Originally Posted by
YYJMSP
You're lucky. I'm having horrible experiences post-merger.
Has anyone had any luck in getting availability and points redemptions rates for what used to be "Specialty Select" rooms (i.e. non-standard, such as junior or full suites, rooms that allowed more than 2 people in them, etc, all requiring more than the base points) in the SPG system? Either the Marriott-legacy folks don't understand (I swear it sounds like they think I'm asking for a free upgrade months in advance of arrival!) or these items have disappeared from the system and are no longer available as redemption options at SPG properties. I see some Marriott properties have multiple options for redemption (some require more points, some require a co-pay). Perhaps the SPG properties will start showing that too at some point.
I would love it if they could just tell us what they can and can't do, and that would manage expectations on both sides. If they can only interact with what's on the web site, so be it -- I can book rooms myself. If they can only make certain special requests two weeks in advance of arrival, so be it -- I can call the hotels myself.
Right now I believe that the Marriott booking system only allows point redemption rates for a standard room. Hotels can offer better rooms for award redemptions but they’ll be the standard point rate + a cash upgrade. As one example, you can only book a tiny “bunk bed” room at the Proper hotel in San Francisco. You can book a variety of room types for points & cash at the JW Marriott in Hong Kong.
I think Ambassadors are mostly good at obtaining favors you might get on your own by contacting the hotel yourself, but that you are not entitled to. In my case they have been able to secure reservations at a walk-in-only hotel rooftop bar, and secure preferred view rooms in advance. I have also received fruit and wine gifts in my room, although I’m not sure if that was from my ambassador or not.