Europe Sampler

issyg67 , Oct 27, 2008 11:08 am

My wife and I are headed to Europe in April and we want to take advantage of the Europe Sampler. On Marriott's Web site it says the award expires on Dec. 31.

Does that mean we have to use the certificates by Dec. 31, or that we have to redeem our points by then?

Thanks in advance for the help.

GlennTheBaker , Oct 27, 2008 11:29 am

You can order up to Dec 31 and it will be valid for 12 months from date of issue. Be aware that after Dec 31, this sort of award is being discontinued but if you order one before this date, you will be able to use it at hotels which are being elevated to the new Cat 8, providing you can reserve a Standard Award stay for your dates.

issyg67 , Oct 27, 2008 11:36 am

Thank you, Glenn.

I've found standard award availability in Dublin, London and Paris, so I should be set.

bigguyinpasadena , Oct 27, 2008 11:44 am

It probably would be best to book this without delay.
Awards for next year are going to be scarce as many loyal Marriott(and soon to be ex Marriott customers)are rushing to book awards before the axe falls on Jan.15th 2009

GlennTheBaker , Oct 27, 2008 11:56 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigguyinpasadena

I agree 100%

crazyhorse , Oct 27, 2008 7:04 pm

Are these paper certificates? And do they have an expiration date on them?

cyberdad , Oct 27, 2008 8:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlennTheBaker

Be aware that after Dec 31, this sort of award is being discontinued but if you order one before this date, you will be able to use it at hotels which are being elevated to the new Cat 8

Glenn....Has this been officially announced? If so I may have overlooked it in all of the other buzz concerning this "enhancement". Bad news for me. (And yet another "exciting improvement", which for me turns out to be anything but!)

TravellerOnline , Oct 27, 2008 8:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Are these paper certificates? And do they have an expiration date on them?

Yes, they are paper certificates (3-2-2) and have an expiration date on them. Just used them last month.

AvalancheZ71 , Oct 27, 2008 8:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberdad

Yes, Marriott Concierge has already announced that the European sampler will be discontinued.

#10

dlwalt , Nov 17, 2008 12:29 pm

Looking at using cashing in points for the Europe Sampler. Just to confirm, in addition to the 7 night hotel certificate, I will receive 50k in ff miles credited to my airline account of choice (United). Plus a 25% cert off of Hertz rental. More interested in the 50k points going to my United account. How soon do they post to the account?

#11

LKO , Nov 17, 2008 12:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlwalt

The Euro Hopper award (EH14) does not work with a travel package. If you book the travel package and receive a 7 night certificate, all 7 nights must be consecutive at the same property. You can't receive air miles with United with a Euro Hopper award. Also, this award is for elites only. If you don't have elite status, you won't be able to find it online.

If you book a travel package prior to Jan. 15, 2009, the 7 night certificate must be used within one year and can no longer be extended. Some hotel catagories may change in 2009 so make your reservations prior to Jan. 15 if possible.

#12

Counsellor , Nov 18, 2008 12:27 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlwalt

How soon do they post to the account?

As noted above, the European Sampler doesn't come with miles.

With the travel packages (nights + miles) the miles usually post within a couple days, in my experience. However, I've had mine deposited to my American AAdvantage account, so it's possible United may be delayed. I have no reason to think so, though.

#13

frisbeeace , Dec 16, 2008 6:54 pm

European Sampler - Marriott Concierge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrizShel

MARRIOTT NEW AND OLD REWARDS PACKAGES POINT REQUIREMENTS 2009

SAMPLER / HOPPER AWARDS[/COLO 7- Night Sampler or Hopper packages (Elite members only)[/COLOR]

2+2+3 package (Hawaii combo or Europe combo)
150,000 points. Good virtually any property, however availability is restricted more under the old program.
BIG ADVANTAGE: If ordered in 2008, this will have a 1 year window in 2009 where it will be very flexible (you can search for availability throughout 2009; but remember this is only in Europe or Hawaii).

Conclusion: If you think you can use the Hopper anywhere in Hawaii or in high-demand locations in Europe anytime before 12/31/09, then you should DEFINITELY order one.

I agree that the European Sampler is an excellent choice provided that you find availability at some of the most demanded cat.7 hotels. So far, I can't find any at Rome or Capri for my dates.

1. Should I order the Sampler Package anyway assuming that availability will open after Jan.15th?
2. If one of those hotels currently offers Stay Anytime awards, can I book it assuming that such room should be available as Standard Reward after Jan.15th and my certificate will cover it?
3. I also understand that if I return all three certificates I have a full refund of my points, so there is no risk to give this a try, am I right?

Thanks for your prompt response.

#14

GrizShel , Dec 16, 2008 7:41 pm

While we are waiting for MC to respond, the above quote is of course my interpretation only and you are right to request responses to your questions from the Marriott Concierge. I would think you are 98% correct in your surmisals (there is a chance you won't get what you want next year, but it is suppose to be only a small chance), but we'll see what they say. If my recollection is correct however, the 2 properties you mention will be among a handful that can more significantly restrict availability for a few peak dates (don't have time to find the link to MC's post on this at the moment).

#15

MyTravels , Dec 17, 2008 8:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by frisbeeace

So far, I can't find any at Rome or Capri for my dates.

I'm pretty sure Capri, and maybe Rome also are "above the rules" for increasing award availability/no blackout dates.

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