Originally Posted by
The Village Idiot
Can anyone tell me why the 12 years is a requirement.
I suspect that Marriott wan'ts its LT status to include some type of long term commitment to Marriott.
Given that with the Roll Over nights that Marriott has had for last year and this year, it is possible for some people to get almost the needed number of nights in just a few years. Also with all the promos, CC earnings, plus add in that Marriott recently reduced the points required, it isn't necessarily all that hard to earn the points needed either. So that leaves the 12 year rule make sure this status is truly a "lifetime" achievement.
I've always thought of this status as a "retirement" kind of thing (at least in principle). While one is still in their prime earning years, Marriott would prefer you give them all your business. As you enter your "retirement" years, Marriott is rewarding your for a lifetime of staying at their properties by not requiring you to renew your elite status now that you may not be traveling as much as you used to.