Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Why maintain Elite status?

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?
You're confusing Platinum Elite with elite status overall.

Yes, I can point to countless times when I've gotten free breakfast and free internet as a Gold. But being Platinum would get me nothing more of those, and as you said, there's a question in many people's minds whether there's that much value for everyone in Platinum over Gold.

But certainly (at least if I don't get reimbursed for meals and internet access), I find a lot of value in Gold, but mostly for those two reasons. (The third, which is very hotel specific, and again related to the fact that I don't get reimbursed for my travels, is that one hotel I stay at periodically comps me parking every time as a Gold, and another comps me parking some nights.)

(I even get the free internet on award stays. And I don't see why you wouol be doing award stays if they're reimbursed. So even if all your paid stays are reimbursed including for breakfast and internet, I don't see how your award stays would be.)

As to ability to use points, that's very dependent on where you want to stay when (and how for ahead you book). I haven't actually used any points yet, I'm busy using up free night certs that I seem to get left and right (one promo here, another promo there, a credit there). But, again, maybe that's because of my different travel patterns, and I'm happy enough (when flying to Niagarar Falls for a vacation but arriving at BUF late at night) to get a $175+ room at a nice Fairfeidl across the street from BUF airport with a cat 1-4 cert (it's actually only a cat 3 hotel, but reviews of it were better than of any cat 4 in the area).

I also belong to seeral different hotel programs, so if I'm going somewhere, I look at all my redemption options. I use Marriott where it works (BUF airport for a late night arrfival, SAN airport for an early morning departure, AC Atocha in Madrid on a vacation) and don't use it where something else works better for me (Hilton MAD airport for the part of my trip when I was renting a car and driving outside the Madrid area every day, for example).

So no, I don't find Marriott to be the cure-all and end-all one hotel program above all others. I do find it to be useful to be at least Gold, and do find their points / certs useful if looked at as part of a mix of several hotel programs.

I agree with the poster above.

I don't think Marriott or any other chain has a completely perfect system of keeping every member happy at all times.

If your travel pattern is enough to support two systems, you have some flexibility and this seems to work best.

If your travel pattern does not support two systems/two chains then you have to choose the one that fits best and have a back up plan when it doesn't work. Guess it's all just part of having a travel lifestyle.;)

I haven't had trouble using certs or reward stays at MR, but then again, I never try booking vacation last minute. Sometimes my business travel requires last minute travel, in which the 48hr guarantee comes in handy.

I've had the same issue with being booked 48hr on rack rate, but the hotel has always been willing to honor my corporate rate (which would not be possible if I were gold status).

If you don't need the 48hr, then you might consider gold status at two chains (if you travel supports it). Personally, I like the 50% bonus on points and require the 48hr for at least one chain.

One nice feature to the MR program is the ability to book a reward stay without having the points available in your account today. This way, you can reserve your room early and still earn points/certs to pay for the stay if it's far enough out.^

Everyone's travel pattern and preferences dictates differently.

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

I think you only can "experience" an elite service ansd treatment at FS properties like Marriott, Renaissance, JW, Autograph, and RC.

All the other properties will not give you anything particular as a Platinum member.

I think you only can "experience" an elite service ansd treatment at FS properties like Marriott, Renaissance, JW, Autograph, and RC.

All the other properties will not give you anything particular as a Platinum member.

I agree here. At CY, FFI, RI, SHS, I wouldn't expect any real elite benefit, unless it was at an Asian courtyard.

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?
You don't get a 50% bonus on points earned? You don't get a 350/500 point amenity if you chose it? I've never not received either of those, and Joe Public does not get them.

I've been able to use points for some great vacations, and have been upgraded on almost all of them. If does take some planning.

Oddly, while I have some issues with the program, ability to redeem points has rarely been one of them. Not to say it's not the case for some, but I've had no issue with Spring Break, the week between XMas and New Years and other peak times.

I also agree that benefits at non FS brands are few to none. However, I have gotten upgrades more than 50% of the time at CY and RI when I ask for it. In the interest of disclosure, I've only asked when I've been with family - a few times a year and not normally.

one of the platinum benefits I use constantly is the $1000 in gift certificates for 135000 points. (makes the issue of blackouts moot) I also seem to find the marriott rewards rate for elites has been very good and I have been using them quite a bit lately. I don't know if these rates are available to golds or not. Maybe a gold could weigh in. I generally like the SPG program better for the aspirational upgrades which marriott doesn't have. As noted, there is little value in non full service hotels.

After 7 months of really extensive travel, I am beginning to wonder the same thing........and I'm 31 years into the program!

I'm closing in on LT plat status, and for me at least, being elite with Marriott has been great. I almost always am treated well. I was fortunate enough to receive Premier status this year and its been great In the last three months, I received an upgrade to a large suite on a rewards stay at Grosvenor House in London, got a great suite upgrade on a paid stay in Costa Rica, and was upgraded to an Executive Suite at Marriott Marquis in New York.

Even before that, a couple of years ago as a Plat, I made a quick trip to Hawaii to be with my father who had fallen while on vacation and was in ICU. the manager at Wailea put me in a great suite on a rewards stay. Almost every time I came through the lobby, someone would ask how my dad was.

So to me, as an elite member, I've been treated far better than I feel I deserve. That's why I stay loyal to Marriott year after year.

Because on a recent trip where we spent 5 nights at the Sydney Marriott and 4 nights at the Hong Kong JW (all on points) we received (at both hotels):

upgraded, harbor view rooms
lovely gifts of strawberries and champagne in honor of our anniversary
excellent service, advice, and food in both concierge lounges

absolutely worth it.

I'm burning most of my points on the Park Lane Marriott in London for the Olympics and I think elite status and way worth it!

After 7 months of really extensive travel, I am beginning to wonder the same thing........and I'm 31 years into the program!

Not this program.

The Marriott Marquis "recognition" program was introduced in 1980. The automated "points" program that grew into Marriott Rewards debuted in late 1983.

How many leading zeros are there in your account number?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?Yes, pretty much all my stays with Marriott.

Joe doesn't get covered by URG
http://www.marriott.com/rewards/member-benefits/guarantee.mi

................ has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

as regards to pts # 1 Im willing to bet had you checekd SPG or Hilton their Hotels would be the same. Seems you are wanting to cash out when special events are a happening

#2 I doubt highly it would be any different with any other chain, in most cases when I get an U with SPG its just to the Club floor, same size room, OK a free bottle of warm water (cold ones in the lounge)and mouthwash, Hilton not much better either

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

1. I have rarely if ever had an issue using points even during peak times.

2. I have been upgraded a lot at CY's but RI, SHS, and FI what is there to upgrade to? Really not a big deal to me when I am on business travel anyway.

3. One will not receive the same benefits when staying at non FS properties IMO. All the lounges in hotels I have stayed at have been satisfactory and always given access.

4. You should have invoked the platinum arrival guarantee.

5. Has nothing to do with your airline example is my guess. Just a guess here but management at the property has more flexibility on what rates to offer vs the elite line representatives. Anytime this is an issue I always call the property directly.

Overall no program is going to be perfect and if you visit the forums of other hotel chains they seem to have gripes galore as well. Personally I think Marriott treats me well and am a satisfied customer.

Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

1) I've really never had any problems using points - and I've spent a bunch of points.
2) Lot's of nice upgrades - mostly outside the US and for long stays. My sister, who is Plat, was given the "upgrade of the day" last week to the presidential suite (for a two night stay), at a domestic Marriott.
3) US domestic lounges range from OK to poor. Asian ones are amazing.
4) A simple call to MR will fix any platinum arrival gift points missing. Happens to me a lot -as does incorrect posting of points. But then again, I'm not a simple guy - I mix multiple reservations, sometimes with free nights and that confuses their system - plus some hotels are bad about posting points correctly. One call and a fax is all I have ever needed to fix it. Wish it was not a reoccurring problem - but for me it is.
5) I rarely use the platinum override because if a hotel is full the rate will be high. Even if someone else is paying for the room, I treat it as I would. I usually book somewhere else but have on occasion used it. I have never not gotten into a hotel if I was willing to pay the override rate.

And I feel that I am treated better than the average Joe. So, your experience is different than mine.

Billy

1. I have rarely if ever had an issue using points even during peak times.

2. I have been upgraded a lot at CY's but RI, SHS, and FI what is there to upgrade to? Really not a big deal to me when I am on business travel anyway.

3. One will not receive the same benefits when staying at non FS properties IMO. All the lounges in hotels I have stayed at have been satisfactory and always given access.

4. You should have invoked the platinum arrival guarantee.

5. Has nothing to do with your airline example is my guess. Just a guess here but management at the property has more flexibility on what rates to offer vs the elite line representatives. Anytime this is an issue I always call the property directly.

Overall no program is going to be perfect and if you visit the forums of other hotel chains they seem to have gripes galore as well. Personally I think Marriott treats me well and am a satisfied customer.

My guess is the OP wanted to use thier pts during a Special Event period of tie, eg Superbowl ,March 4, World Series World Cup etc etc They found hotel rates being thru the roof and wanted to go but didnt want to pay the prevailing rate so they tried to use their pts.

Miami is peak in the Winter but even more so say if it was Superbowl Weekend or a boat show going on

It would be nice had the OP detailed where they were trying to cash in their pts and when

has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

Yes, in many ways every stay. If you had said Plat to Gold your comparison would have made sense, but Plat to someone with no status is just silly.

Cheers.

Do I get the upgrades as a PP? No

Do I wish there were better Platinum benefits? Absolutely (especially at RC)

However, Marriott has gone out of their way to accommodate me when I needed them. I got hotels rooms during the SuperBowl in Detroit, Tampa and Dallas (even used points for two suites for Dallas, paid rack rate for the others). They maintained my Platinum status for the year I took off with zero nights stayed.

The Platinum Premier Services people are great. They have found me hotel rooms when flight are cancelled and there were none available. They were able to help arrange my upcoming wedding at a RC when the local hotel was being less than responsive.

Even though I run into issues the same as anyone else who travels a lot, Marriott is consistent more often than not! no matter where I travel in the world.

I travel for business in the US and I'm a new platinum - haven't seen many benefits yet- except for the extra points as my most recent stays haven't been at full service. Staying at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta in August, so we will see. At a full service Marriott, I love the lounge access- I'm not guaranteed it with Hilton. To be able to get a quick breakfast in the morning and a nice place to unwind in evening is worth it to me- plus the free internet . I travel in DC a lot and ask for a room with a nice view and get it- wonderful views of the mall.

Not this program.

The Marriott Marquis "recognition" program was introduced in 1980. The automated "points" program that grew into Marriott Rewards debuted in late 1983.

How many leading zeros are there in your account number?

001 xxx xxx

true but started in the original program in 1980

I travel for business in the US and I'm a new platinum - haven't seen many benefits yet- except for the extra points as my most recent stays haven't been at full service. Staying at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta in August, so we will see. At a full service Marriott, I love the lounge access- I'm not guaranteed it with Hilton. To be able to get a quick breakfast in the morning and a nice place to unwind in evening is worth it to me- plus the free internet . I travel in DC a lot and ask for a room with a nice view and get it- wonderful views of the mall.

I am also pretty new to platinum, and I just got back from a stay at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. I also haven't noticed a ton of benefits yet, although I don't stay at many full-service properties. One thing I will give them is that my automatic preference for a low floor room is usually granted.

But anyway, the trip to the Marquis was not a business trip and was really my first time traveling with some family since becoming platinum so I was hoping to make some use of my "status." I guess you can say it paid off upon arrival because the parking garage was full and they had a list of only a few names of which I was one of them, so I got the privilege of paying $32/night for valet parking while they sent everyone else to a garage for probably half the cost.

Upon check-in I politely asked about upgrades (pretty sure the first time I ever asked for one) and the FDC explained the available upgrades (which were "parlor rooms" that only had murphy beds), but said that I would have to use points in order to get the upgrade. I know suites are not part of the plat upgrades but she didn't even mention that, she just looked baffled when I tried to confirm that the upgrade would be free since I was platinum, and then she started saying something about the fact that I booked a AAA rate. So I just kept my original room, which was on the Concierge Level, however it was a two-night stay checking in on Saturday and the CL was not open until Sunday evening...is that still considered an upgrade? The room was really not that great (coming from someone who does probably 50% of his stays at Fairfield Inn), and then there actually ended up being a somewhat major problem with the bed, so for the first time ever (yes, another first) I requested a room change. After some discussion they said they found me a suite that had a real bed...come to find out it was one of the murphy bed rooms. They claimed that was all they had for Saturday but would get me a real suite for Sunday, which they eventually did.

So anyway, again this was my first time trying to take advantage of my status so maybe I just got unlucky and will see what happens in the future.

I am also pretty new to platinum, and I just got back from a stay at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. I also haven't noticed a ton of benefits yet, although I don't stay at many full-service properties. One thing I will give them is that my automatic preference for a low floor room is usually granted.

But anyway, the trip to the Marquis was not a business trip and was really my first time traveling with some family since becoming platinum so I was hoping to make some use of my "status." I guess you can say it paid off upon arrival because the parking garage was full and they had a list of only a few names of which I was one of them, so I got the privilege of paying $32/night for valet parking while they sent everyone else to a garage for probably half the cost.

Upon check-in I politely asked about upgrades (pretty sure the first time I ever asked for one) and the FDC explained the available upgrades (which were "parlor rooms" that only had murphy beds), but said that I would have to use points in order to get the upgrade. I know suites are not part of the plat upgrades but she didn't even mention that, she just looked baffled when I tried to confirm that the upgrade would be free since I was platinum, and then she started saying something about the fact that I booked a AAA rate. So I just kept my original room, which was on the Concierge Level, however it was a two-night stay checking in on Saturday and the CL was not open until Sunday evening...is that still considered an upgrade? The room was really not that great (coming from someone who does probably 50% of his stays at Fairfield Inn), and then there actually ended up being a somewhat major problem with the bed, so for the first time ever (yes, another first) I requested a room change. After some discussion they said they found me a suite that had a real bed...come to find out it was one of the murphy bed rooms. They claimed that was all they had for Saturday but would get me a real suite for Sunday, which they eventually did.

So anyway, again this was my first time trying to take advantage of my status so maybe I just got unlucky and will see what happens in the future.I love posts like this. Informative, includes the hotel name, and not a emotion filled rant. I try to provide the same when I post, and sometimes I succeed.

I will put this hotel on my list of ones to avoid. I have a very low tolerance for hotels and their employees that either don't understand the rules, or lie and pretend they don't understand the rules. Pay for the upgrade and AAA rate BS just doesn't fly IMO.

I usually travel internationally, but see that changing in the coming years. I keep saying that but it has yet to happen. I find that benefits at international properties are head and shoulders above those of NA properties and are provided on a very consistent basis. I guess it is because Marriott has a captive audience in the US (so-to-speak) and I can only assume their occupancy rates are high otherwise they would be trying harder.

I guess being a Plat in the US is similar to being a 1K ex-IAD. Of course Marriott does pretty much give away Plat via a Plat challenge to pretty much anybody that asks so it is not surprising.

I love posts like this. Informative, includes the hotel name, and not a emotion filled rant. I try to provide the same when I post, and sometimes I succeed.

I will put this hotel on my list of ones to avoid. I have a very low tolerance for hotels and their employees that either don't understand the rules, or lie and pretend they don't understand the rules. Pay for the upgrade and AAA rate BS just doesn't fly IMO.

I guess being a Plat in the US is similar to being a 1K ex-IAD. Of course Marriott does pretty much give away Plat via a Plat challenge to pretty much anybody that asks so it is not surprising.

Thanks, I was actually debating whether or not to post it but figured I would since the previous poster was in a similar situation as me. I've never tried the whole call the property before the trip thing but maybe that would've been a good idea.

Part of the reason I was thinking about not writing it was because they did end up compensating me some points (which I did not even specifically ask for), however that was more due to the original bed situation. The specifics of that I'm not sure if I want to post on here but would be willing to share via PM...I did laugh about it to myself somewhat because I just posted last week in a different thread that basically all Marriott properties I've stayed in have been clean (as far as I could tell, I will admit I am usually by myself but was with my fiancee this time and she's a little more observant than me about things like that, however this one wasn't too hard to point out).

Nonetheless I didn't really feel bad about posting it because the housekeeping manager ended up coming to my room to apologize personally, and said he would personally get me a different room for Sunday night and gave me his business card. We were heading out around 11AM on Sunday and I hadn't heard from him so I called and left him a message with my personal cell phone number. Got back around 5 after sitting in 100 degree heat for four hours at a baseball game and he never called, so I had to go to the desk where the FDC did happily give me the suite but I don't even think he knew what had happened on Saturday.

I am also pretty new to platinum, and I just got back from a stay at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. I also haven't noticed a ton of benefits yet, although I don't stay at many full-service properties. One thing I will give them is that my automatic preference for a low floor room is usually granted.

But anyway, the trip to the Marquis was not a business trip and was really my first time traveling with some family since becoming platinum so I was hoping to make some use of my "status." I guess you can say it paid off upon arrival because the parking garage was full and they had a list of only a few names of which I was one of them, so I got the privilege of paying $32/night for valet parking while they sent everyone else to a garage for probably half the cost.

Upon check-in I politely asked about upgrades (pretty sure the first time I ever asked for one) and the FDC explained the available upgrades (which were "parlor rooms" that only had murphy beds), but said that I would have to use points in order to get the upgrade. I know suites are not part of the plat upgrades but she didn't even mention that, she just looked baffled when I tried to confirm that the upgrade would be free since I was platinum, and then she started saying something about the fact that I booked a AAA rate. So I just kept my original room, which was on the Concierge Level, however it was a two-night stay checking in on Saturday and the CL was not open until Sunday evening...is that still considered an upgrade? The room was really not that great (coming from someone who does probably 50% of his stays at Fairfield Inn), and then there actually ended up being a somewhat major problem with the bed, so for the first time ever (yes, another first) I requested a room change. After some discussion they said they found me a suite that had a real bed...come to find out it was one of the murphy bed rooms. They claimed that was all they had for Saturday but would get me a real suite for Sunday, which they eventually did.

So anyway, again this was my first time trying to take advantage of my status so maybe I just got unlucky and will see what happens in the future.

Between 1/2012 and 6/2012 I spent 90 nights at the Marriott Marquis in ATL. I'm willing to bet that they had no other customer who spent as many nights there in that time frame. Other than getting put on the Concierge level and the Plat arrival gift there was no other recognition of my loyalty. Consequently, I'm spending the 2nd half of the year across the street at the Atlanta Hilton. I was well into my Plat status for next year so I figured I may as well maintain my Hilton Diamond status as well and get Hilton points for more options on vacations if there is no other reason to stay at the Marquis other than it is a Marriott!

How many leading zeros are there in your account number?

Three: 000 xxx xxx :D :D

Cheers.

PS - Sounds like ATL Marquis doesn't do much for elites.

Hi,

Just to add some personal experiences to this:

1. As a plat, I was able to book a room at the NY Marriott Marquis for New Year's eve ... because of the Plat Guarantee

2. As a plat, the Renaissance Waverly Atlanta treated me great, and when I stayed there over Christmas, my wife and I were upgraded to one of the largest suites available ....

3. The Hong Kong JW treated us wonderfully, as a plat ....

Yes, there are times when the love is not there, like the Courtyard Paris Neuilly ... but overall, I've had no trouble using my points (I'm writing this from the Berlin Marriott, wonderful lounge), and I've had very nice rooms due to my status.

Over time, would I mind dropping to Gold for a while ... probably not, since it continues to provide me with lounge access (which is not a guarantee with Hilton, as has been said above), but then again, over time, I'll make it to lifetime status (which Hilton does not grant).

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

I've received very nice treatment at a couple of Courtyards recently (outside of Philly and San Diego). They held my upgraded room even though I checked in after midnight. They were, IMO, suites. And, both times checkin was extremely courteous, and acknowledged status.

I checked in at the ATL Marriott Marquis a couple of months ago. Checkin was very polite (acknowledge status, etc) and they had some scratch off ticket in addition to the arrival gift that allows you to get an additional amenitity. The room was only so-so and dated, but was a high floor with a grand view of the city. I don't remember if I asked for an upgraded room or not, though.

I DO see benefits from the status.

But, it does depend on the hotel. I stayed at a Fairfield or maybe it was a Springhill near Detriot's airport a few months ago. The checkin person could have cared less who I was. However, I believe she would have treated any checking in guest that way.

Basically, the courtesy and service you get really does greatly depend on local management.

Thanks for all your responses. I was away for a while and was unable to reply earlier.

To answer your previous question: I was trying to use my points for booking a room at the Fairfield Inn in Rapid City during the July 4th week. I ended up using my Hilton points as they allowed me to use my points. Later I used my Best Western points as that did not have any blackouts.

I agree the full service Marriott gives you extra bonuses when you are a platinum. The Saigon Marriott and the Shanghai Marriott were memorable stays.

Overall with having attained top statuses with the hotel chains in Sweden and South Africa, Marriott still has some ways to go.

I just came back from a vacation in Orlando where we stayed at the REN SeaWorld location. We got upgraded to a corner suite that had a wall-mounted 50" TV, view of the Sea World fireworks every night and excellent service. Yes, I was recognized as a PLAT and it was awesome.

The experience was even better because my wife and 5 yos were with me.

The experience was even better because my wife and 5 yos were with me.

And I think that is the key thing. When I travel for work, well, I don't really care about upgrades. But pretty much 100% of the times I have redeemed my points for a stay (maybe 3 or 4 times this year), it was with my girlfriend: each time I got an upgrade and got very well treated.

So far, I have enjoyed my Elite status!

Happy at Marriott as a Plat Premier. By the way I am 001-xxx-xxx

is this supposed to mean something?

.....I am 001-xxx-xxx

is this supposed to mean something?

How long you've been in the program. The more zeros at the beginning, the sooner you joined.

oh, it's supposed to be a MR#.............. whenever I see "001" I instantly think of it as the country code for calling the US...............

that being said, my 9-digit MR acc't, held for roughly 10-yrs (since I was kinda required to stay at client props while working for another 5* brand), starts out with a "9" while my wifes 9-digit MR acc't, which started this year, starts out with a "1" so lower numbers do not equal longevity as put forward in your post...........

How long you've been in the program. The more zeros at the beginning, the sooner you joined.

oh, it's supposed to be a MR#..............
that being said, my 9-digit MR acc't, held for roughly 10-yrs (starts out with a "9" while my wifes 9-digit MR acc't, which started this year, starts out with a "1" so lower numbers do not equal longevity as put forward in your post...........

Well for the most part they do. Those of us who have stayed at Marriotts for a long time usually have 000 xxx xxx or 00x xxx xxx as our beginning #s.

Cheers.

Interesting.

My number starts with 92xxx and I got mine in the early 90s. My wife's is 29xxx and she got hers in the late 80s. Note that mine was actually my Courtyard Club number which was then used as my Marquis number when I joined that program in the mid-90s.

Interesting.

My number starts with 92xxx and I got mine in the early 90s. My wife's is 29xxx and she got hers in the late 80s. Note that mine was actually my Courtyard Club number which was then used as my Marquis number when I joined that program in the mid-90s.

My wife and I both join marriott this year and her # begin with 1XXXXX and mine 9XXXXXX

My # starts with 078 and dates back to the 80s I think.


Here is my recent experience of being a Platinum Elite (7+ years) with Marriott:

1. Unable to use points when I really want to use them. Either the hotel is on a blackout week or there are no rooms available using points.
2. Never get upgraded unless I am enroute someplace and staying for one night in an "out of the way" property.
3. Have not stayed in a full service Marriott for a while so cannot comment on the state of the lounge facilities for the past 6 months.
4. Finally the platinum arrival gift - stayed at a Residence Inn in Bloomington MN last month and they gave me a bag of peanuts as the arrival gift. :( Not even a market item nor offer of points - just a bag of peanuts.
5. When I call the elite line to book a property, I am told the property is full so the platinum override of rack rate applies and not the corporate rate. When I call the property directly, they offer me the corporate rate. Not sure if this is similar to the airline charging more for Elite members?

Maybe it is just my experiences, has anyone had an experience where you can say being a Platinum Elite made a difference to being Joe Public?

Although I have had no trouble using my points, I question the value as well. Yes, I appreciate the bonus points and free wifi (though the latter is of limited value as I would generally bill it back to my employer). I also appreciate the noticeably better service that I receive at the front desk and on the phone.

That being said, MR gets a big fail on the upgrade front, at least by comparison to what I read in the SPG and Hyatt forums. I mostly stay at FS Marriotts and haven't seen any suites - or even a nice view.

Hyatts generally have much better lounge food and usually weekend hours.

Should I start taking a DYKWIA attitude at the front desk when the initial room assignment is not a suite? That's not really my style, but the lack of upgrades is definitely not incentivizing me to choose Marriott.

You're confusing Platinum Elite with elite status overall.

Yes, I can point to countless times when I've gotten free breakfast and free internet as a Gold. But being Platinum would get me nothing more of those, and as you said, there's a question in many people's minds whether there's that much value for everyone in Platinum over Gold.

Agreed. It is hard to see the value of Plat v. Gold.

Like you I keep points in every program and will choose properties depending on the options and prevailing rates. I recently choose a Courtyard @ $180/nt because I could use a Cat 1-5 visa cert for 1 night, rather than going with the HIX @ 25k Priority Club points, because I'd prefer to getter value when I use points. But I also used 40k HH points for 1 night at HGI Napa because I absolutely refuse to pay $300-400 per night for a room.

Next to SPG, I find Marriott points are generally the easiest to use, so 'nice to have a supply.

and the exceptions to your position keep being posted.............

The more zeros at the beginning, the sooner you joined.

and the exceptions to your position keep being posted.............

Not really, only one person who said they joined in the 80's didn't have a zero in the front. And no one claimed that after Marriott stopped giving out zeros in the front that they went in numerical order.

BTW, yes I'm a newbie but I had heard about this even before I joined FT. One of my co-workers has 4 zero's in the front.

My # starts with 078 and dates back to the 80s I think.

Although I have had no trouble using my points, I question the value as well. Yes, I appreciate the bonus points and free wifi (though the latter is of limited value as I would generally bill it back to my employer). I also appreciate the noticeably better service that I receive at the front desk and on the phone.

That being said, MR gets a big fail on the upgrade front, at least by comparison to what I read in the SPG and Hyatt forums. I mostly stay at FS Marriotts and haven't seen any suites - or even a nice view.

Hyatts generally have much better lounge food and usually weekend hours.

Should I start taking a DYKWIA attitude at the front desk when the initial room assignment is not a suite? That's not really my style, but the lack of upgrades is definitely not incentivizing me to choose Marriott.

Agreed. It is hard to see the value of Plat v. Gold.

Like you I keep points in every program and will choose properties depending on the options and prevailing rates. I recently choose a Courtyard @ $180/nt because I could use a Cat 1-5 visa cert for 1 night, rather than going with the HIX @ 25k Priority Club points, because I'd prefer to getter value when I use points. But I also used 40k HH points for 1 night at HGI Napa because I absolutely refuse to pay $300-400 per night for a room.

Next to SPG, I find Marriott points are generally the easiest to use, so 'nice to have a supply.

Some valid points.

Not really, only one person who said they joined in the 80's didn't have a zero in the front. And no one claimed that after Marriott stopped giving out zeros in the front that they went in numerical order.

BTW, yes I'm a newbie but I had heard about this even before I joined FT. One of my co-workers has 4 zero's in the front.

Agree.

Cheers.

Some additional observations after my recent Courtyard stay @ $180/nt "elite rate" -

(1) No free breakfast in cheapo restaurant?? Apparently not guaranteed at Courtyard properties per T&Cs for Gold/Plat. Sadly makes HIX and Hampton look better (even without elite status).

(2) Late Checkout: Requested 2pm, was told "1:30pm is the best we can do" on Sunday (at a property that is generally full only on Fri/Sat). Pathetic compared with SPG.

Not feeling the love here, Marriott.