Mar 4, 2019, 1:50 pm
Last edit by: mahasamatman
NOTE: this thread is for discussing promotions and discounts on gift card purchases and cash-back rebate sites etc.
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Asia Pacific: 5%
Europe, Africa, etc: 5%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
There are others as well. See evreward.com and cashbackmonitor.com for other current deals.
Pros and cons of buying hotel Gift Cards:
Pros:
1. 15% discount. We do not get additional earning from credit card since we would have earned the same points by paying with cash (credit card)
2. Good for mattress runs at reduced costs. Assume score lower room rates.
Cons:
1. Commitment to a single brand Marriott. Eliminate the flexibility of stays with Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and other brands.
2. GCs are prepaid funds. The funds do not earn anything (interest). We lose the time value of money. The longer we do not use the GCs, we more we lose.
3. GC values are not protected (perishable). The physical GCs can get lost or stolen. We may forget to use the GCs. The GCs can be hacked and value drained. After the GC purchases, the credit card protection is gone.
4. GCs are not accepted at all hotels. Marriott hotels are more decentralized and it carries so many brands. Some do not follow Marriott rules and they may not accept those GCs even though they should. A lot hotels overseas do not accept the GCs.
5. GCs have limitation. At current time, they can't be used to book prepaid hotel stays. This defeats the main purpose of buying the GCs. The GC holders are not entitled for the discounted hotel rates.
6. GCs are dominated in US $ only. Even if they are accepted at foreign location, GC holders lose further more from foreign exchange. With credit card, we may get to choose to charge in USD $ or local currency.
7. GCs can't be redeemed for cash. If GC holders ever want to get the cash out of the GCs due to financial hardship, they can only be sold at the secondary markets like eBay etc. at steep costs.
To check card balance, visit gifts.marriott.com.
For Customer Service call +1 800.442.6132 or email [email protected].
Gift Card Registration: Lost, stolen or damaged cards will be replaced only if previously registered on gifts.marriott.com. Value of replaced card will equal balance on card at the time it was reported lost, stolen or damaged.
Notes:
1) If you make an LNF/BRG adjustment to your reservation you will still get cash back.
DIRECTIONS FOR A HOTEL TO PROCESS A GIFT CARD
Click on Givex icon
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
MASTER THREAD: Current Marriott Gift Card, Cash Back, Tricks & Promos
Jan 30, 2016, 3:06 pm
#1097
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Marriott Rewards Hyatt Gold Passport Continental FF Southwest FF Delta FF
Posts: 16
Targeted Amex offer available can be used on Marriott
One of my Amex cards was given this offer and one was not. The offer was book a hotel (any hotel) for $250 or more. I was staying at a Fairfield Inn and asked the cashier if they sold gift cards. She said yes, so I bought one for $250 with my Amex card. Sure enough i got my $50 rebate a couple of days later. This is an easy 20% off a Marriott gift card if you receive a targeted offer and the gift card ploy works (as usual). A Fairfield gift card can be used at any Marriott property.
Last edited by ichorush; Jan 30, 2016 at 3:07 pm Reason: spelling
Jan 30, 2016, 8:03 pm
#1098
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: WN F9 HA UA AA IHG HH MR
Posts: 3,305
Targeted Amex offer available can be used on Marriott
One of my Amex cards was given this offer and one was not. The offer was book a hotel (any hotel) for $250 or more. I was staying at a Fairfield Inn and asked the cashier if they sold gift cards. She said yes, so I bought one for $250 with my Amex card. Sure enough i got my $50 rebate a couple of days later. This is an easy 20% off a Marriott gift card if you receive a targeted offer and the gift card ploy works (as usual). A Fairfield gift card can be used at any Marriott property.
Jan 31, 2016, 7:23 pm
#1099
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
Feb 2, 2016, 2:05 pm
#1100
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,671
New MegaBonus T&Cs
I have a question about the current MegaBonus promotion.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
It could also mean that for each stay at the hotel only one room will be counted. If I stay again (with at least one day in between stays), one room will count again.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
- A 'stay' is defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity.
- Marriott Rewards members who register for this promotion by April 15, 2016 will earn one (1) free night award at a category 1-5 hotel (value of standard free night award ranges from 7,500 points for Category 1 hotels to 25,000 points for Category 5 hotels) after two paid stays made between February 1, 2016 and May 15, 2016 at participating Marriott® properties.
... - Only one room per hotel is counted toward a member's nights or stay.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
Feb 2, 2016, 2:14 pm
#1101
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Programs: DL DM, Bonvoy LTT, HH Diam, UA Silver, USAF million miler ;)
Posts: 1,596
I have a question about the current MegaBonus promotion.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
It could also mean that for each stay at the hotel only one room will be counted. If I stay again (with at least one day in between stays), one room will count again.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
It could also mean that for each stay at the hotel only one room will be counted. If I stay again (with at least one day in between stays), one room will count again.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
You are reading two different restrictions as one. Two rooms count as one stay, two nights at same hotel with check out and immediate check in count as one stay (theoretically though some have reported success).
Feb 2, 2016, 2:26 pm
#1102
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
I have a question about the current MegaBonus promotion.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
It could also mean that for each stay at the hotel only one room will be counted. If I stay again (with at least one day in between stays), one room will count again.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
I have to stay twice to receive a free cat 1-5 night. In the T&Cs there's a line that could be interpreted as "you have to stay in two different hotels to qualify":
It could also mean that for each stay at the hotel only one room will be counted. If I stay again (with at least one day in between stays), one room will count again.
Opinions or (preferred) first hand experiences?
Thanks in advance!
HTB.
Feb 3, 2016, 8:35 pm
#1103
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 812
American Express discount at JW Marriott Seoul/Bangkok and Renaissance Koh Samui
The following hotels are currently offering discounted rates for American Express cardholders:
- JW Marriott Bangkok: 15% savings on the Best Available Rate until 31 March 2016 (http://livetheworld.americanexpress....hotel-bangkok/)
- JW Marriott Seoul: 15% savings on best available rates for weekday stays and 20% savings on best available rates for weekend stays until 31 March 2016 (http://livetheworld.americanexpress....marriot-seoul/)
- Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa: 15% savings on the Best Available Rate, Inclusive of Breakfast until 31 March 2016 (http://livetheworld.americanexpress....ui-resort-spa/)
Feb 4, 2016, 10:35 am
#1104
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI, PHL, IAD
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; Mileage Plus 1K, 1 MM; Global Entry
Posts: 1,516
TCB is currently offering 7.7% for new customers; 5.5% for existing customers at all properties except CY, which is 6.6%.
Last edited by Michilander; Feb 4, 2016 at 10:35 am Reason: typo
Feb 10, 2016, 9:42 pm
#1106
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska LTG, HHonors-Gld, IHG-Dia, LT MR Ti
Posts: 627
Anyone having issues with Mr. Rebates?
I've been having issues since May 2015. None of my stays have auto-posted since then.. And BTW I only book eligible rates.
I've had to email them, they've been responsive for the most part.. But it takes them 6 weeks to get the disputed items 'pending'...
At the end of December I send them 33 different stays, today they emailed me saying 8 have been posted.. 8?!?! It took you 6 weeks to post 8 items? What about the other 25 legit deals I booked? I'm not happy.
In the past I always used Firefox to book my stuff, not I've been using EI, same crap, never posts.. I have my settings to accept cookies.
Anyone else having issues? What browser do you use?
I've been having issues since May 2015. None of my stays have auto-posted since then.. And BTW I only book eligible rates.
I've had to email them, they've been responsive for the most part.. But it takes them 6 weeks to get the disputed items 'pending'...
At the end of December I send them 33 different stays, today they emailed me saying 8 have been posted.. 8?!?! It took you 6 weeks to post 8 items? What about the other 25 legit deals I booked? I'm not happy.
In the past I always used Firefox to book my stuff, not I've been using EI, same crap, never posts.. I have my settings to accept cookies.
Anyone else having issues? What browser do you use?
Feb 11, 2016, 5:18 am
#1107
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
Mr. Rebates is the best cashback programme IMO. I used it for a long time and they do post - but you need to be patient. Don't know why but my Marriott stays don't normally post and if they do it takes about 4-6 weeks after I checked out. IHG/Getaroom/Hilton post within a week after I check out.
If they don't post I just copy paste the invoice and they post manually - not like TCB. (this is purely my experience and I know TCB works well on other people).
I use both Chrome and Firefox and I'm base in Europe.
If they don't post I just copy paste the invoice and they post manually - not like TCB. (this is purely my experience and I know TCB works well on other people).
I use both Chrome and Firefox and I'm base in Europe.
Feb 11, 2016, 5:34 pm
#1108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,043
Feb 11, 2016, 11:41 pm
#1109
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska LTG, HHonors-Gld, IHG-Dia, LT MR Ti
Posts: 627
Feb 12, 2016, 4:08 am
#1110
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI, PHL, IAD
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium; Mileage Plus 1K, 1 MM; Global Entry
Posts: 1,516
When Marriott changed the vendor that processed these things I ended up losing the rebates on two stays. After the change none of my stays track properly in TCB and I have to file a missing stay request on every one. Much more of a nuisance and it takes a good long while, but I have gotten paid for a number of them and have yet to have a claim outright rejected.