No. I didn't speak to them on the phone, it was via the Marriott Rewards Forum Board.

They were very "matter of fact" about the refusal. Not nasty... but firm.

What number can I call to try to get to someone who has some business sense?

Besides the pretty large number of nights they will miss out on, we always have a fair amount of spend at the hotel.

We have a Hilton Citi visa card and spend $40K-50K every year on the card and would consider getting the Marriott card, but they have to "want" us.

Even if we can't get a challenge for a Platinum, we wouldn't mind the Gold level, as those perks are pretty close to the Platinum level.

Thanks !