Originally Posted by A Traveller
Well, maybe my opinion will not be popular.
But every time I read about someone getting a complimentary or matched upgrade to an elite status I want to rip my hair out at the roots.
What is the purpose of having goals to achieve if MR gives out the elite levels like party favors to people who haven't spent the time required like everyone else (i.e. who haven't yet shown their loyalty to the program . . . it is a customer loyalty marketing program)?
(Yes, that was a rhetorical question.)
There is nothing like arriving at a hotel to find a "stayed one night ever before at Marriott" plat elite member ahead of you.
There should be some other kind of reward to entice people to switch programs, but it should not be freebie upgrades to elite levels.
I dont disagree with you!! I wanted a comp to Gold only for Late check-out and Lounge entrance. I have 40 nights already with another 10 already booked, so I was gonna make it,only w/o being able to have the Breakfasts. The guy made me a Plat since he saw how I was staying with them and was hoping that Id give M more of my Biz that I give to HH or SPG. I told him doing the 50 is no prob as I already have 26 booked for '06, but I doubted Id make 75. He said enjoy it anyway.
I NEVER asked for Plat even thou Im Diamond @ HH, and Plat @ SPG , since I didnt think I will maintain it and cause I didnt think any prog would give their top Status away. I didnt see much harm if they gave me Gold 1 month earlier then I would have earned it. When I was denied I said Thank You for having asked a Supervisor and wasnt mad or anything. I did go look at HH or SPG in 2 of the next 3 trips to see if I should move the stays to them, and instead get the nights needed for Gold at elcheapo CY or FI weekends for around $60 a night. When it was going to cost me $200 a night at the places I was already booked at. Once I read this threda and calle dup and got Plat even thou ALL I requested was Gold, I kept everything as is, although I could have saved some $$$ doing it the other way