Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Missed my Marriott Gold Challenge.

Due to misinformed front desk, miscommunication and my schedule, I managed to miss my Gold challenge and have reverted back to my Silver standing. After discussing my predicament with Rewards to no avail I'm seeking advise, suggestions, experiences from anyone that may have missed thier challange and had it reinstated shortly after. The only solution I have found is the Ritz Carlton Visa which offers free Gold Elite for the first year. I'm AMEX Plat. & AMEX Aeroplan Plat. and don't know why this isn't offered on either of these cards.

I know, while amex centurion has many hotel statusses for free

If you were on a nights challenge, they may have changed the challenge while you were in the process of completing it.

In that event, if you had 6 separate stays during your challenge period, call them back and advise that you found out about the change in the offering and that had you been on a stay challenge, you would have succeeded -- I assume you would have, of course.

If that is the case, ask them to make this one time exception.

Great idea. Thanks! I'll let you know how I make out.....just hope the agent is having a good day.

What do you mean by "misinformed front desk" in regards to this issue?

This happened twice in two days. Friday, call me old fashioned but I like to call the hotel directly if I'm in the area. I was Gold (challenge) at the time, introduced myself, requested a room, informed hotel was full due to an event. Rather surprised I booked another hotel I have Gold with. Saturday, thought I'd try the same Marriott, informed hotel was full but this attempt was told the Courtyard had vacancy. Courtyard is not my first choice but being on a challenge, I called. That agent told me they only had one room available and was kind enough to tell me it wasn't a great room and I should try the Marriott because they have open rooms according to her computer. Shocked to hear this I told her they informed me of no vacancies and that is why I called her hotel. At this point I decided to check my iPhone app and discovered an assortment of rooms available. I reserved a very nice room on line and received a confirmation number. Called the hotel just to be certain, they confirmed my room and were looking forward to my stay. When I arrived at the hotel I explained what had happened and was informed sometimes the computer program shows full but reservations are received online....they don't know why.....fact is, rooms were available while I stayed at another hotel. Had a good stay, staff was great.

is there a time limit on using the challenging? e.g. once only? once in every two years?

been answered many times before but if you fail, you can apply again 12-months AFTER the date you failed..........

is there a time limit on using the challenging? e.g. once only? once in every two years?

Being sympathetic to my situation, Marriott Rewards graciously offered another challenge.... with a few stipulations. It was easily attained and in effect until 2014.

Being sympathetic to my situation, Marriott Rewards graciously offered another challenge.... with a few stipulations. It was easily attained and in effect until 2014.

Thanks for the update, OP! Glad to hear that both parties were able to be reasonable and get it worked out for you ^

Thanks for the update, OP! Glad to hear that both parties were able to be reasonable and get it worked out for you ^

^