Marriott Platinum Challenge General Discussion Thread
 

Hi! Just learned today from FlyerTea (apparently a Chinese version FlyerTalk) that Marriott has platinum challenge available again. The requirement is 16 nights before 12/31 for platinum elite or 8 nights for gold. The information is posted by the Starwood Lurker there. I called Marriott a few minutes ago and the CSR confirmed that the platinum challenge does exist now (after initially saying there's no such challenge). The original post on FlyerTea says award stays also count, but the Marriott CSR says they have to be qualified paid stays, therefore I didn't sign up. (Was hoping to get platinum by using two 7-night TP certificates later this year but apparently not possible.)

Now reported on BA via GSTP blog. He claims he got his info from Marriott. Some further details to what was posted above;
Can do once every 3yrs
Do not need any elite status to enroll.


https://www.godsavethepoints.com/201...num-challenge/

Who on earth would be mad enough to do 8 nights for Gold?

The confusing part is whether award stays count. According to FlyerTea, Marriott CSRs in China are explicitly saying they do, while CSRs in the US insisting that only paid stays count. For people using their 7-night certificates, this challenge could be really easy.

Curious if status is granted during the challenge period, or only after the challenge has been met?

Words are you only get status after completing the challenge. So no Platinum benefits during the 16 nights.

Fresh DP here: Marriott CSR confirmed that 1) award stays do count; 2) no status during the challenge; 3) 90 days to complete (though I've read somewhere the actual deadline is 12/31). Asked for a confirmation email and was told it would come in 24 hours. Will share if that email entails further info such as official T&C.

how to sign up?

Ask if a successfully completed challenge counts as a year of status for lifetime status purposes....

Just call the 801 number and HUCA if necessary. Some agents know this program well while some may have no idea what you're talking about. Luckily I got one today who's really on top of it and immediately located the clause about award stays.

I just called in and was registered within 20 minutes, including wait time. The CSR was not aware of the challenge but managed to find information on it. The end date is 12/31/2018 and they gave me the option of stays or nights. When I inquired about how many stays were needed, the CSR did not know so I opted for nights. I will probably call back in a day or two to confirm everything.

Do a Platinum challenge from Platinum?

As for previous challenges, post #3 above says it can be done once every 3 years.