I needed a visa with a chip for international travel and got the Ritz card. I am trying to decide if I should switch my regular spending to it from Amex to get platinum elite status. The only reason I'd care for PE is the guaranteed room feature. Does this always work? Can i get a room at Christmas in Bachelor Gulch? Scottsdale during the weekend of the Super Bowl and the Phoenix Open? Their website says "48 Hour Guaranteed Availability may not be available on certain limited dates (e.g., special events)." Just curious about others' experiences of when it works and when it doesn't.

Also, does it work for Marriott properties? Formula 1 in Austin is always a mess... could I get a guaranteed room at the Marriott?

Thanks all... love this forum and have read it for years.