FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Marriott Bonvoy ‘Ambassador Elite’ Level : experiences (2020 and earlier)
Old Jun 18, 2018 | 12:48 pm
  #220  
C17PSGR
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Originally Posted by bhrubin
I'm quoting this from [MENTION=20501]C17PSGR[/MENTION] from a related thread but responding here where it actually seems most appropriate.



This largely is ridiculous. But you did get it right that SPG Plat benefits always have been better than those for Marriott Plats.
Your post is unnecessarily hostile. Among other things, its seem bizarre to suggest there isn't a single thing from the MR program that is better than the SPG program. I've identified valid points which are purely objective. I was very surprised to see that SPG doesn't offer the same benefits for those who don't get their guaranteed room type or get walked as the Marriott side.

As for the suites issue, I don't know how you can make such a broad brush statement. My two suite upgrades on the SPG side this year have been fine but they were both open studio style rooms with a couch. In contrast, on the Marriott side in the past month alone, I've had (a) a 2000 square foot suite with a dining room, living room, and multiple bathrooms, (b) a two room ocean front suite, (c) a two room suite with the best view in town, and (d) two different top floor two room suites with mountain views. That's just this month and all of those are in major world cities with SPG properties. I did get great treatment in a large two room suite at a CY in a rural area where the nearest SPG options was several hundred miles away.

And as to the Ambassador, I'm still looking for someone on the MR side to describe what they have received from their Ambassador -- without a request. As far as I can tell, people request upgrades through their ambassador, add names to reservations, get assistance with multiple rooms, and get assistance with rewards reservations. Additionally, people also request some assistance with special events such as anniversaries. With the exception of a one or two posters, I'm not seeing anyone on the SPG board who has received anything more than this either. I'm not trying to beat up the program -- I keep looking for ideas so I can benefit.

And ... since you don't stay at MR properties and certainly haven't spent 50 nights at MR properties since status matching, I don't know how you can draw a comparison. Otherwise, you're drawing on a sample set of one. Frankly, I can't remember when the status matching took place but I've certainly spent 100+ nights at Marriott properties since then as well as 50 at SPG properties. Once the novelty wore off, its obvious to me

(a) that there's no qualitative difference on average between W/Westin/Renn/Marriott/Autograph properties although they do have different electrical outlet standards near the bed and at the desk, different thermostats, and different carpet/color schemes.
(b) W's certainly on average get a trashier/posers who can't afford a room/6 to a room while sneaking in a cooler crowd than MR properties but also have a better pool if its not overrun by day guests who otherwise can't afford to stay there.
(c) It's nice to be able to get breakfast at a resort or LC and nice to find occasional SPG properties which are more convenient.
(d) That elite recognition for a Plat Premier at MR properties is better than recognition as a Plat at SPG properties. Both are often inconsistent. maybe its that VIP recognition you refer to but I don't how an FD at an SPG would know you are an SPG 100. Perhaps you can explain.
(e) My Ambassador plays a minimal role in my guest experience. Perhaps that's because I'm not calling them and asking them for things but with 150 actual nights in the past year, I don't have time to call them and don't know what to ask for ...
(f) Most importantly, engaged GM's make the biggest difference for an elite status guest and they are not unique to either legacy program. The GM at W Miami Brickell is great and the GM at W Scottsdale is abysmal. The GM at JW Camelback is great; the GM at JW Cabo is not.
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