Last edit by: hhoope01
I noticed that the Marriott forum has quite a few "stickie" threads and that the number has been slowly growing over the years. Also, it seems most of the other hotel/airline forums have a "master" FAQ thread at the top of their forums.
So I thought it might be a good idea if we tried to put together a Marriott Master FAQ thread. I have started one below with some general topics (I admit that I looked at the Hilton and the Starwood FAQs to get some ideas.)
My thoughts are that people could chime in with suggestions on additions, topic areas, etc. Whatever anyone thinks would be helpful.
So don't be shy. Let me know your thoughts (even if you think I'm totally doing it wrong.)
Marriott and Starwood Merger Threads
Important Marriott Forum Member's Threads
Popular Hotel and City Master Threads
Marriott Elite levels, benefits, status
So I thought it might be a good idea if we tried to put together a Marriott Master FAQ thread. I have started one below with some general topics (I admit that I looked at the Hilton and the Starwood FAQs to get some ideas.)
My thoughts are that people could chime in with suggestions on additions, topic areas, etc. Whatever anyone thinks would be helpful.
So don't be shy. Let me know your thoughts (even if you think I'm totally doing it wrong.)
Marriott and Starwood Merger Threads
Marriott buys Starwood for $12bn
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1904262-official-announcement-see-how-our-three-loyalty-programs-will-become-one-august.html
Marriott/Starwood merger closed; FAQs; Status Match; MR & SPG accounts can be linked <--This is an SPG Forum thread, but can provide the Starwood side of the discussion.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/1904262-official-announcement-see-how-our-three-loyalty-programs-will-become-one-august.html
Marriott/Starwood merger closed; FAQs; Status Match; MR & SPG accounts can be linked <--This is an SPG Forum thread, but can provide the Starwood side of the discussion.
Important Marriott Forum Member's Threads
Member-refer-a-member sign-up bonus
List of publicly usable Marriott reservation codes
2017 FT Marriott Future Stay Thread
MASTER THREAD: Domestic & International Executive Lounges Open/Closed on Weekends
Compendium of Marriott website addresses
MASTER THREAD: Current Marriott Gift Card, Cash Back, Tricks & Promos
List of publicly usable Marriott reservation codes
2017 FT Marriott Future Stay Thread
MASTER THREAD: Domestic & International Executive Lounges Open/Closed on Weekends
Compendium of Marriott website addresses
MASTER THREAD: Current Marriott Gift Card, Cash Back, Tricks & Promos
Popular Hotel and City Master Threads
USA: Alaska - Florida
USA: Georgia - North Dakota
USA: Ohio - Wyoming
Canada
Puerto Rico, Caribbean, Mexico & Central America
Europe
South America
Asia
Middle East, Africa and Rest of the World
Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific
Autograph Collection Property Locations Worldwide
USA: Georgia - North Dakota
USA: Ohio - Wyoming
Canada
Puerto Rico, Caribbean, Mexico & Central America
Europe
South America
Asia
Middle East, Africa and Rest of the World
Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific
Autograph Collection Property Locations Worldwide
Marriott Elite levels, benefits, status
Post Your Experiences: Late Check-Out for Elites (Starting 5/16/16)
Can my spouse and I both get lounge guests?
2014 Status Buyback is back!
Lifetime Marriott Rewards elite status
Platinum Premier level, 2016-present
Does Marriott match other programs' elite status?
"Taste of Gold/Platinum" promotion and Platinum challenge [Merged threads]
Questions involving rollover nights
Platinum Status in Eight Days and $800 - No Stays Required
Platinum worth it?
Questions about "The Ultimate Guarantee"
Just Curious - Have you ever gotten, lost, and regained Platinum Premier
Official Upgrade Policy
Taking Advantage of Platinum Guaranteed Reservation
Platinum Premier Level, pre-2016
Can I get my Gold benefits if room is booked in another name?
Is Free Internet Available for Multiple Rooms?
Platinum redeeming points for someone else - upgrades?
Simultaneous Stays - Multiple Elite Nights?
Multiple Rooms Rules for Elites
Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus "RewardsPlus" Partnership
Ritz Carlton RewardsCan my spouse and I both get lounge guests?
2014 Status Buyback is back!
Lifetime Marriott Rewards elite status
Platinum Premier level, 2016-present
Does Marriott match other programs' elite status?
"Taste of Gold/Platinum" promotion and Platinum challenge [Merged threads]
Questions involving rollover nights
Platinum Status in Eight Days and $800 - No Stays Required
Platinum worth it?
Questions about "The Ultimate Guarantee"
Just Curious - Have you ever gotten, lost, and regained Platinum Premier
Official Upgrade Policy
Taking Advantage of Platinum Guaranteed Reservation
Platinum Premier Level, pre-2016
Can I get my Gold benefits if room is booked in another name?
Is Free Internet Available for Multiple Rooms?
Platinum redeeming points for someone else - upgrades?
Simultaneous Stays - Multiple Elite Nights?
Multiple Rooms Rules for Elites
Marriott Rewards and United MileagePlus "RewardsPlus" Partnership
Ritz-Carlton Rewards
New Ritz Carlton Rewards
Ritz Carlton in Marriot Rewards
Should I transfer my Marriott account to the new Ritz Carlton Awards Program?
Convert Marriott Status to Ritz-Carlton Status?
Ritz Carlton Cobalt Membership?
Ritz Carlton Club Upgrade Certificate
Marriott Rewards PointsNew Ritz Carlton Rewards
Ritz Carlton in Marriot Rewards
Should I transfer my Marriott account to the new Ritz Carlton Awards Program?
Convert Marriott Status to Ritz-Carlton Status?
Ritz Carlton Cobalt Membership?
Ritz Carlton Club Upgrade Certificate
Marriott Travel Packages
Points or Miles
Points in Restaurants
Cash Value of MR Points
Can I combine 5th night free and Category 1-4 free night cert on 5 night stay?
Do Marriott points expire?
Marriott Points for Bulgari hotels?
Best Category 4 hotels
Best Category 5 properties
How to Prevent Marriott Rewards Account Expiring
Marriott Rewards Promotions/Bonus OpportunitiesPoints or Miles
Points in Restaurants
Cash Value of MR Points
Can I combine 5th night free and Category 1-4 free night cert on 5 night stay?
Do Marriott points expire?
Marriott Points for Bulgari hotels?
Best Category 4 hotels
Best Category 5 properties
How to Prevent Marriott Rewards Account Expiring
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...tificates.html - EEOs no longer normally offered by Marriott.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-up-bonus.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...us-offers.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...d-threads.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...promotion.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...megabonus.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rtnership.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...g-china-2.html
Marriott/Ritz Carlton Credit Cardshttp://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-up-bonus.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...us-offers.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...d-threads.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...promotion.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...megabonus.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rtnership.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...g-china-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ture-card.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...residents.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ard-chase.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...visa-card.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rtificate.html
Marriott Program Comparisons with other Hotel Programshttp://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...residents.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ard-chase.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...visa-card.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rtificate.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-starwood.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-tempting.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...cy-vs-spg.html
General Marriott Threads for FlyerTalk membershttp://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-tempting.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...cy-vs-spg.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...estitures.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...successes.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...hkg-china.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ks-promos.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...unges-usa.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-lnf-rate.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rsion-brg.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...scussions.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ment-rate.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-employee.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-gift-you.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...iott-wifi.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...successes.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...hkg-china.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ks-promos.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...unges-usa.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-lnf-rate.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...rsion-brg.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...scussions.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ment-rate.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-employee.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-gift-you.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...iott-wifi.html
Marriott FAQ Master Thread
#61
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
how does e-upgrade cert work?
I'm looking at using points for the Residence Inn Downtown Sacramento. They offer a Studio for 15k, and a 1 bedroom suite for 20k.
The 1 bedroom reservation notes:
"eCertificate plus 1 upgrade certificate required per night"
How does this work? Is this in addition to the 20k points? I've never used an upgrade certificate before.
The 1 bedroom reservation notes:
"eCertificate plus 1 upgrade certificate required per night"
How does this work? Is this in addition to the 20k points? I've never used an upgrade certificate before.
#62
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
The 20k/night is 15k for a base room + 5k for an upgrade cert. So it already includes the cost of the upgrade cert. If the RI had any 2-bedroom suites available for points, it would probably be 25k/night as it would require 2 upgrade certs per night.
#63
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
Thanks for explaining this confusing nomenclature. What is the point of calling it an upgrade certificate? It's just 5,000 points for a better room - like you pay more $ for higher room categories. Why introduce the complexity of upgrade certificates? Can one obtain them any other way than by spending more points?
#64
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
The upgrade "cert" is considered a single level upgrade. At a resort, one upgrade cert per night might get you a mountain view instead of a base garden view. Two upgrade certs per night might get you an ocean view, three ocean front, etc.
Yes, the hotel might also allow you to reserve the upgrade with cash instead. Quite often I see $50 as equivalent to a single cert. An easy way to see this is to look at award rooms at a beach resort. Thy usually have lots of room types and will offer some of them with points.
Does a hotel have to offer higher than base rooms using points? No they don't, but resorts which have lots of different room types typically do. Suite properties like an RI may also offer upgrades from a studio to a one-bedroom with upgrade certs as well.
Note the these upgrade "certs" are only usable in conjunction with an award reservation.
Yes, the hotel might also allow you to reserve the upgrade with cash instead. Quite often I see $50 as equivalent to a single cert. An easy way to see this is to look at award rooms at a beach resort. Thy usually have lots of room types and will offer some of them with points.
Does a hotel have to offer higher than base rooms using points? No they don't, but resorts which have lots of different room types typically do. Suite properties like an RI may also offer upgrades from a studio to a one-bedroom with upgrade certs as well.
Note the these upgrade "certs" are only usable in conjunction with an award reservation.
#65
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New England
Programs: American Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 5,640
Are room charges (room service, restaurant, etc) points earning if the stay itself is not (due to rate type)? I have some points in my account from a recent stay that should not have credited unless these are points earned from room charges.
#66
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA - EP, Marriott - PP
Posts: 227
I know this question would (should) have been asked before but I can't figure out how to do it.
I'm trying to book a weekend hotel stay at a property with reward rooms available, and I have a Cat 1-5 cert I would like to use for one night with points used for the second. The only way I can seem to get this to work would be to make two separate reservations. That just seems unnecessary so I'm hoping there's just something I'm missing.
I'm trying to book a weekend hotel stay at a property with reward rooms available, and I have a Cat 1-5 cert I would like to use for one night with points used for the second. The only way I can seem to get this to work would be to make two separate reservations. That just seems unnecessary so I'm hoping there's just something I'm missing.
#67
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
Check out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-now-live.html. I think it should help you find what you are looking for.
#68
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA - EP, Marriott - PP
Posts: 227
I know this question would (should) have been asked before but I can't figure out how to do it.
I'm trying to book a weekend hotel stay at a property with reward rooms available, and I have a Cat 1-5 cert I would like to use for one night with points used for the second. The only way I can seem to get this to work would be to make two separate reservations. That just seems unnecessary so I'm hoping there's just something I'm missing.
I'm trying to book a weekend hotel stay at a property with reward rooms available, and I have a Cat 1-5 cert I would like to use for one night with points used for the second. The only way I can seem to get this to work would be to make two separate reservations. That just seems unnecessary so I'm hoping there's just something I'm missing.
#69
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 26
i'm not sure if this is the right thread for my questions, so apologies in advance.
i will be traveling to argentina in a few months and would like to make use of my marriott points to book a hotel room, if possible. it doesnt look like marriott has any official properties in that country. is there any way to use my points, despite this? can they be used to book another hotel chain? or am i out of luck?
i will be traveling to argentina in a few months and would like to make use of my marriott points to book a hotel room, if possible. it doesnt look like marriott has any official properties in that country. is there any way to use my points, despite this? can they be used to book another hotel chain? or am i out of luck?
#74
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
Elite benefits are extended on any stay that they have your MR# associated with, including normal paid, awards, opaque rates like Priceline, etc. It doesn't matter. If you are Gold elite and staying at a hotel where your elite status gets you lounge access, you get it. Breakfast? you get it. A room upgrade? You get it. And so on.