Originally Posted by
Beermonger
Some of the Golds and Plats here make me laugh, it is easy to feel self righteous about the extra amenities they are getting...when their employers are paying for the room (in most cases).
Not my case, Plat 10 of the last 12 years. 8 of those years were on my dime. Those who pay on their own dime also look at the situation completely different than those who earn status on stays paid predominantly by their employer. As I have discussed elsewhere in detail, they are more apt to use points at a rate of 1¢ or even less per point, or using points for merchandise purchases which is considered by most a bad rate of return. Many having more points than they can use on hotel stays each year. They don't have to weigh the cost of paid stays vs maximizing the return on using points for stays, In many cases their 2-3 weeks of vacation each year is probably paid by points. I think that is great for them. The paradigm for using points is quite different for those who pay vs those whose company pays. I use points for the most expensive stays each year, and only if rates are high enough to warrant (1.5¢-3¢/point) and I wince at anything below 2¢/point. During economic down turns like now, I tend to pay for all my stays and save points for when the economy rebounds, using points a few years back for $600/night stays in London, $1000/nights stays in Paris and Moscow, $500+/night stays at Vail, etc. Prices have dropped substantially, so with the exception of a Euro Hopper I ordered prior to the redemption increases on Jan 15, I am paying cash. I am paying for 1 extra night in London at the RCC for £142/night. It kind of hurts to use points when rates are so low, but the certs expire in Dec.
Originally Posted by
Beermonger
There are lots of little guys like me who travel about 4 times per year on their own dime...and who want to be brand faithful...but Marriott does not recognize this IMHO.
Actually they do, but the level you are staying earns you Silver. The one year I was Silver, when I asked, they always provided me lounge access. Now I was Gold and Plat the years before so that may have some bearing on their willingness to provide lounge access. This also was post 9/11 and it doesn't mean they will now, and each hotel varies, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Stay more and it will earn you Gold or Plat. Get a MR Premier Visa to add 15 nights to that total each year. Each hotel chain has elite structures for you to pick and choose the hotel brand's program that best meets your needs.