Apr 27, 2016, 10:15 am
Last edit by: mediator
Taste of Gold/Platinum
You are given gold/platinum status for 90 days, and you must complete a certain number of nights/stays to retain that status for the remainder of the year plus the following year. This promotion is targeted only.
Road to Gold/Platinum (a.k.a. Gold/Platinum Challenge)
Currently, this will allow you to move up one level with a shortened stay criteria. You have 90 days to complete 6/9 stays to receive Gold/Platinum status. If you do no qualify, you are eligible to start another challenge one year and one day after the 90th day of the challenge you just did. When you sign up, the MR CSR should tell you the date you are eligible to do another challenge.
FAQ
Q: What qualifies as a stay?
A: One paid night at a Marriott-brand (including Ritz-Carlton Hotels) hotel. Cash+points rate does not qualify. SPG hotels does not qualify (as of 03/2017). Some exclusions may apply, someone please help fill this in.
Q: Can I simply book multiple, consecutive one-night stays at the same hotel?
A: No.
Q: Can I jump between multiple Marriotts in the area?
A: Yes. As long as you book at least one night at each property. Special care must be taken if the Marriott properties are next to each other. They may share the same back-office. While you may book one night at each property on consecutive nights, which should count as two stays, it may only count as one stay. A call to Marriott Rewards should split them up correctly.
Q: Can I book multiple nights at different properties for the same night to get multiple stay credits?
A: No. Regardless how many different places you book for the same night, it all counts as one stay.
Q: Can I sign up for both Gold and Platinum Challenges at the same time?
A: No. Only one challenge per year.
Q: I'm Silver, can I do the Platinum challenge?
A: No. This is only a one-level promotion. You are only eligible for the Gold challenge.
Q: Can a non-elite do the Gold Challenge
A: No. Must be Silver.
Q: I just completed my 6th/9th stay. When should I see my new status?
A: Good job! Your new status should appear after your 6th/9th stay posts to your account.
Q: Can I book a meeting to get a stay credit?
A: No. You will only receive 10 night credits, not a stay credit.
You are given gold/platinum status for 90 days, and you must complete a certain number of nights/stays to retain that status for the remainder of the year plus the following year. This promotion is targeted only.
Road to Gold/Platinum (a.k.a. Gold/Platinum Challenge)
Currently, this will allow you to move up one level with a shortened stay criteria. You have 90 days to complete 6/9 stays to receive Gold/Platinum status. If you do no qualify, you are eligible to start another challenge one year and one day after the 90th day of the challenge you just did. When you sign up, the MR CSR should tell you the date you are eligible to do another challenge.
FAQ
Q: What qualifies as a stay?
A: One paid night at a Marriott-brand (including Ritz-Carlton Hotels) hotel. Cash+points rate does not qualify. SPG hotels does not qualify (as of 03/2017). Some exclusions may apply, someone please help fill this in.
Q: Can I simply book multiple, consecutive one-night stays at the same hotel?
A: No.
Q: Can I jump between multiple Marriotts in the area?
A: Yes. As long as you book at least one night at each property. Special care must be taken if the Marriott properties are next to each other. They may share the same back-office. While you may book one night at each property on consecutive nights, which should count as two stays, it may only count as one stay. A call to Marriott Rewards should split them up correctly.
Q: Can I book multiple nights at different properties for the same night to get multiple stay credits?
A: No. Regardless how many different places you book for the same night, it all counts as one stay.
Q: Can I sign up for both Gold and Platinum Challenges at the same time?
A: No. Only one challenge per year.
Q: I'm Silver, can I do the Platinum challenge?
A: No. This is only a one-level promotion. You are only eligible for the Gold challenge.
Q: Can a non-elite do the Gold Challenge
A: No. Must be Silver.
Q: I just completed my 6th/9th stay. When should I see my new status?
A: Good job! Your new status should appear after your 6th/9th stay posts to your account.
Q: Can I book a meeting to get a stay credit?
A: No. You will only receive 10 night credits, not a stay credit.
"Taste of Gold/Platinum" promotion and Platinum challenge [Merged threads]
Mar 24, 2015, 5:11 pm
#2116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
Called Marriott, received Gold challenge, 6 stays over 90 days, no backdating 
(admittedly my fault for not calling earlier).
Not so good for me as I have 20 nights spread over 3 stays (and no, it's not feasible for me to switch properties in unfamiliar cities when my days are full of meetings).
Did not think I would really miss Gold but definitely could use lounge access particularly on a 2-week long trip...
(admittedly my fault for not calling earlier).Not so good for me as I have 20 nights spread over 3 stays (and no, it's not feasible for me to switch properties in unfamiliar cities when my days are full of meetings).
Did not think I would really miss Gold but definitely could use lounge access particularly on a 2-week long trip...
Mar 24, 2015, 6:16 pm
#2117
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: IND
Programs: Avianca Brazil Diamond, Etihad Gold, Southwest CC Pass, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 315
So I was targeted for the taste of gold promo. Right now only have 1 stay for those 90 days. I don't see easy way for me to get to the 6 stays. Only way is mattress runs but it is good till Feb 2017.... Do you think it would be worthwhile?
Mar 24, 2015, 7:06 pm
#2118
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
I got the taste of Gold promo last year. I knew I was going to get it legitimately from some stays after the promo ended - so I did not spend extra money to get it during the assigned period. I had the benefits during the period, then a couple of stays with nothing (but they were in RIs, FIs) where it didn't matter anyway, then got it for the rest of the year and all of this.
The only thing I noticed was a bottle of water at check in and I think the bonus points, but I felt it was not worth spending out of pocket money to get, and I still feel the same way.
The only thing I noticed was a bottle of water at check in and I think the bonus points, but I felt it was not worth spending out of pocket money to get, and I still feel the same way.
Mar 25, 2015, 6:30 pm
#2119
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 46
A couple weeks ago I got the Exceptional / Exclusive Opportunities Coming Your Way mailer.
Last week I got the Gold challenge mailer. They moved me back up to Gold already (was there for a few years up until last year). As long as I get 6 stays between 4/1 & 6/30, Gold remains in place through February 2017.
I will probably get the 6 stays as is. But, I have a stay 3/29 - 3/31 (literally the 2 nights right before the challenge start date). Has anybody had any luck calling Marriott to get the challenge start date moved up by a day or two? I would like to get a jump start on the challenge if at all possible.
Thanks!
Last week I got the Gold challenge mailer. They moved me back up to Gold already (was there for a few years up until last year). As long as I get 6 stays between 4/1 & 6/30, Gold remains in place through February 2017.
I will probably get the 6 stays as is. But, I have a stay 3/29 - 3/31 (literally the 2 nights right before the challenge start date). Has anybody had any luck calling Marriott to get the challenge start date moved up by a day or two? I would like to get a jump start on the challenge if at all possible.
Thanks!
Mar 25, 2015, 8:25 pm
#2120
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 827
while you might get previous exceptions indicated this is no guarantee of present or future exceptions.
a simple phone call to MR requestring the exception you're requesting is the best source of a correct response to your question.
a simple phone call to MR requestring the exception you're requesting is the best source of a correct response to your question.
A couple weeks ago I got the Exceptional / Exclusive Opportunities Coming Your Way mailer.
Last week I got the Gold challenge mailer. They moved me back up to Gold already (was there for a few years up until last year). As long as I get 6 stays between 4/1 & 6/30, Gold remains in place through February 2017.
I will probably get the 6 stays as is. But, I have a stay 3/29 - 3/31 (literally the 2 nights right before the challenge start date). Has anybody had any luck calling Marriott to get the challenge start date moved up by a day or two? I would like to get a jump start on the challenge if at all possible.
Thanks!
Last week I got the Gold challenge mailer. They moved me back up to Gold already (was there for a few years up until last year). As long as I get 6 stays between 4/1 & 6/30, Gold remains in place through February 2017.
I will probably get the 6 stays as is. But, I have a stay 3/29 - 3/31 (literally the 2 nights right before the challenge start date). Has anybody had any luck calling Marriott to get the challenge start date moved up by a day or two? I would like to get a jump start on the challenge if at all possible.
Thanks!
Mar 26, 2015, 5:52 pm
#2121
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 46
I was planning to &, in fact, did tonight. Just thought I'd try to learn from other's experiences. In any event, no dice. The MR representative said the Taste Of Gold challenge is a corporate promotion so they don't have the ability to change anything. I would have thought MR was Marriott Corp but oh well.
Apr 15, 2015, 6:27 pm
#2122
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 13
I asked for and received a Platinum challenge. Should I see anything different in my account... like a promotion? When I was targeted for a Gold challenge it was a promotion. Is this just behind the scenes because I asked or should I bug them to make sure it's in effect? Thanks.
Apr 18, 2015, 4:12 am
#2123
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: CA
Programs: AA Plat Pro, FPC Premier, UA Silver, Hyatt Explorist, SPG Gold
Posts: 187
Hello all,
Do stays associated with events count for the Gold or Plat challenges? I'm currently Silver. I have an event coming up where I am booking and paying for a number of rooms. Last yr, for the same event, approx 60k points and 10 night stays were credited to my account (giving me Silver status). If I request one of the challenges, would my event fast track me to completing the challenge?
Thanks!
Do stays associated with events count for the Gold or Plat challenges? I'm currently Silver. I have an event coming up where I am booking and paying for a number of rooms. Last yr, for the same event, approx 60k points and 10 night stays were credited to my account (giving me Silver status). If I request one of the challenges, would my event fast track me to completing the challenge?
Thanks!
Apr 19, 2015, 4:23 pm
#2124
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YHM (BUF/YYZ/YTZ in practice, formerly LHR)
Programs: rapidly diminishing
Posts: 974
Similar, but slightly different question to cdmca's
- I've been emailed offering renewal of Gold if I do 12 nights by the end of July.
(I recently used points to upgrade to Gold this year before the end of March deadline, but would have held off had I known this would happen... but at least it sounds like this would extend my Gold status through for 2016, so to end Mar 2017 if I read it right)
- I'm also booking and paying for several rooms at an event I'm running in June. Longest duration stay is 7 nights, others ranging from 3-4 nights, probably at least 20 nights in total that'll be booked in my name and with me paying.
- I understand I'll also get some kind of points/nights credit for the event (I think it tops out at 50k points, and I get 10 nights credited). So do these 10 nights count too?
As I recall from the Taste of Gold challenge I took a couple of years ago, that was a *stay*-based challenge. This one is definitely *nights*. So this may be a different kind of promotion being run... I couldn't find any Ts&Cs, as this was an email invite and didn't have this kind of detail.
- I think I know the answer to this one, but may as well double-check: are award night stays eligible? (I'm guessing not, but we're going to book a couple - but if they count, I'll use my points and tell my wife to save hers!)
Thanks!
- I've been emailed offering renewal of Gold if I do 12 nights by the end of July.
(I recently used points to upgrade to Gold this year before the end of March deadline, but would have held off had I known this would happen... but at least it sounds like this would extend my Gold status through for 2016, so to end Mar 2017 if I read it right)
- I'm also booking and paying for several rooms at an event I'm running in June. Longest duration stay is 7 nights, others ranging from 3-4 nights, probably at least 20 nights in total that'll be booked in my name and with me paying.
- I understand I'll also get some kind of points/nights credit for the event (I think it tops out at 50k points, and I get 10 nights credited). So do these 10 nights count too?
As I recall from the Taste of Gold challenge I took a couple of years ago, that was a *stay*-based challenge. This one is definitely *nights*. So this may be a different kind of promotion being run... I couldn't find any Ts&Cs, as this was an email invite and didn't have this kind of detail.
- I think I know the answer to this one, but may as well double-check: are award night stays eligible? (I'm guessing not, but we're going to book a couple - but if they count, I'll use my points and tell my wife to save hers!)
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2015, 12:01 am
#2125
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: AMS
Programs: A number, but no status no more
Posts: 3,049
Hi,
I can't answer the other question, but this one is a definite no. Award stays never count at Marriot (unless a mistake is made somewhere, which could also be reversed at a later date if Marriott does a random audit).
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer
Apr 21, 2015, 6:05 pm
#2126
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
Hello all,
Do stays associated with events count for the Gold or Plat challenges? I'm currently Silver. I have an event coming up where I am booking and paying for a number of rooms. Last yr, for the same event, approx 60k points and 10 night stays were credited to my account (giving me Silver status). If I request one of the challenges, would my event fast track me to completing the challenge?
Thanks!
Do stays associated with events count for the Gold or Plat challenges? I'm currently Silver. I have an event coming up where I am booking and paying for a number of rooms. Last yr, for the same event, approx 60k points and 10 night stays were credited to my account (giving me Silver status). If I request one of the challenges, would my event fast track me to completing the challenge?
Thanks!
Apr 23, 2015, 8:46 am
#2127
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: Marriott Titanium and LTP, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 786
Apr 26, 2015, 4:13 pm
#2128
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: Marriott Titanium, UA 1k, SW A-list
Posts: 38
Started this year with no status, but got offered the "Road to Gold" promotion (Gold with 4 stays before the end of May).
I just finished my 4 stays and got gold, so I called Marriott and got a platinum challenge (9 stays between April and end of July).
So theoretically, I could have gone from no status to platinum with only 13 nights this year.
I just finished my 4 stays and got gold, so I called Marriott and got a platinum challenge (9 stays between April and end of July).
So theoretically, I could have gone from no status to platinum with only 13 nights this year.
Apr 26, 2015, 7:25 pm
#2129
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: AA; Marriott; SPG; HH
Posts: 3,473
I called to sign up for the Taste of Platinum, but no luck. All I got was the platinum challenge. How did you guys get it if you were not targeted.
Apr 26, 2015, 8:06 pm
#2130
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,324
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What is the difference between "taste of platinum" and "platinum challenge"
Originally Posted by badjuju
I called to sign up for the Taste of Platinum, but no luck. All I got was the platinum challenge. How did you guys get it if you were not targeted.