Is it just me or have some of you discovered that the employees who answer the phone for Marriott Rewards are just not taught how to use their system properly. The regular Marriott reservations employees seem to know so much more and always get me a better quote than calling the Rewards service center.

Again this week I called twice and was offered only the highest price available through the Marriott Rewards line. I had to instruct both reps of how to find the better "Exclusive Marriott Rewards members" prices and special offers. Both were so surprised when I turned their $420 a night offer into a $329 and 4th night free offer that they didn't know existed. I only found out about the special offers by checking their quotes, which I didn't trust, on the Marriott website.

Compared to Starwood Preferred Guests reps, who are just great and will always tell you the best offers, the Marriott Rewards people are an embarrassment to Marriott.