TA too often (go to FT!), but when I do I do what I always do: I look for the majority/trend/consistency. There will always be some who love a place & some who hate a place. It's the ones in the middle that probably give a better review. Same with FT.

It's never crossed my mind that TA reviews were written by prisoners or high school kids :rolleyes:. I figure the majority want to do what FTers want to do - provide info for other travelers.

When I personally write a TA review (granted, not often) I'm as detailed on that as I am on FT.

Guaranteed Room Type
When making a reservation, be sure to note both your Marriott Rewards membership number and room/bed preferences
https://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits/guarantee.mi

makes it very clear that it does..............

[QUOTE=CPRich;18862789] I don't see in the T&C's anywhere the definition of "honor your reservation" so it would be an interesting discussion as to whether a different room type in fits this definition. QUOTE]

Actually I agree w/ CPRich on this one.

The link you quote says honor your room & bed choices. Since it specifies smoking/non-smoking & not type of room beyond that, my guess is that is what it's referring to & not deluxe, ocean view, etc. Once could probably argue it means type of room, but I don't see it as a slam-dunk given. Be an interesting discussion amongst ourselves, as well as w/ Marriott & a property.

When making a reservation, be sure to note both your Marriott Rewards membership number and room/bed preferences. At locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, we'll always honor your bed type request. Outside U.S. and Canada, smoking/nonsmoking preferences are honored based on availability; exact bed sizes may vary. If guarantee is not met, guest compensation applies.

Also, the above only applies to Gold/Plats (if it applies in this particular case, which I think is still up for debate).

If someone is a Silver (as in the OP's client/friends case) or Marriott General Member or not even a Marriott member & they get downgraded, then I think asking for the refund is about all they can do & then dispute if the hotel won't do the refund.

Cheers.