AJNEDC

Due to unexpected business travel and a personal trip earlier in the year, I'm just three nights away from achieving Platinum level status. Fortunately, I have two business trips scheduled for September and October, which will provide the necessary nights to reach Platinum status.

I've reviewed the literature regarding the benefits of Platinum level, and noted that access to the hotel lounge is included if one exists on the property. However, I'm curious about the consistency of this benefit. Do Platinum level holders typically encounter any issues with accessing the lounge? I'm particularly interested in this as I have a trip planned to Tokyo next summer. Given my intention to book at the most economical rate possible, access to the lounge would greatly enhance my stay.

Thanks for any insight.

AntimonyER

IF it has a lounge, AND it is open when I am there, I have NEVER not had access as a platinum or titanium.

AJNEDC

Did you have to ask/remind them at check in or were they proactive in advising you that you had access?

Thanks.

GoSh4rks

If there is one thing that Marriott is good at, it is always providing lounge access at the appropriate properties to Plat+. I've never had an issue with it. The most I've ever had to do is to ask how to get to it and the hours.

Out of my Element

It can't hurt to ask "does my room key give me access to the lounge?" just as a reminder

Happy

As a Plat or higher, if the property has a lounge, you have access. The only place elites dont have access is Ritz Carlton.

They occasionally forgot to program the room keys. We had to return to FD when that happened. FD always apologized and reprogrammed the keys.

lexdevil

There are limited exceptions to this rule. At the St. Pancras Renaissance, only Titaniums and Ambassadors get lounge (Chambers Club) access. Platinums will be offered breakfast elsewhere, plus a bar snack (I think).

Horace

It's more complicated than that.

There are more than 30 brands in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Nine of them provide lounge access to Platinum Elite and above.

At five brands (non-resort properties only) -- JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels -- guaranteed lounge access is how the breakfast benefit if provided. If there's no lounge or the lounge is closed, the elite member can pick breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points daily.

At one brand -- Courtyard (only outside the United States and Canada, and only if there's a lounge) -- guaranteed lounge access provides a breakfast benefit (at a brand where that's a rarity).

At three brands (resorts included) -- Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin -- guaranteed lounge access means access to the lounge if there is one and it's open, but there's no alternative otherwise. Breakfast in the restaurant is a Platinum welcome gift choice, not a function of guaranteed lounge access.

The front desk agent at participating properties will normally mention the lounge and its hours at check-in, but sometimes it's necessary to ask.

For all the details, exclusions, limitations, etc., go to Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions and search for GUARANTEED LOUNGE ACCESS

AJNEDC

Great. Thanks. Platinum here I come...

olivedel

Be extremely careful, especially in Tokyo. Lounge access is guaranteed only in certain brands, and while this might be extended in some properties elsewhere, some Tokyo properties who have a lounge (Luxury Collection or Autograph Collection) will not grant you access unless you book a room that gives you access.

AJNEDC

Thank you for this. So I just read that lounge access is not offered by:

The Ritz-Carlton
St. Regis
EDITION
The Luxury Collection
W Hotels

Son of a gun.... . Well that sorta sucks... I mean what's left? Coz I stayed at the Sheraton in Basel in December and the "Lounge" left much to be desired.
And here I was planning to stay at the Ritz in Tokyo... Well I obviously have to rethink plans...

AJNEDC

Yes I just read that. Which is a disappointment. The Prince Gallery and the Ritz are therefore out. The Westin, Sheraton and JW Marriott look like crap, from the looks of things, I may have to do with my hotel stays what I do with airlines... Pay for the service I desire and to hell with loyalty programs.

SHLTP

The LC in Tokyo used to give lounge access but not anymore. It used to be my favorite hotel to stay at in Tokyo but Marriott got rid of club access for most LCs (though the ones in BKK still offer). Marriott destroyed lc for me which was my favorite brand actually. RCs never get.

Now i go to PH Tokyo.

But generally Marriott is excellent about giving cl access when it's due. No worries there. Cls can save a lot of money

econ

Haven’t been denied access to a lounge when entitled, but at least one property (Sheraton Grand Salzburg) has a lower quality lounge for Plats.

Happy

Sheraton TST in Hong Kong too, unless you book the room in the Tower building.