Mar 4, 2019, 1:50 pm
Last edit by: mahasamatman
NOTE: this thread is for discussing promotions and discounts on gift card purchases and cash-back rebate sites etc.
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Discussion about gift card usage can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...on-thread.html
For more details, see the first post of this thread: New to this thread? Start here: Intro - https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18858149-post1.html
You can use Marriott gift cards to pay for Marriott stays (not applicable for discounted prepaid rates), resort fees and parking fees, treatments at the spa, dining at Marriott properties and more. Keep in mind, however, that some Marriott brands do not accept Marriott gift cards. This includes Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and possibly more.
Historical portal earning and noticeable deals and discounts (July-2020):
Rakuten: 1.5%
MrRebates: 0%
TopCashBack & BeFrugal:
Asia Pacific: 5%
Europe, Africa, etc: 5%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
US/Canada Properties: 3%
There are others as well. See evreward.com and cashbackmonitor.com for other current deals.
Pros and cons of buying hotel Gift Cards:
Pros:
1. 15% discount. We do not get additional earning from credit card since we would have earned the same points by paying with cash (credit card)
2. Good for mattress runs at reduced costs. Assume score lower room rates.
Cons:
1. Commitment to a single brand Marriott. Eliminate the flexibility of stays with Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and other brands.
2. GCs are prepaid funds. The funds do not earn anything (interest). We lose the time value of money. The longer we do not use the GCs, we more we lose.
3. GC values are not protected (perishable). The physical GCs can get lost or stolen. We may forget to use the GCs. The GCs can be hacked and value drained. After the GC purchases, the credit card protection is gone.
4. GCs are not accepted at all hotels. Marriott hotels are more decentralized and it carries so many brands. Some do not follow Marriott rules and they may not accept those GCs even though they should. A lot hotels overseas do not accept the GCs.
5. GCs have limitation. At current time, they can't be used to book prepaid hotel stays. This defeats the main purpose of buying the GCs. The GC holders are not entitled for the discounted hotel rates.
6. GCs are dominated in US $ only. Even if they are accepted at foreign location, GC holders lose further more from foreign exchange. With credit card, we may get to choose to charge in USD $ or local currency.
7. GCs can't be redeemed for cash. If GC holders ever want to get the cash out of the GCs due to financial hardship, they can only be sold at the secondary markets like eBay etc. at steep costs.
To check card balance, visit gifts.marriott.com.
For Customer Service call +1 800.442.6132 or email [email protected].
Gift Card Registration: Lost, stolen or damaged cards will be replaced only if previously registered on gifts.marriott.com. Value of replaced card will equal balance on card at the time it was reported lost, stolen or damaged.
Notes:
1) If you make an LNF/BRG adjustment to your reservation you will still get cash back.
DIRECTIONS FOR A HOTEL TO PROCESS A GIFT CARD
Click on Givex icon
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
Enter login and password info at 2 levels
- property info
- employee info (password is birthdate MMDD, at least at this property)
Enter gift card number
Click on Check Balance (other 2 options are Activate and Redeem)
Click on Redeem
Enter amount to use
Enter card number again
Click Calculate
Click Submit
I used an e-gift card and a plastic one. It’s the same process for both. No swiping.
MASTER THREAD: Current Marriott Gift Card, Cash Back, Tricks & Promos
Jul 11, 2019, 10:26 pm
#1531
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 31
I bought a gift card today at a Courtyard in SoCal. I was surprised and disappointed that I didn't get an immediate "Congratulations" notification that I'd qualified for the amex offer. I know it says "not valid for gift card purchases," but it has definitely worked for such purchases several times in the past. Sad.
It doesnt always show that email for amex offer for me and i still get credit
which courtyard if you dont mind sharing? Thanks!
Jul 12, 2019, 3:13 am
#1532
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
I bought a gift card today at a Courtyard in SoCal. I was surprised and disappointed that I didn't get an immediate "Congratulations" notification that I'd qualified for the amex offer. I know it says "not valid for gift card purchases," but it has definitely worked for such purchases several times in the past. Sad.
But I did get an email.
Jul 24, 2019, 1:27 am
#1535
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: U.S. (sometimes)
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, AA Exec Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Accor ?????
Posts: 1,398
I bought a gift card today at a Courtyard in SoCal. I was surprised and disappointed that I didn't get an immediate "Congratulations" notification that I'd qualified for the amex offer. I know it says "not valid for gift card purchases," but it has definitely worked for such purchases several times in the past. Sad.
Aug 5, 2019, 7:30 pm
#1536
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,924
currently at TopCashback
9% with promo code for European stays with breakfast (6 days remaining)
7% / 5% for 4+ nights / 1-3 nights APAC, Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Middle East properties.
6% / 4% USA & Canada 4+ nights / 1-3 nights
(I see the latter two are in the wiki already)
9% with promo code for European stays with breakfast (6 days remaining)
7% / 5% for 4+ nights / 1-3 nights APAC, Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Middle East properties.
6% / 4% USA & Canada 4+ nights / 1-3 nights
(I see the latter two are in the wiki already)
Sep 20, 2019, 6:31 pm
#1538
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: united 1k
Posts: 186
"
Platinum Arrival Gift. When you earn Platinum Elite status, this incremental perk guarantees you will be offered your choice of an "arrival gift" upon check-in - food, beverage, or bonus points (200-500 at most properties). If you value MRPs at 1 CPP or more, requesting the points is generally the best value. However, if you don't value the points much or if you are in particular need of food or drink, the gift may be preferable. Sometimes you can succeed in politely requesting a room service item or other credit, but don't count on it.
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk before you check out and the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
This happened to me before , I was not offered anything at -check-in, I "notify the desk before you check out ", but the associate immediately said " I am are now adding 1000 point to your account so you are offered " therefore "Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in " not happened.
I suggest the author change the above to :
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the deskbefore after you check out and then request the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
Platinum Arrival Gift. When you earn Platinum Elite status, this incremental perk guarantees you will be offered your choice of an "arrival gift" upon check-in - food, beverage, or bonus points (200-500 at most properties). If you value MRPs at 1 CPP or more, requesting the points is generally the best value. However, if you don't value the points much or if you are in particular need of food or drink, the gift may be preferable. Sometimes you can succeed in politely requesting a room service item or other credit, but don't count on it.
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk before you check out and the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
This happened to me before , I was not offered anything at -check-in, I "notify the desk before you check out ", but the associate immediately said " I am are now adding 1000 point to your account so you are offered " therefore "Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in " not happened.
I suggest the author change the above to :
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk
Sep 21, 2019, 4:05 pm
#1539
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Programs: UA 2P, AA LT Gold, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 3,159
"
Platinum Arrival Gift. When you earn Platinum Elite status, this incremental perk guarantees you will be offered your choice of an "arrival gift" upon check-in - food, beverage, or bonus points (200-500 at most properties). If you value MRPs at 1 CPP or more, requesting the points is generally the best value. However, if you don't value the points much or if you are in particular need of food or drink, the gift may be preferable. Sometimes you can succeed in politely requesting a room service item or other credit, but don't count on it.
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk before you check out and the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
This happened to me before , I was not offered anything at -check-in, I "notify the desk before you check out ", but the associate immediately said " I am are now adding 1000 point to your account so you are offered " therefore "Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in " not happened.
I suggest the author change the above to :
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the deskbefore after you check out and then request the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
Platinum Arrival Gift. When you earn Platinum Elite status, this incremental perk guarantees you will be offered your choice of an "arrival gift" upon check-in - food, beverage, or bonus points (200-500 at most properties). If you value MRPs at 1 CPP or more, requesting the points is generally the best value. However, if you don't value the points much or if you are in particular need of food or drink, the gift may be preferable. Sometimes you can succeed in politely requesting a room service item or other credit, but don't count on it.
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk before you check out and the Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in and you may receive compensation up to $100. See this page for details. "
This happened to me before , I was not offered anything at -check-in, I "notify the desk before you check out ", but the associate immediately said " I am are now adding 1000 point to your account so you are offered " therefore "Platinum Arrival Gift Guarantee will kick in " not happened.
I suggest the author change the above to :
If you aren't offered a selection at check-in, notify the desk
Sep 23, 2019, 3:34 pm
#1540
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: London, UK
Posts: 136
Hello, I am new to the Bonvoy and last month I received the Platinum Elite status, I currently at 73nights. Furthermore, upon checking the status benefits of requesting the annual gift choice, which one of these would help me reach the Titanium Elite, the 5 Suite Night Awards or 5 Elite Night Credits?
As well, do I receive the annual gift again in 2020, e.g. I choose 5 Suite Night Awards this month and again in January of 2020 for total of 10 nights?
As well, do I receive the annual gift again in 2020, e.g. I choose 5 Suite Night Awards this month and again in January of 2020 for total of 10 nights?
Sep 23, 2019, 3:50 pm
#1541
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Hello, I am new to the Bonvoy and last month I received the Platinum Elite status, I currently at 73nights. Furthermore, upon checking the status benefits of requesting the annual gift choice, which one of these would help me reach the Titanium Elite, the 5 Suite Night Awards or 5 Elite Night Credits?
As well, do I receive the annual gift again in 2020, e.g. I choose 5 Suite Night Awards this month and again in January of 2020 for total of 10 nights?
As well, do I receive the annual gift again in 2020, e.g. I choose 5 Suite Night Awards this month and again in January of 2020 for total of 10 nights?
In January, the nights count reset and you would have to earn again to maintain status for 2021. Once you earn nights you will get to pick again.
Last edited by YoungBubbie; Sep 23, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Sep 25, 2019, 1:32 am
#1545
Company Representative, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 1,088
Company employee rate is a “Non-Qualifying Rate” . Thus, you would not receive elite night or points credit for stays booked under this rate.
If you need any further assistance, please let us know.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Specialist, Social Media
Marriott International
[email protected]