Originally Posted by
dnkywhisperer
I'm looking at Sheraton lake Buena vista resort. I can use 6,000 Chase Ultimate reward points per night or pay $90 through their portal, I will have to pay the resort fee directly to the hotel. Marriott website has a price of about $150. In the past because of elite status I would receive 50% off the parking and resort fee, saving about $20 a night. If I don't get the 50% off resort fee and parking still come out ahead booking through Chase portal. I an trying to talk myself into booking through Marriott, thinking it is worth the 6 nights credit I will get. I feel sad that I have lost faith in Marriott that I don't really value the elite benefits, at least not the "Ultimate Reservation Guarantee" that I found to be a sham.
Would you spend the extra $30 a night (six nights) just to receive credit for the stay?
Yes, because you also get free wifi, PAG, etc, which you don't get through a portal. I don't need night credit, but I'm staying at a MAR property tomorrow where it was a toss-up btwn booking directly & the other. Price wasn't that huge (maybe $30 dif), but I get free breakfast, free enhanced wifi, late check out, upgrade, etc, & I earn points. No brainer for me. Realize you're at a resort so it's diff, but sit down & do the math beyond price to figure out if it makes sense for you.
Cheers.