Hi guys,

I am a Marriott Gold (which I think is one of the best mid tier status's along with Hilton that you can get and I love) trying to plan a once in a lifetime trip for his dad for his 50th.

He has always wanted to go to the Monaco F1 and 8 years ago when I was 16, I promised I would take him for his 50th. Whilst I work, I don't earn that much, but have become a points nutter! I thought I might as well start planning now.

Sadly, there are not many chain hotels in Monaco, however I came across the Hotel Nice & Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco and it seemed to match. 160,000 points for a 5 night stay, perfect!

I am a few points short in my SPG account before transferring, so was about to buy 30,000 SPG points at 50% off to make up the amount. Before though, I thought I would check with the hotel that you can use them over the F1 weekend. Of course I am planning for 2018!

I emailed the hotel the following:

Good afternoon,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Ryan Forster. Currently I do not have any status with Marriott, however I will be gold when I link my SPG account.

I am planning extremly in advanced, but it is important I do so.

In 2018, my father will be 50. He has always dreamed of going to the Monaco Grand Prix and I promised him since I was 16 I would take him. As you are aware, hotels are very expensive during this time understandably due to demand.

The only way I could take him would be to use points for a 5 night break which would be 160,000 points. I have the majority points in my SPG account, but would need to purchase some more to make sure I have enough. I know that for the 2017 race, there are no standard rooms available for redemption. Is that because you block them or is it because they are sold out? The reason I ask is that if standard room redemptions are blocked during this time, I will not spend the $625 on the extra points and will have to find alternative means.

I would be ready to book exactly 330 days in advanced. Do you think there would be a good chance I get a room on redemption? Again, thank you for your help in possibly making my promise and my dads dream come true.


I was ignored

I chased them on Facebook and got a direct contact to email, and I got the following reply very quickly:

Dear Mr Forster,

Thank you very much for your email.
Please accept our apologize for not responding to your request on facebook.
I perfectly understand the importance of this special event for you.
We are unfortunately already sold out in standard and deluxe sea view rooms for 2017 and only have a few Riviera Rooms and Suites available. For 2018 Standard rooms are also already sold out and the only alternative would be a supplement (reward upgrade fee) of 759 € per night.

Looking forward to welcoming and your father at the Riviera Marriott.

Warm regards,

MR MARRIOTT MONACO

A bit miffed, I asked the below question:

Good afternoon,

Thanks for the quick reply.

May I ask how how the 2018 rooms are sold if you cannot book more than 330 days in advance?

No reply. Chased on Facebook and am being ignored. I called Marriott who said the hotel has somehow sold ALL standard rooms, but have everything else for sale. The lady was very nice and said she has just spoken to a manager who will speak to his manager and the hotel to find out what has gone on.

My question is this then. Has the hotel done something wrong? Are they trying to pre sell ALL standard rooms as a group booking to themselves (thus more 330 days in advance) and holding them or blocking them? Or can they do this despite 'NO BLACKOUT DATES'. I know there are limitations to the blackout dates, but if the rooms can't yet be sold, does anyone know what has gone on?

I think they are doing something to maximise revenue which I can't blame them that much for....


Rant Over :/