DJ_Iceman

Really? It seems to me that someone who travels weekly would very quickly attain platinum status and then have nothing to complain about. Are you sure you're not trying to stay at Hilton or Starwood weekly and just get free Marriott status so you can add another elite card to your wallet to make yourself feel more special?

mbflyflyaway

Hmmm...really? I was under the impression that as long as you kept the card (and paid the fee after the first year), you kept Silver status, but I have no experience with this since I just got the card this year.

Also, a side note to my earlier post on getting Gold status today...I checked in to the SF Marriott a few hours after I got the status upgrade and asked at check-in what they saw for my status. Still came up Silver - he also saw the # of nights I've stayed so far. I tried explaining what happened via the e-mails and he was shocked that Marriott would do such a thing (not mad, just surprised and disbelieving)...to the point that he told the next agent over what I was saying. I offered to print the e-mail tomorrow, but he just gave me his e-mail address to forward the e-mail, which I did as soon as I got to me room. Don't know what will happen...but I don't believe he gave me lounge access as of yet. I will check on my way out tomorrow morning to see if they've updated my record.

-Mike

hawaiisloth

mbflyflyaway

Please let us know what happens and whether you are recognized as Gold. I have my first stay as a "Gold Lite" coming up shortly, and would like to know how much convincing I will need to do (I wonder if the reservation shows the status you were when you made it).

But, I now know enough to print both the e-mails and my log in page which show Gold, and take them with me at checkin.

SCEflyer

I normally don't pile on but I have to agree with the Iceman on his post.

Also, status matches might serve to dilute the availability of benefits many of us have had to earn, over 10 -20 years of loyalty to Marriott, particularly at the Platinum level.

BigLar

Maybe yes, maybe no.

If someone pulls a few tricks and wangles himself a nice, shiny new platinum card, but then never stays at a Marriott, how does that dilute our benefits?

But, having said that, it's still good to know that, when you whip out your plat card, they know you're a good Marriott customer and treat you accordingly.

micro

A friend of mine was also denied a Marriott plat status match - so I guess as posted it might all depend on how one approaches the match request.

waltinsocal

I agree with Iceman and SCEFlyer. Being a Platinum Premier is a benefit I earned by staying at Marriott Properties. If Platinum cards are given out without being earned, there will be much less respect for the card at the properties at which we stay. Those people who have chosen to stay elsewhere are welcome to earn Marriott Platinum status the way most of us have done; that is, by staying the nights to qualify. In my communications with Marriott, I never miss the opportunity to urge Marriott not to grant status through "challenges". To do so is to reward those who have previously made a conscious decision to stay elsewhere, and as I said above, if someone wants Platinum status stay 75 nights. When I present my card I want the front desk to know that I've stayed at least 75 nights (211 nights last year) and treat me accordingly. I dont' want to be crossing paths in my travels with those who haven't truly earned the card but who are taking upgrades, etc.

Inez

I am Hilton Diamond and SPG Platinum and emailed Marriott about a status match. My response was:

Thank you for contacting Marriott Rewards about status matching.

In fairness to our most frequent guests, levels in Marriott's Elite Club are only achieved by personal nights stayed at Marriott brand hotels between 1/1 and 12/31 of each calendar year. Therefore, those levels are offered to members who stay the requisite number of nights each year.

We can however, offer you a 1 time exception if you come within 5 nights of your desired level within a calendar year. You may contact our office if you have 45 Elite nights for the Gold level (rather than the required 50 Elite nights) or within 70 for Platinum (rather than the required 75 nights) in this calendar year.

We appreciate your understanding and the opportunity to provide you with this information concerning the Marriott Rewards program.

Best regards,

Alex Smith
Internet Correspondence Specialist
Marriott Rewards

mbflyflyaway

Sorry for the delay in responding. I checked the next day at the front desk and they had me as Gold in their system. Not sure if it was because of my e-mail or because it really did take 24 hours for it to be updated systemwide. Either way...they re-did keys for me so I could get into the (BRAND NEW) Concierge Lounge....quite nice! Comfy couches all around, nice views (on 18th floor), and big plasma screen tvs. Same food spread though.

-Mike

hawaiisloth

Great, and thanks again for the info!! I am looking forward to my "Gold" stay at the Chancery Court in London. This was the best tip I ever got on Flyertalk.

SC-G

Just got off the phone with CS - refused to match my HH Diamond AND *wood plat. Marked my record and offered me Gold if I stay 12 nights in the next 3 months

Were not very nice either

bummer

oh well

BigLar

12 nights in three months is not particularly difficult if you travel much at all. And Gold gets you almost everything a Plat would get. I'd go for it if it was at all convenient.

blueskeyes

12 nights in 3 months isn't difficult, but I'd suggest you ask for a platinum challenge instead.

Ask a platinum to contact the platinum line and ask for you to be offered the challenge.

Elites have a different phone number, and the agents take care of us.

The benefits of a platinum (over gold - IMHO) are:
- great customer service
- can bump into sold out properties,
- and you get the platinum amenity (wine&cheese), or $$$ if they forget

blueskeyes

To be clear:

It's my understanding that Marriott doesn't share status match as freely as do other programs.

As a frequent traveller - I'd hope that I'd be offered an opportunity to realize the benefits that I'm accustomed to in my regular choice while trying out a new choice.

If I don't meet the requirements of the challenge, or don't follow through with appropriate stays - I'd expect it to be revoked, but I'd like to understand what another similar program has to offer me...

SC-G

sounds like a good idea. What is the Platinum desk phone #? I couldn't locate it anywhere

Thanks