Marriott Gift Cheques Update?
Dec 19, 2011, 11:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: OHIO - CVG,DAY
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, DL DM MM. National Exec... and my CC qualified for Plat. Status!
Posts: 469
Marriott Gift Cheques going the way of the All-Inclusive reward???
My boss just ordered a $1000 in gift cheques over the phone. He said the agent told him that it was a good thing he was ordering them now because they are going away at the end of the year.
I know the is always wording that says they are available until 12.31.xx, but is this the year they disappear like the All-Inclusive rewards? Lets hope not...
I use them pretty often and they have enabled me to do alot that I would othewise not have been able to do. They are a great option for using your points even though so many agents haven't a clue how to use them. Say it ain't so, Marriott.
VIVA LA GIFT CHEQUE!!!!
oh, and Happy Travels!
I know the is always wording that says they are available until 12.31.xx, but is this the year they disappear like the All-Inclusive rewards? Lets hope not...
I use them pretty often and they have enabled me to do alot that I would othewise not have been able to do. They are a great option for using your points even though so many agents haven't a clue how to use them. Say it ain't so, Marriott.
VIVA LA GIFT CHEQUE!!!!
oh, and Happy Travels!
Dec 19, 2011, 11:44 am
#2
Join Date: May 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLAT, Marriot Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 280
I will probably jump on this bandwagon and order some for myself before it disappeared without notice.
Dec 19, 2011, 12:21 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Orleans
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum; UAL Silver
Posts: 296
Thanks for the heads up. I hope Marriott Concierge sees this and provides a definitive answer.
Dec 19, 2011, 1:33 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Programs: Delta Platinum, Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 319
I just found out that this is true. Marriott Rewards will no longer offer Marriott Gift Cheques, the Dinner-for-Two and Spa Experience rewards for point redemption. These awards will be discontinued as of December 31, 2011 and replaced with Marriott GiftCards in January 2012.
The catch is that to get $1,000 in gift cards, it is now going to be 190,000 instead of the usual 135,000 points. If my math is right, this is an increase of 31%.
First the all inclusive awards, now the Gift Cheques - I can only imagine what is next. I am guessing travel packages can't be too far behind.
Time to take my 100+ nights, Chase card, and 5 events per year to someplace else.
:t d:
The catch is that to get $1,000 in gift cards, it is now going to be 190,000 instead of the usual 135,000 points. If my math is right, this is an increase of 31%.
First the all inclusive awards, now the Gift Cheques - I can only imagine what is next. I am guessing travel packages can't be too far behind.
Time to take my 100+ nights, Chase card, and 5 events per year to someplace else.
:t d:
Dec 19, 2011, 1:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott Rewards Platinum Premier, SPG Plat, Delta Skymiles Silver Medallion
Posts: 102
So what's left? CL access? I guess I will just make sure I have 50 nights a year to maintain gold status and take the remaining 150 nights I stayed this year somewhere else.
Dec 19, 2011, 3:36 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HKG
Programs: Marriott Ambassador (Titanium Lifetime), BA Gold, Ex-Hertz 5* PC, Ex-HH Diamond, Ex-BD*G
Posts: 3,062
It would appear this is published on the Marriott website, for example;
Originally Posted by https://www.marriott.com/rewards/moreRewardDetail.mi?marrRewardCode=390&points=20,0 00
Note: Beginning January 2012, the Dinner-for-Two reward* will be replaced with the Dining GiftCard. This new card will be available in denominations of $100 and $200, and have no expiration date. It will maintain its balance until depleted and be accepted at Marriott restaurants worldwide.
* Rewards redeemed before December 31, 2011, will be honored until the expiration date.
* Rewards redeemed before December 31, 2011, will be honored until the expiration date.
Dec 19, 2011, 3:38 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: New York NY 10021
Programs: Delta PM
Posts: 30
The fine print to this reward says that it cannot be used for convention rates. Does anyone have experience with this?
Dec 19, 2011, 5:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
A Marriott Rewards rep said the same thing to me today about it going away at the 135,000 level. At least we know in advance, even if it's only 11 days. A big to Marriott for trying to sneak another one past us.
to Marriott for trying to sneak another one past us.
Dec 20, 2011, 1:35 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
I just find it truly astonishing that Marriott is not able to communicate these "enhancements" in more timely manner. Actually, it would help if they would communicate at all.
Trying to sneak yet another devaluation wouldn't surprise me at all.
Trying to sneak yet another devaluation wouldn't surprise me at all.
Dec 20, 2011, 7:36 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Oklahoma
Programs: MR LT Platinum, HH Diamond, WN A-List,
Posts: 478
I am very disappointed to see these go. I have used them before and I was very happy with their value.
Like someone else said - next to go is the travel package.... That is such a good value I won't be suprised to see it vanish with less notice than the EEO, Gift Cheques, and other offers.
Like someone else said - next to go is the travel package.... That is such a good value I won't be suprised to see it vanish with less notice than the EEO, Gift Cheques, and other offers.
Dec 20, 2011, 7:40 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,243
Bummer. I really like them. I better cash in another 135,000 before year end!
Dec 20, 2011, 8:05 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Plum Nelly
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Delta Sky Miles, and S&H Green Stamps
Posts: 636
Remind me, please. Marriott Cheques expire one year from the date ordered? Is that correct?
Dec 20, 2011, 8:14 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
Your math is incorrect. The number of points required for the same award in gift cards will increase by 41%.
Dec 20, 2011, 8:26 am
#14
Join Date: May 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLAT, Marriot Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 280
Dec 20, 2011, 9:04 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HNL
Programs: UA 1K; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Diamond; CCarlson Elite
Posts: 641
OK. I've got 140K+ points rolling around, but I'm new to the gift check thing. Why are they such a good deal? Please enlighten!