ls

i just made level 2 and do they still send out the 1 night ritz cert?

3x

sbc94523

You need to call up ML and order the cert. I would wait as long as possible before ordering the cert to get the better expiration date.

StarwoodRules

I too just made +3 last month. Can anyone please help explain the expiration date situation? I do not look to use these Ritz Carlton certificates any time soon, so should I wait till next year to get them to send these certificates? What is the chance that they'll change the program to another hotel chain next year?

Can anyone also share their experience in redeeming these certificates for the Lake Las Vegas and NYC locations?

Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.

EQ4803

[QUOTE=StarwoodRules]I too just made +3 last month. Can anyone please help explain the expiration date situation? I do not look to use these Ritz Carlton certificates any time soon, so should I wait till next year to get them to send these certificates? What is the chance that they'll change the program to another hotel chain next year?



As of last month, all certificates requested will have the 6/30/06 expiration date. This would be for awards earned in 2004 or this year. Recently, I ordered my wife's certificates for her +3 level earned last year and they arrived in about a week.

I would suggest that unless you are traveling and have your reservations , I wouldn't order your +2 or +3 award certificates for 2005. I will expect that Merrill might purchase certificates with a longer expiration date, especially for cardholders who order them next year.

EQ4803

FYI:
I was able to book Palm Beach for three free nights in March using my certificates .

The rate was arround $ 500.00 when I asked initially. Not a bad deal. However you have to work find availability.

sbc94523

Was able to get 3 rooms for 2 nights each at SF Ritz for Dec.

canuck_in_pa

Are you positive? Benefits are calendar based: I would think you lose your certificates if you don't order them by Dec 31. I'm hopefully mistaken...

StarwoodRules

Can anyone please clarify on this very critical point? Thanks!

EQ4803

Yes you are.......... not to worry though; if you reach +3 this year , it is not necessary or even required that you order the certificates in the same year that you reach the +3 level. You will have +3 status for the remainder of the year plus the following year as well.

Depending on when you request you certificates for free nights , this will determine the expiration date. Currently all certificates have a 6/30/06 date.

sbc94523

Just had a conversation with ML csr and she repeated that Ritz and ML's relationship is ending this year.

Kyle53719

Very unfortunate. Has there been any announcement of what the program the Ritz will be replaced with? I'm hoping it is a chain with more locations, as the Ritz program was very limited.

mia

I hope Merrill's managers understand that because their benefit levels are determined by calendar year spend it is essential to have the details for 2006 finalized and published well before the end of 2005. They really should not be tampering with it in the Spring.

Kyle53719

Since the Merrill+ Card is issued by MBNA, who is now being acquired by Bank of America, any changes may not be publicized until after the transaction has been finalized.

My question is: Does Merrill manage all the benefits of the card and MBNA just services it, or is it under some other different agreement?

christianj

Some info I just got from ML+ Rewards today on the phone:

1. Evidently Ritz-Carlton is history as reported by others! ML+ will not be offering vouchers as part of the program. (Too bad since I just got back from 4 nights at the Ritz-Carton in Laguna Niguel and it was great!! Even got upgraded to the Club floor.)

2. According to the representative, they are going with the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) for 2006. She mentioned that they have 400+ properties so there will be more choices for cardmembers. Details are not yet worked out but she mentioned different things like discounts, free breakfast, free nights, Leader Club Memberships, etc. Will be waiting to see how this works. Could be very interesting considering that some really nice properties like the Setai, Hotel Bel-Air, Fifteen Beacon and Halekulani (just to name a few US properties) are part of LHW. Can't however imagine that the program would award 4 free nights at these properties for spending $50k but you never know.

Evidently the new 2006 benefits will be listed on the web site on Oct. 21.

DH

Slightly off the subject but there is $75 Best Buy GC sign up bonus -
https://wwwa.applyonlinenow.com/USCC...0001UIS&pid=lf