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]
Feb 2, 2013, 8:48 am
#1231
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Frozen in Carbonite
Programs: UA Aluminum 0.6MM, Bonvoy Life Sentence, Hyatt Eliteist, AA Super Plutonium
Posts: 2,878
SPG is even worse. I was in Chicago a few months ago at the Sheraton...and was given lounge access as a Gold? Anyway, before arrival they were selling access via email for $60 a day, which I politely declined.
I went to get breakfast in there and it was an absolute zoo. Like an elementary cafeteria. Stuff was thrown all over, coffee was empty, empty plates and crumbs were everywhere.
I ended up getting a tiny bit of fruit and a hardboiled egg...and the only place I could find to sit was on a couch upstairs, using the ottoman as my table
I must say, my plat experiences at RC have been much better, in general, than other marriott properties. I don't often get suite upgrades (if I frequent a hotel I sometimes do), but always get a great room. For example, I was staying in SJU on a corporate rate a few weeks ago at $249 a night, and was upgraded to a $1099/night oceanfront room.
Also, I don't mind paying up for lounge access at RC. It is a completely different experience than Marriott and is worth the $100-$200 a night.
I do wish they would stop offering challenges, but I think the 9 stay requirement is a much tougher one to get than the old version.
I went to get breakfast in there and it was an absolute zoo. Like an elementary cafeteria. Stuff was thrown all over, coffee was empty, empty plates and crumbs were everywhere.
I ended up getting a tiny bit of fruit and a hardboiled egg...and the only place I could find to sit was on a couch upstairs, using the ottoman as my table
I must say, my plat experiences at RC have been much better, in general, than other marriott properties. I don't often get suite upgrades (if I frequent a hotel I sometimes do), but always get a great room. For example, I was staying in SJU on a corporate rate a few weeks ago at $249 a night, and was upgraded to a $1099/night oceanfront room.
Also, I don't mind paying up for lounge access at RC. It is a completely different experience than Marriott and is worth the $100-$200 a night.
I do wish they would stop offering challenges, but I think the 9 stay requirement is a much tougher one to get than the old version.
Feb 2, 2013, 9:43 am
#1232
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Challenges aren't the only reason lounges can be full. It can be for a variety of reasons:
* people booking exec level rooms & having legit access,
* properties 'upselling' to exec level at check-in (I've seen that at multiple chains btw, not limited to Marriott)
* where hotel is located; urban and convention properties will probably have more 'road warriors' who have legit status
* those doing challenges (who may decide to stay elite/w Marriott due to challenge or the 1-offs who need it for a vacation, but won't be staying around/taking up space at any other time.
* people bringing in all their colleagues and/or family (true whether it's challenge or road warrior)
I think Marriott is smart to give those doing a challenge the bennies while they're doing the challenge so they know what they'll get if they keep the status (and sometimes what they'll get is a crowded lounge
).
Cheers.
* people booking exec level rooms & having legit access,
* properties 'upselling' to exec level at check-in (I've seen that at multiple chains btw, not limited to Marriott)
* where hotel is located; urban and convention properties will probably have more 'road warriors' who have legit status
* those doing challenges (who may decide to stay elite/w Marriott due to challenge or the 1-offs who need it for a vacation, but won't be staying around/taking up space at any other time.
* people bringing in all their colleagues and/or family (true whether it's challenge or road warrior)
I think Marriott is smart to give those doing a challenge the bennies while they're doing the challenge so they know what they'll get if they keep the status (and sometimes what they'll get is a crowded lounge
).Cheers.
Feb 2, 2013, 11:09 am
#1233
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: US Chairman, Marriott Platinum, Starwood Gold
Posts: 95
Tons of Plats
Challenges aren't the only reason lounges can be full. It can be for a variety of reasons:
* people booking exec level rooms & having legit access,
* properties 'upselling' to exec level at check-in (I've seen that at multiple chains btw, not limited to Marriott)
* where hotel is located; urban and convention properties will probably have more 'road warriors' who have legit status
* those doing challenges (who may decide to stay elite/w Marriott due to challenge or the 1-offs who need it for a vacation, but won't be staying around/taking up space at any other time.
* people bringing in all their colleagues and/or family (true whether it's challenge or road warrior)
I think Marriott is smart to give those doing a challenge the bennies while they're doing the challenge so they know what they'll get if they keep the status (and sometimes what they'll get is a crowded lounge).
Cheers.
* people booking exec level rooms & having legit access,
* properties 'upselling' to exec level at check-in (I've seen that at multiple chains btw, not limited to Marriott)
* where hotel is located; urban and convention properties will probably have more 'road warriors' who have legit status
* those doing challenges (who may decide to stay elite/w Marriott due to challenge or the 1-offs who need it for a vacation, but won't be staying around/taking up space at any other time.
* people bringing in all their colleagues and/or family (true whether it's challenge or road warrior)
I think Marriott is smart to give those doing a challenge the bennies while they're doing the challenge so they know what they'll get if they keep the status (and sometimes what they'll get is a crowded lounge
).Cheers.
Feb 2, 2013, 12:04 pm
#1234
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,842
I've been HH Gold for a few years now and I've always had free full breakfast as a Gold at properties in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. About 70% of my Hilton stays are at Hiltons, with about 20% Doubletree and 10% other. I don't know, maybe I've been lucky because I always stay in big city hotels?
Feb 2, 2013, 9:39 pm
#1235
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
My guess it that you were unlucky on those occasions to have a larger than normal number of elites staying at the hotel, and that's all.
Feb 2, 2013, 9:44 pm
#1236
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
I've been HH Gold for a few years now and I've always had free full breakfast as a Gold at properties in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. About 70% of my Hilton stays are at Hiltons, with about 20% Doubletree and 10% other. I don't know, maybe I've been lucky because I always stay in big city hotels?
That is why some programs are better in some things and not others. HHonors points are much more like water with my experience being that many of their lower end properties commanding vastly greater points for room redemption as compared to the nightly room rate.
Of course, Marriott suffers from this also, but in my experience, far more HHonors properties are more "point overvalued" than Marriott properties, and with those Marriott properties that may be so, they are best dispatched with a Megabonus Cert, if you are going to go for a redemption, rather than hard earned points. HHonors doesn't have such a routine promotion like Megabonus (Certs) and therefore, the observation that different programs have strengths and weaknesses.
Feb 2, 2013, 9:48 pm
#1237
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
If so, that could explain why there was an overabundance of elite members at a large hotel during a given mid-week stay.
Feb 3, 2013, 10:51 am
#1238
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Feb 5, 2013, 12:06 pm
#1239
Join Date: Jun 2007
Programs: United
Posts: 207
I had one night last year and was denied a challenge via email. i guess i will stay with hilton a lot more this year.
Feb 5, 2013, 3:58 pm
#1241
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thailand
Programs: Marriott - P; HH - G; Hyatt - P; Avis - LT First
Posts: 5,023
Feb 6, 2013, 3:23 am
#1242
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: GOT
Posts: 1,168
But just how many people do even know about these upgrade shortcuts and use them to this extent? I doubt it's 1000, rather it's in the 100s. How are those numbers in any way affecting your own options as a "legitimate" Gold/plat?
The only full concierge lounge I've been in out of dozens upon dozens is the airport Ren in ST Louis (and my company HQ is in St Louis so we provide a very sizeable % of their occupancy). Heck, I remember sitting in the DEAD Minneapolis Downtown Marriott concierge lounge a couple of days straight thinking, gee I wish there could be some more people around here to talk to.
Feb 6, 2013, 6:07 am
#1243
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Shaker Hts., OH
Programs: Delta PM, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 34
I'm Platinum SPG, and had 90 nights last year. I asked about the challenge, and was told that I could only do the Gold Challenge.
I'm going to be staying at Ritz Carlton properties a lot in the next few months, so I was hoping I could use that to easily coast through the Platinum challenge. Guess the best I can hope for is Gold...which seems to be about the same.
I'm going to be staying at Ritz Carlton properties a lot in the next few months, so I was hoping I could use that to easily coast through the Platinum challenge. Guess the best I can hope for is Gold...which seems to be about the same.
Feb 6, 2013, 10:31 am
#1244
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Qantas Platinum 1, IHG Diamond, United 1K, Avis President
Posts: 347
I am one of those that could be said is "gaming the system". I rarely have more than 15-20 hotel nights / year but try to acquire a challenge for those times when I'm on vacation with my fiance so our stay can be a little more memorable.
But just how many people do even know about these upgrade shortcuts and use them to this extent? I doubt it's 1000, rather it's in the 100s. How are those numbers in any way affecting your own options as a "legitimate" Gold/plat?
The only full concierge lounge I've been in out of dozens upon dozens is the airport Ren in ST Louis (and my company HQ is in St Louis so we provide a very sizeable % of their occupancy). Heck, I remember sitting in the DEAD Minneapolis Downtown Marriott concierge lounge a couple of days straight thinking, gee I wish there could be some more people around here to talk to.
But just how many people do even know about these upgrade shortcuts and use them to this extent? I doubt it's 1000, rather it's in the 100s. How are those numbers in any way affecting your own options as a "legitimate" Gold/plat?
The only full concierge lounge I've been in out of dozens upon dozens is the airport Ren in ST Louis (and my company HQ is in St Louis so we provide a very sizeable % of their occupancy). Heck, I remember sitting in the DEAD Minneapolis Downtown Marriott concierge lounge a couple of days straight thinking, gee I wish there could be some more people around here to talk to.
The only reason I am asking is because I have seen a full lounge plenty of times over a wide array of Marriott's in different city's. Either way I am indifferent toward's the situation , but merely providing my input based on my experiences.
Feb 6, 2013, 11:04 am
#1245
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: GOT
Posts: 1,168
I gear it exclusively towards FS service hotels since the lower end doesn't do a very good job at recognizing status. The weekend/weekday mix is 50/50.