I've been offered the Silver card - see below...


You travel fairly often so we thought you’d particularly appreciate this exclusive invitation from Marriott Rewards®, the award-winning travel programme. They are waiving the 10-night requirement by offering automatic Silver Elite status* as well as triple BA Miles on stays between 31 March and 30 June 2008. That means you will collect up to 6 BA Miles** per US dollar spent, which is over 11 BA Miles per pound spent based on the current exchange rate.

To take advantage of this offer, simply enrol in the Marriott Rewards Programme.


You will also receive automatic Silver Elite status which provides superb benefits including a Reservation Guarantee, Elite reservation phone line, exclusive Guest Services phone line, priority late checkout and exclusive member-only specials. And with over 2,800 properties in 68 countries, you can enjoy these privileges wherever you travel.

My question is simply - Is it worth it? What does Silver Elite Status really give you that's worth having? I could divert maybe 3 or 4 stays per year to Marriott but is there much benefit apart from the obvious miles earning potential. Member-only specials? How special?

I presume I could just use the BAG1 code to go straight for Gold rather than BAS1 for Silver?

Any advice would be appreciated.