There has always been a significant difference between the way UK and US members are treated and rewarded. Now obviously its a bigger market in the US and the choice probably means Marriott faces much stiffer competition for loyalty, however I've always felt a little hard done by.

The UK have a Platinum Marriott Visa Card which I have (there is only 1 btw). I got 5k points, no free stay, Silver Elite (but it says nothing about you maintaining Silver status in the second year - I started with 0 nights this year, even having the card).

I was platinum, which I lost this year after changing to a job where v. little travel is involved. I'm now gold. I'd be suprised if I get an option to buy back gold when/if I go to silver.

I see very little local promotions (like Sophie's 5k extra points), there are no more CYs here for reasonably cheap deals and I don't get credited with nights by virtue of having the credit card. To top it all off I've always been upgraded in the US, but I have never once been automatically upgraded in the UK. I have to ask everytime and its a little embarassing.

And we earn less points on the credit card...

Rant over ;-)