I know many have spoken about this before, but I felt it was worth bringing up again. Marriott's Platinum "Guarantee" is hardly a guarantee. In fact, it's quite frustrating to only need it in one or two special occasions, and be rejected both times.

Before the flames start, please understand that I know this "guarantee" is for our benefit, and that we should be thankful Marriott offers it. I agree....but I am tired of being told "sorry, we can't offer it" when I actually need to use it. On a random August Tuesday night in Dallas, I'm sure Marriott would be happy to offer it. Try to use it when you actually need it though, and it's unlikely to work.

In fact, the way they write about it on their website is even frustrating:


48-hour Guaranteed Availability: Limited to Platinum Member's personal guestroom. Guaranteed room availability for reservations booked at least 48 hours prior to arrival available at all participating Marriott hotel brands except Marriott Vacation Club. 48-Hour Guaranteed Availability may not be available on certain limited dates (e.g., special events). Benefit cannot be used in conjunction with award usage or any type of promotional or discounted rates. For Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites, 48 Hour Guaranteed Availability applies to studio rooms only.


Basically, the 3rd sentence is the only one that truly matters. It says this "guarantee" is HARDLY a "guarantee". It's a "conditional guarantee", which is about as useless as my Platinum status that I have to stay 75 nights a year for.

You guessed it, I called regarding Super Bowl rooms after the Giants made the SB. I understand the issue at hand (NFL and others booking rooms way in advance), I just don't get why they aren't smart enough to actually set aside 10-15 rms for elites. At the end of the day, we are supposedly Marriott's "elite clientele"...unless of course "special events" arise and others displace us.

Marriott: Do everyone a favor, kill the "guarantee" and just say "will make our best efforts to find you a full priced room". I know it won't help your marketing pitch...but it will help your client relations. Count me as one pissed off Platinum member.