Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Permanent Status with Marriott

Guys
I have been very curious about this. Is there a permanent status level available with Marriott?

If not do any of the other hotels provide you with this?

Cheers

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ratnamg:
Guys
I have been very curious about this. Is there a permanent status level available with Marriott?
</font>

Yes. It is called "Emeritus," and has three distinct levels, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Once earned, you will continue to receive the benefits of that Marriott Rewards level for life, even if you reduce or cease your frequent travel. You can, of course, have a higher annual MR level than your Emeritus level. Obviously, if you had earned Silver Emeritus, but had earned Platinum status for the year, you'd want to take advantage of the Platinum amenities rather than the Silver ones.

For each level, you have to earn the following:

*A minimum number of total earned MR points (not all in your account at once).
*A minimum number of total nights stayed in Marriott properties.
*At minimum number of years in the MR program.
*Have to have earned the corresponding color level "the hard way" at least once.

If you call the service center, they can tell you how far along you are. I recently called to check on my progress, and was told that they had just "minted" a new Platinum Emeritus that day.

Based on what I've been told by the good folks at the service center, these are the qualification requirements:

Silver E:
1.5 million earned MR points
600 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Silver at least once

Gold E:
2 million earned MR points
800 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Gold at least once

Platinum E:
3 million earned MR points
1000 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Platinum at least once

Hope that helps! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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After reading about Marriott lifetime status, I told a friend of mine about it. Now retired, he had used Marriott almost exclusively during his working career and this seemed like a good thing for him to look into. However, two phone calls to Marriott yielded no information. Noone knew anything about it. Has anyone else had this problem? Has anyone recently received lifetime status?

I find it hard to believe that no one at MR knew anything about Emeritus level. Have your friend call again and patiently explain what he's looking for. I have never had an MR clerk not know what Emeritus status was, although I have had a couple that either didn't know the name (i.e. thought it was "lifetime level") or didn't know how to look it up (even though they knew what Emeritus was).

Marriott does not publicize Emeritus, but all the MR phone folks know what it is if you ask. Just try again. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I calloed Marriott this Fall after i read about "lifetime status" on Flyer Talk. I learned I was 80 nights short of lifetime platinum. "Well, then, " I asked, "Am I lifetime gold?" The answeer was " If you are requesting it now, you qualify for it and I will note it." So I am grateful to FT ... I otherwise would never have known this existed. However, to date I notice nothing has changed on my online account statement. I guess the real test will be when the new cards come out next year.

Congratulations, Phil! I have another seven years to go before I'm even eligible, but I'll definitely have the nights for Platinum Emeritus by the time I get there. The three bazillion MR points might take a little longer for me to earn, though. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

FWIW, we've heard that you get a normal Marriott Rewards card reflecting your Emeritus level, but that there's no expiration date on it. Other than that, I don't think anyone has ever posted a description of the card. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to post a description for us when you receive yours?

And if I were you, I'd be figuring out when to get those extra 80 nights for Plat Emeritus. But I'm just greedy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

In 1994, I had a small problem and called special services to seek advice. in response, I received a letter stating that I had earned 3 million points and had now achieved Plat Automatic Renewal status and that i "would continue to enjoy these benefits for the balance of your Marriott hotel travel experience."
I still have the letter.
Since then, I have rec'd a Platinum card automatically every year, no matter how many or few nites I have stayed.
Marriott service pple have been EXTREMELY helpful. In return, I stay exclusively w/Marriott or one of its children: Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance,etc.

Uncle Wiggily, it sounds like you actually earned Platinum Emeritus. Would you consider posting some of the text from the letter? Emeritus is an unpublished benefit that has been the subject of frequent speculation here; anything you could do to throw some light on the matter would certainly be appreciated. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I have been very curious about this. Is there a permanent status level available with Marriott?</font>

In my case, it just feels like it's permament. Here's the story:

1) Earned plat in 1999 with 75 nights in a full Marriott. Plat good through 1/01
2) Received complimentary plat in 2000 based on program switch from Marriotts only to all brands in change. Only stayed enough in 2000 to earn silver. Plat good through 1/02
3) Received platinum card in mail this year for no apparent reason. Have not stayed enough in 2002 for any 2003 status. Plat good through 1/03.

We'll see what happens next year, but I've already received 3 years of plat status for 1 year's worth of nights.

Until i read your posting, Just Passing Thru, I had no idea that there was such a thing as Emeritus or that one attained this status by staying nites, having 3 million points, etc.
Your research was enlightening so i got the letter out. Perhaps iin 1994, they did not call it Emeritus.
The letter stated what i had written: that i had a attained a 'respected place' in the program, that they were presenting me w/Plat Marquis Level Automatic Renewal Status and a few other kind sentences.
The day Marriott started this program in the 80s, I signed up and accumulated a lot of points very rapidly....long b4 Marriott owned the children: Courtyard, Fairfield, etc.
Perhaps this contributed to their kind decision.
Good luck in achieving it, Just Passing Thru.

Does anyone know if transferred in points from, for instance, American Express Membership Rewards count, or is it only miles earned from stays.

TIA

Emeritus status, very interesting. Do any other hotel chains offer this and why don't airlines?

I recently applied for permanent status and was turned down. Current stats are 3.1 mil points, about 800 nights, plat status earned 6-8 times and rest gold and in program since early 80's. Also steered thousands of dollars to them in meetings and conventions , timeshare sales, and their care faculities. I was disappointed and puzzled but moved on. The letter said that by granting me status it would undermind the integerty of the program. I am as loyal as Marriott gets too. Go figure.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by misty1tk:
I recently applied for permanent status and was turned down. Current stats are 3.1 mil points, about 800 nights, plat status earned 6-8 times and rest gold and in program since early 80's. Also steered thousands of dollars to them in meetings and conventions , timeshare sales, and their care faculities. I was disappointed and puzzled but moved on. The letter said that by granting me status it would undermind the integerty of the program. I am as loyal as Marriott gets too. Go figure.</font>

I had the same response. I am short 150 room nights and have been almost as loyal to Marriott as you (except for the care facilities). My response came by e-mail but I do have gold status.
Being retired and having many points left I doubt that I will have an other 150 paid nights, I wonder if nights using points count?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gardener:
Does anyone know if transferred in points from, for instance, American Express Membership Rewards count, or is it only miles earned from stays.
</font>

My understanding is that all points you earn, regardless of their source, count. However, I do not know if this is gospel. Socrates, can you tell us?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
Emeritus status, very interesting. Do any other hotel chains offer this and why don't airlines?</font>

I don't know of any other hotel chains that do this. However, Delta has a similar program. People who actually fly one million miles on DL (unlike AA's program where you only have to earn a million FF miles) become Silver Medallion members for life. One poster on the Delta board reported meeting a person who became a lifetime Gold Medallion at either 3M or 5M flown miles, but that hasn't been confirmed.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by misty1tk:
I recently applied for permanent status and was turned down. Current stats are 3.1 mil points, about 800 nights, plat status earned 6-8 times and rest gold and in program since early 80's.</font>

Misty -- did you ask for Plat Emeritus? Maybe they turned you down because you don't have enough nights yet. Why not ask for Gold Emeritus and then shoot for the extra nights to get Plat?

I will have the necessary nights for Plat Emeritus long before I have 12 years in the program. However, it will be a while before I earn enough points to get Gold Emeritus.

Deleted

[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Just Passing Thru- Thanks. I did recheck with them and to my surprise I had 3.6 million points not the 3.0 mil I thought. My how time flys. Looks like I an some nights short. You have to pass the acid test in all 3 areas. 1) # of nights 2) point total 3) how many times you earned Plat on your own. Throwing them business is not one of them. They could care less. I know I can personally account for over 1/2 mil of directed revenue--a lot of room nights. Mistakenly I thought that would account for something. The Gold was good to go however. I guess I need not bust my #### anymore to steer them meeting, convention, timeshare, and longterm care business.

This is cool. Two Emeriti on this board. Only seven years to go for me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I called and was told that I have (a) more than 15 years in the program, quite a few (recently) at Plat level, (b) slightly over 700 lifetime nights, but (c) only 1.5 million lifetime points. I must get cheaper rates than some people do! I could ask for lifetime Silver status, but it's not worth much.

Bruce

Sometimes I wonder if all the time I spend chasing gold that and platinum this,flying segs I don't need, staying in hotels out of my way etc,etc,etc, is a waste of my time and aggregation to my life !!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bdschobel:
I must get cheaper rates than some people do! I could ask for lifetime Silver status, but it's not worth much.</font>

Bruce, I'm probably hamstringing myself by staying in TPS and RI properties, but these days, we all have to be value-conscious. I know where you're coming from, because I'm there, too.

In your case, though, it seems like you could score Gold Emeritus in a couple of years, if you only need 100 nights.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
Do any other hotel chains offer this and why don't airlines?</font>

Some airlines do indeed offer one or more levels of "lifetime status" -- usual qualifications are a million miles or a multiple thereof. Take a look at the profile of some FTers and you'll notice "MM", "2MM", etc.

"Do any other hotel chains offer this..."

I don't know. I DO know that Marriott was the best, the run-away leader in hotel loyalty programs in the early days, and in this aspect, I've never seen so much as a hint on other forums, although the other programs have succeeded mostly by imitating Marriott's ideas and sometimes (no surprise) improving on them. If there aren't any other programs matching this now, I would expect to see some in the future.

I also DO know that the CSR I talked with about Plat Emeritus said that it was something Marriott Does Not Choose to Publicize.

I mentioned that when I first posted about this, btw. I don't think harrassing people about it helps anyone. Also, if you do call, it's Customer Service that can answer your questions about this, not the res lines.

I also don't see how anyone could "apply" for permanent status. You either have it or not. We've had GEm for ages, but never knew it, for instance, because we've continued to earn regular PM status, so we had no need to know.

JTP, good question to Bruce. But perhaps his answer is like mine, he's not worrying at the moment. He's a spendthrift, of course. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[hopefully edited for clarity]

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Dealing With the Public Causes Brain Damage
The Delta Flyers' Guide (http://www.fopaws.com/FT/Delta.html)
E-mail on the Flyers' Guide site

[This message has been edited by GG (edited 12-11-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
Emeritus status, very interesting. Do any other hotel chains offer this and why don't airlines?</font>

AA has the unpublished benefit (at least as of now) of Gold for life after 1MM, Plat after 2MM. Miles from any source (flying, Citi CC, mileage awards from hotel points, etc) count except for bonus miles earned from flying.



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Not sure where I'm going, but I'm getting there fast.

I didn't know there was a Lifetime program for Marriott. I used to be a platinum back in the late 80's early 90's have not really stayed heavily with them since. Saturday in the mail I receive a Marriott Gold card with Lifetime on it! I guess I'll give them some of my business again.

Many Thanks to "ratnamg and just Passing Thru". I too did not know about this program and have been a Marriott memeber since 87 and Platinum since 91. I called the service center and was told I get "lifetime Platinum" status after 33 more stays. Good news indeed and totally unexpected!

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former EA exec travler, AA GA. US Gold. Current DL MM, PM Marriott PL, SPG PL, Hilton Gold HH

[This message has been edited by MM/PM widget (edited 02-03-2003).]

Well, I called the service center. I have 264K lifetime points and about 200 nights. I am sure I lost many, many of both over the years due to Courtyard Club being a separate program. I would love to plan to earn Emeritus Gold before I retire.

Anyway, here is where I need advice. I am Gold and stay about 50 nights per year and earn roughly 75K points per year. SO in 12 years I will have the 800 nights but be way short on points. I could transfer Amex MR points, but that is such a waste at 1:1 when they xfer to Hilton at 2:1 or even 2.3:1 during a CO 15% promo. And the Marriott Visa card isn't even competitive when it only gives you a point per $ when the HH AMex gives 3 and the *wood Amex gives 1:1 in a currency worth 3 times as much.

Any bright ideas are most welcome.

Buy a Marriott Time Share http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
You get earn 100K+ points a year by trading it in. And more than that on the i nitial purchase.

Why not just keep the MR Visa? Most people I know who have the card get new Silver cards every year. I work with a couple people who simply pay the annual fee just to get the Silver status every year.

I'm the exception: I earned Silver once, then got an email offering Gold if I signed up for the MR Visa. I took it. That was a couple of years ago, and I still get Gold cards...

I'd ordinarily dump the card, but I'm not going to as long as Marriott keeps sending me elite status every time I pay the annual fee.

You spent too much time throwing revenue at them! They just don't like it. Just stay at a Ritz Carlton and see what it gets you--zero.

Marriott doesn't love you unless you stay at the Springhill suites for most of those nights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by misty1tk:
I recently applied for permanent status and was turned down. Current stats are 3.1 mil points, about 800 nights, plat status earned 6-8 times and rest gold and in program since early 80's. Also steered thousands of dollars to them in meetings and conventions , timeshare sales, and their care faculities. I was disappointed and puzzled but moved on. The letter said that by granting me status it would undermind the integerty of the program. I am as loyal as Marriott gets too. Go figure.</font>

Hey guys, Rules is Rules.

I am in a similar boat -- well over the 1000 nights but only 2.825 million points.

Just got to earn the rest. I've already got lifetime gold, so what's the sweat?

Our eight nights in a suite at Renaissance SkyDome in Toronto next week will help.... which we are paying for ourselves, no corporate pockets here.

Only 18 consecutive years as a platinum....

Deleted

[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Today, out of the blue, came this letter with my (expected) new Platinum card:

"Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Marriott Rewards, I would like to thank you for your loyalty to Marriott and for being one of our very first members....
To show our appreciation for two decades of making Marriott your first choice, I would like to upgrade you to lifetime status as a Platinum Elite member....

Best personal regards,
J.W. Marriott, Jr.

I have no record and no recall whatever of the amount of points that I accumulated over the stated 20 years, but can remember that I attained Black, Gold, or Platinum status most of the time, and steadily Platinum for the last three or four years.

Thanks, JW.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by monitor:
Today, out of the blue, came this letter with my (expected) new Platinum card:

"Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Marriott Rewards, I would like to thank you for your loyalty to Marriott and for being one of our very first members....
To show our appreciation for two decades of making Marriott your first choice, I would like to upgrade you to lifetime status as a Platinum Elite member....

Best personal regards,
J.W. Marriott, Jr.

I have no record and no recall whatever of the amount of points that I accumulated over the stated 20 years, but can remember that I attained Black, Gold, or Platinum status most of the time, and steadily Platinum for the last three or four years.

Thanks, JW.</font>

Congrats!!!!!

Just got the same letter. Wow. Haven't been platinum in many years but always a regular customer dating back to Marquis Club days. A nice touch and very unexpected

BTW - I think the letters us folk are getting is separate from Emeritus status that is mentioned at beginning of thread.

Edited to add: JW may not be thanking FT for the post of the letter if it turns out there are some who also stayed sev years w/ Marriott & didn't get it.

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Sharon

[This message has been edited by SkiAdcock (edited Feb 11, 2004).]

Back before the program merged, I belonged to the Courtyard Club and earned lifetime Gold status (I think that was their highest level?). When the Courtyard Club was subsumed into MarriottRewards, and the memberships thereof, I'd have assumed the liabilities and commitments were also subsumed. Someday I should ask?

I just got the Lifetime Platinum Elite letter today as well and was very pleasantly surprised. I’ve been a MR’s member since the mid 80’s and while I’ve never added up my total points...or even inquired about them.....I’m sure I have earned in excess of 3 million. Plus I’ve been either gold or platinum annually for the last decade or so.
Interestingly, the new Platinum card that came along with the letter has an expiration date of 02/05 and no mention on the card or on the Marriott website of lifetime status. Guess they just mail you a new card every year.
As the only proof of lifetime status is the letter I received today, I think I’ll put it in my safe deposit box. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Cholula:
As the only proof of lifetime status is the letter I received today, I think I’ll put it in my safe deposit box. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

We had exactly the same reaction and Francine asked me where I was going to keep the letter. I answered that maybe it belonged in the safe box.

I have a long way to go

So........

Do you actually get anything with this level of membership?

I'm getting a divorce..........never home, but hey I'm a Plat.

So........

Do you actually get anything with this level of membership?

I'm getting a divorce..........never home, but hey I'm a Plat.

Sorry about your marital difficulties, rebadc!
BTW, had a little spell check issue with "marital" which means related to marriage. "Martial", however, means related to war...:eek:. Funny how one letter displacement changes the meaning...or does it??
But I digress.
In answer to your question, Lifetime Platinum means just that. You don't have to qualify again and get the bennies, theoretically, for lifetime.
But no special benefits relate to Lifetime Platinum status that I'm aware of.

Interesting to learn about lifetime Marriott status. I've been a member for just about a year and I'm sad to say I already have roughly 300K points and 200 nights. I'm a good 11 years away from getting the status, but its something to think about when I look for hotels with each project I move to!

Never mind, question answered earlier in thread.

I just got the Lifetime Platinum Elite letter today....Interestingly, the new Platinum card that came along with the letter has an expiration date of 02/05 and no mention on the card or on the Marriott website of lifetime status. Guess they just mail you a new card every year.
As the only proof of lifetime status is the letter I received today, I think I’ll put it in my safe deposit box. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
Whenever you open today's or tomorrow's mail, you will get your new Platinum card with LIFET as the expiration date along with another nice letter from JWM. Then you can go right on down to your safe deposit box and throw away the letter from last year (just as I have done).