Originally Posted by
playflyer
Update from FWAA's site regarding Marriott VIP rates:
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE MARRIOTT ATHLETIC VIP DISCOUNT PROGRAM: Effective Sept. 1, 2010, Marriott will no longer offer the Athletic VIP Card benefit to the FWAA membership, as the program was originally designed for travel decision-makers with college and professional teams. Knowing that many of your are loyal Marriott Rewards customers,
the FWAA and Marriott are in negotiations to include the membership in another similar discount program with Marriott that more closely fits the profile of the FWAA member. If you currently have a VIP card, it will be honored until its expiration date. If you do not have a card or your card has expired, know that soon we hope to be announcing our inclusion in a different Marriott discount plan. If you have specific questions about Marriott discount programs, please direct them to George Schroeder at
[email protected].
I read this (bold my emphasis/reference) to mean that they are going to try to put further restrictions on this (and I'm guessing here) providing media credentials or similar so that every joe can't get a membership. However for those that are members I'll be interested to see how they change this. I wonder what the other organizations who use the VIP card are doing as well. on that note, maybe they will get their own code as well, just not with the same discount as the remaining VIP members will get
What I don't understand is that how are football writers or were they ever considered decision makers for college and pro football teams. sounds like marriott made the bonehead move by allowing FWAA to get these cards in the first place
Originally Posted by
bdschobel
It does mean different things at different properties. Sometimes you can get the name of the event from the website; sometimes you can't. It's unlikely anyone will ask if you are part of the event. If you booked the rate, they just assume you're entitled. The only time you might have a problem is if the local event is for Ukrainian speakers or midgets (or giants!) or some other group that you don't seem to belong to, but even then, nobody is likely to challenge you.
Bruce
just call the hotel, ask them if any events are being planned for your time period. If they ask why, just say you are considering an event there but want to know if there are any other events that might be in conflict with yours.. they usually tell you what type of event is being held there. even if you get a vague answer, then you can usually google it to and find out via another website what event is happening at that property... problem solved.. again unless its a midget convention..