Originally Posted by
sabre31_98
It's not so much the money, although that's important, but I've been loyal to Marriott through all the merger issues and had never once thought about leaving. Now I feel like my loyalty over the last 12 years doesn't mean a thing to them. Is there anything I can do here? I know by the letter of the law they are in the right, a 7-day cancellation is what it is. It just leaves a really bad taste in my mouth and quite honestly makes me want to status match elsewhere for my next 10 years of business and personal travel.
Firstly, I think you need to separate your loyalty from Marriott's policy. Loyalty does not preclude the policy. Your post screams of entitlement.
Your frustration is apparent but seeking a waiver based on Titanium status isn't appropriate. You state the $371 isn't a lot of money yet you are willing to move on with ill formed expectations your Loyalt doesn't provide you with.
Now, having said that, I am also a Titanium and have two instances where I was unable to arrive for the reservation. On both occassions I was accommodated by the property when I chatted with them through the App.
The first time was a 24 hour delay arriving in Sydney. I had a reservation at the Marriott at Circular Quay that I had already checked in for. I explained my situation and they happily shortened my stay by one night without charge.
The second was in Sao Paulo Brazil. My Visa did not process before my flight and I had to wait for a couple of days in Dubai. Again, I was already checked-in on a two night points stay. The Renaissance Sao Paulo was very helpful and cancelled my reservation outright. The points returned to my account. I was not charged a cancellation fee.
I always work directly with the property. I have been lucky with sympathetic properties when approaching them professionally and respectfully. If I was to go in with an "I am a Titanium Elite" attitude the outcome would most likely be to the "letter of the law."
I would wait until check-in opens (you don't have to actually check in) and talk directly with the property.
James