All - thanks for the tips here, on tour now and just got following email. Will complete challenge in next 8 weeks, nice to have status to start. After 3 weeks, still waiting for a response from UAL on Gold match even with 3 calls. Back to AA I guess as the flight to Beijing on Chicago was as uninspired as ever and the new UA business cabin is still well short of global standards.

Dear :

Warmly greeting from the courtyard by Marriott Beijing Northeast!

Sorry to bother you, As you are our Value Platinum Member of Marriott Rewards, Do not know whether we can have your arrival time to our hotel ,so that we prepare all the things before you arrival.

Please feel free to contact us for further assistance