Need Advice: Platinum Premier leaving Marriott. How to make the most of the move?
Dec 19, 2018, 11:34 am
#76
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NYC - upper West Side
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,597
Dec 23, 2018, 10:20 am
#77
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Delta-pm, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-PP
Posts: 271
Just to reiterate how the grass isn’t even close to being greener. This past week took a trip to California to celebrate a special occasion with my spouse. Stayed at Marriott gas lamp in San Diego, Hilton Universal city and W Hollywood. 3 nights, 2 nights and 2 nights. Marriott gas lamp, booked the highest suite I could book online and after inquiring through the DM feature of the app, was upgraded to their “presidential” suite. Booked a normal room at the Hilton and used same method of communication to mention this was a special occasion. Was told they would take care of us. Received an “upgrade” to the dreaded room with a view. Hotel was not very busy and there were suites still able to be booked. Did not inquire at the desk. The W my SNA cleared 5 days out to a fantastic suite. I also DM the hotel letting them know we were celebrating an event. Told they would take care of us. Same room at checkin, asked about upgrade, were none available and was told they had already upgraded us to Fantastic suite. Informed them about SNA, but hey no biggie I was glad I could finally use them. Went to room, nothing special. Went to dinner and came back to a dozen roses, a card signed by the staff, strawberry’s and whip cream, as well as champagne and chocolates. So Marriott clearly won this round and the staff at the W went out of their way to make this trip memorable. (Full Disclosure)
I am PPE at Marriott and Diamond at Hilton. Have been top tier at Hilton for 9 years and top tier at Marriott for 6 on and off with gold sprinkled in for a few of those years. Also this is the first time I have ever used the “special occasion” card. I do however inquire about upgrades between 40-80% of the time depending on when I am on business or leisure.
I am PPE at Marriott and Diamond at Hilton. Have been top tier at Hilton for 9 years and top tier at Marriott for 6 on and off with gold sprinkled in for a few of those years. Also this is the first time I have ever used the “special occasion” card. I do however inquire about upgrades between 40-80% of the time depending on when I am on business or leisure.
Last edited by flying_donkeys12; Dec 23, 2018 at 10:31 am
Dec 23, 2018, 5:52 pm
#78
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Booked a normal room at the Hilton and used same method of communication to mention this was a special occasion. Was told they would take care of us. Received an “upgrade” to the dreaded room with a view. Hotel was not very busy and there were suites still able to be booked. Did not inquire at the desk.
How can you not complain or at least inquire? Obviously, it was a big deal for you or you wouldn't be telling us about it. I seriously don't understand when folks come on here, complain about a property and then say they never complained to the property.
Dec 23, 2018, 8:38 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Liftime Titanium Elite Marriott
Posts: 1,752
For the first time in fifteen years I made a real choice not to stay at a Starriott. It was cheaper and in a better location. Without any status I was given a very nice room, full breakfast, fast internet and free valet parking. Even with lifetime PPE status its just not worth dealing with all the hassles of Starriott. For this one city its good bye Starriott for me.
Dec 24, 2018, 10:01 am
#80
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Delta-pm, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-PP
Posts: 271
Whoa! Settle down little buddy. I was not here to complain. This thread was about someone being fed up and leaving Marriott as a top tier member because of it. I was just giving the op some data points from my recent experiences. Basically all loyality programs are a joke. Since 90% of my travel, and I assume that goes for most high tier loyality members, is for business and therefore paid for. It ends up being a nice bonus when I can take my family on a nice trip for very little cost to me. I was not put on this earth to plead for an upgrade at the front desk even though it is a benefit entitled to me. If I really would like an upgrade I reach out via the app if it happens great, if not then oh well. I am still getting my points. I have been privy to folks whipping out their phone and showing the FDC or manager the availability of suites when they are told there are no upgrades. They look like petulant children. Is a suite or better room really worth sacrificing your dignity?
Dec 24, 2018, 2:58 pm
#82
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: SFO
Posts: 487
Whoa! Settle down little buddy. I was not here to complain. This thread was about someone being fed up and leaving Marriott as a top tier member because of it. I was just giving the op some data points from my recent experiences. Basically all loyality programs are a joke. Since 90% of my travel, and I assume that goes for most high tier loyality members, is for business and therefore paid for. It ends up being a nice bonus when I can take my family on a nice trip for very little cost to me. I was not put on this earth to plead for an upgrade at the front desk even though it is a benefit entitled to me. If I really would like an upgrade I reach out via the app if it happens great, if not then oh well. I am still getting my points. I have been privy to folks whipping out their phone and showing the FDC or manager the availability of suites when they are told there are no upgrades. They look like petulant children. Is a suite or better room really worth sacrificing your dignity?
Dec 28, 2018, 1:49 pm
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Any Hyatt status match updates?
I think I am ready to do a "soft departure" from Marriott, for Hyatt (I'd like to re-capture some of the SPG Plat feeling that is now dead & buried w/Marriott) - will always have LTPP status to fall back on. While it will be difficult to give up some of the location familiarity & corporate rates, I am confident my Marriott experience is going to take a bit hit next year w/o my Ambassador (deals with all the company's crap so I don't have to). No future LT status to hit. And while I'll likely hit 100-120 nights again in total, probably won't average the ~$300 ADR needed for my ~70 paid nights (rest is CC and award stays). So really the only thing I give up is SNA potential, which I'm guessing won't be as good in the future either.
Ready to open up the Hyatt CC and I have a massive pile of Chase URs to transfer for any needs. Hyatt seems to have fixed many/most of it's WOH launch issues of a couple years ago. Curious if there are any other ex-SPG Plat-now-Hyatt testimonials.
I think I am ready to do a "soft departure" from Marriott, for Hyatt (I'd like to re-capture some of the SPG Plat feeling that is now dead & buried w/Marriott) - will always have LTPP status to fall back on. While it will be difficult to give up some of the location familiarity & corporate rates, I am confident my Marriott experience is going to take a bit hit next year w/o my Ambassador (deals with all the company's crap so I don't have to). No future LT status to hit. And while I'll likely hit 100-120 nights again in total, probably won't average the ~$300 ADR needed for my ~70 paid nights (rest is CC and award stays). So really the only thing I give up is SNA potential, which I'm guessing won't be as good in the future either.
Ready to open up the Hyatt CC and I have a massive pile of Chase URs to transfer for any needs. Hyatt seems to have fixed many/most of it's WOH launch issues of a couple years ago. Curious if there are any other ex-SPG Plat-now-Hyatt testimonials.
Dec 28, 2018, 1:59 pm
#85
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: SFO
Posts: 487
Hyatt is my favorite hotel chain, but due to its limited footprint, I regularly have to book my stays at other chains. Hyatt top elite treatment is best-in-class.
If the Hyatt footprint covers your travel plans, then I’d say go for it! Don’t expect special treatments at the Hyatt place/house though.
Dec 28, 2018, 4:30 pm
#86
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
As a Starriott Ambassador and a Hyatt 80-night globalist, I'd say that my Hyatt experience is consistently better than Marriott these days. Hyatt is more consistently good, treats elites better, but has fewer standout properties. I'm a fan of Park Hyatts and Andazes… but that's the only things I get really excited about. Marriott has more interesting boutique hotels and brands I like like W, St. Regis, and all the Luxury and Autograph collections. I find Marriott points more useful than Hyatt too with the moments, airline transfers, and travel packages. My Hyatt concierge is as good as my SPG Ambassador. The smaller Hyatt footprint is the big issue. But overall, I'm happier when I find a good Hyatt property.
Dec 28, 2018, 6:17 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Did a little online digging...may not be any active status match opportunities out there at the moment. But I mailed WOH and laid out my (financial) case...will report back what they say.
Also applied for the Hyatt Visa. Even if I don't go all out this year (I do want to use my SNAs, hopefully ha, on some Marriott stays this year), would be nice to get whatever the 30 night status level is, I can't remember the name. And can always use extra points and a free night.
Marriott is quickly becoming an unethical company (before the merger I thought they were just staid and stodgy), and I shake my head at all the horror stories I see on this forum daily. Doesn't make me feel that good about spending five figures plus annually with them going forward.
Also applied for the Hyatt Visa. Even if I don't go all out this year (I do want to use my SNAs, hopefully ha, on some Marriott stays this year), would be nice to get whatever the 30 night status level is, I can't remember the name. And can always use extra points and a free night.
Marriott is quickly becoming an unethical company (before the merger I thought they were just staid and stodgy), and I shake my head at all the horror stories I see on this forum daily. Doesn't make me feel that good about spending five figures plus annually with them going forward.
Jan 2, 2019, 9:33 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,170
Update - got the "pound sand" notice from Hyatt about a status match. Surprising as 1) you'd think they'd want to take dissatisfied 5 figure+ guests from Marriott and 2) it's not like Hyatt has been doing all that well financial since the WOH debacle, IIRC.
Hopefully the Hyatt Visa rescues me w/at least some basic status to start off (I'm close on 5/24). I really want to give them a shot, but I also don't feel the need to do 10 nights before I get any semblance of benefits.
Hopefully the Hyatt Visa rescues me w/at least some basic status to start off (I'm close on 5/24). I really want to give them a shot, but I also don't feel the need to do 10 nights before I get any semblance of benefits.