Originally Posted by wth
It would be helpful to others if you would share the rationale you provided that was apparently successful. Also, did you have future Marriott reservations that helped show your intent?
Yes to both...
I had 3 weeks in a row booked (and stayed there a couple of times as a non-status person).
I basically stated "I used Hilton pretty regularly and have recently been very disappointed by their properties and program. Even as a loyal customer (90-110 nights per year), I have been disappointed about their standard service.
I have made some reservations and will stay at XXXX and some other properties in XXXX. I plan on staying at least 90 nights with your chain in the next 2 months and would like to request Elite status while I am proving my loyalty. Thank you for your good faith gesture to make my choice of Marriott more compelling".
That was basically it. I was honest, stated my upcoming reservations and anticipated nights I will give them. The rep was very nice and she got the supervisor to approve the status. I was impressed.
I do expect to reward their kind gesture with a number of stays!!!
Bravo Marriott.. Your mileage will vary. Was informed this is the EXCEPTION to their policy, but they were swayed by my past stays at Hilton as well as my reasoning.