Europe Sampler
 

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.

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.

Thank you, Glenn.

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

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 :mad:

I agree 100%

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

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!)

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

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

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?

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.

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.

European Sampler - Marriott Concierge.
 

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.

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).

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