Somehow MR is one of the few major hotel programs that I have little experience with, but the upcoming merger with SPG certainly got my attention, and they do have some nice properties that suit my upcoming trip well. So I registered at MR as a new member and called in to request a status match/challenge.

However, I was told in no uncertain terms that the challenge had been put on hold since January this year, as "there had been too many such inquiries and consistent complaints from existing elite members". The only challenge available would be one-level only, i.e. basic to silver, silver to gold, and perhaps gold to platinum. I have spoken to several agents (from both US and international offices) and one supervisor, but the answer seems quite consistent and no exception seems possible.

Could people confirm if this is indeed the current status? If so, I'll have to reconsider my travel choices, as it simply makes no sense to spend 10 nights to get their silver status first and then do a challenge for gold...