Originally Posted by
bhrubin
For me, it's more than just the number of suite upgrades. It's also that the hotels almost universally are treating me like a VIP--with elevated service, elevated recognition, and even elevated service recovery when things have gone awry. They have bent over backwards when I've asked for just about anything--not that I've asked for that much.
That's what top tier status for someone spending $20K or more should provide: better service and an elevated experience.
Is your idea of elevated service having the FD say "thank you for being an ambassador member"? Pretty sure that this is where service stops for me.
Originally Posted by
flyerbjorn
Same here. I have gotten better and more consistent suite upgrades since the merger. A number of times, the checkin agents have pointed out that I have an ambassador and wondered what that's like.
So far this year, I've been upgraded to suites 20/24 nights.
Where are you staying? That is impressive, considering I am 0/33 on the year.
Originally Posted by
bhrubin
I think the Ambassador STATUS change that Marriott made has been an actual major improvement over the SPG program, to be honest. By making Ambassador its own definitive status tier, it is more obvious that Ambassador guests should be first in line for suite upgrades, first in line for VIP treatment and elevated experiences, etc. And those should no longer require Ambassadors to contact the hotels in order to affect such actions in most circumstances--allowing the hotels to execute their Ambassador perks as they should, and allowing the Ambassadors to spend more time handling specific requests, account details, and other communications on behalf of their guests.
There are problems, but there always were problems even with SPG. So far, I think Marriott is treating Ambassadors pretty darn well. And I think more and more Marriott properties are treating Ambassadors pretty darn well, too.
I have yet to see a property go out of their way to treat me differently than ANY other customer, be it a non-bonvoy member, gold or titanium. I truly can not identify one differentiation from platinum/titanium status.
Originally Posted by
bhrubin
I'm at suite upgrades for 14/14 nights. And 8 of those were StR and RC, though I did downgrade to get better air con at the RC after a night!
This is crazy to me, given my experience with my ambassador. I travel regularly, so over and above is not critical on business stays. With that being said, I have received the room I booked 33/33 nights this year. I dont even know what I would do if I saw the interior of a suite at a Bonvoy property! =)
Data Points:
2018
Nights-120+
Spend- 50k+
Property Types- 85% full service
2019
Nights- 33
Spend- 10k+
Property Types- 100% full service
As many of you have suggested, I have been clear with my ambassador about when I feel things are important.
My data points are as follows:
Request: Weekend stay with my family at property with lots of suites. Indicated that it was a special occasion for the family, and that we were hoping for as much space as possible. Also noted that we would be traveling for considerable amount of time and that we would appreciate if we could get in the room early so that our little one could nap. Applied SNA. My ambassador assured me that she contacted the hotel and they would see what they could do about a room, and noted that we would be arriving early.
Result: Arrived at property to check in early. Was told that early check in was not possible and that room would be ready well after check in time. Was told that there had been no correspondence with ambassador. Received a room with broken glass on the floor and not suitable for children.
Request: Took the in laws on vacation with the family. Requested connecting rooms. Ambassador confirmed connecting rooms and upgrade request on her behalf.
Result: Tried to check in at check in time. Rooms were not ready until 30 & 40 mins after check in time. Property denied ever being contacted by Ambassador. Did not receive connecting rooms. Reached out to ambassador and general ambassador line. Did not hear back until after stay was completed.
Request: No request, but expected a good stay when checking in for a three night stay at a premier Bonboy property on my birthday.
Result: Almost got walked, received last room (not a desirable room).
Request: Help identify properties that would be suitable for quick vacation for myself and wife. Desperately in need of a nice vacation and looking for places with good Ambassador recognition and not a base level room on points.
Result: Ambassador sent a list of Bonvoy properties at requested destination.
I am honestly at a loss. I do not see any incremental benefits after 50 nights. SNA's are almost NEVER getting confirmed, this remains true for all members (no preferential treatment for ambassadors), and ambassadors can not confirm in advance. I care about breakfast benefit only when I am on vacation, yet most true vacation properties play games. Resort fees on award stays... For all of the evangelists, what am I missing here? Is it that easy to get a kick a** ambassador? Does bonvoy really consider this to be a benefit that people will dedicate additional spend to? Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to ask for a new Ambassador? Lurkers? Please, someone, anyone convince me that Hyatt or a combo of Hyatt and Hilton are not a better alternative.