Aug 15, 2019, 1:03 pm
Last edit by: RedSun
Effective 14 Sept 2019 from VFTW:
Points advance locks in the room not the rate.
Effective September 14 pricing that will apply to points advance bookings will be the current price at the time the member actually redeems points to cover the reservation. This will no longer be a way to lock in current pricing on the if-come. And with high season dates, which can change each month, the price of the room may vary up until the time of redemption.
Marriott tells me that for reservations made prior to September 14 they will honor up to 5 points advance bookings at the standard rate even if those reservations fall on a peak date.
Maximum of 3 Points Advance bookings at a time
Marriott will be updating their terms to limit members to three points advance bookings at a time. Expect to hear from Marriott if you make a bunch of points advance reservations.
Points advance locks in the room not the rate.
Effective September 14 pricing that will apply to points advance bookings will be the current price at the time the member actually redeems points to cover the reservation. This will no longer be a way to lock in current pricing on the if-come. And with high season dates, which can change each month, the price of the room may vary up until the time of redemption.
Marriott tells me that for reservations made prior to September 14 they will honor up to 5 points advance bookings at the standard rate even if those reservations fall on a peak date.
From Marriott email:
Starting September 14, You will be permitted a maximum of three Points Advance reservations at any time
Before September 14, please take the following steps to reduce your Points Advance reservations to adhere to the upcoming policy.
Cancel any remaining Points Advance reservations or convert them to a paid rate.
If you’re unable to complete this before September 14, we’ll contact you at the phone number listed in your account to help you resolve any excess reservations.
If you’re unable to complete this before September 14, we’ll contact you at the phone number listed in your account to help you resolve any excess reservations.
For Points Advance reservation(s) made before September 14 only: When you redeem, if any night has a Peak rate, call us and we’ll adjust the night to its Standard rate. If you need to change your reservation, you’ll receive the available redemption rate when you rebook
From Marriott Lurker: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31525589-post1.html
As a reminder, any reservations booked with points made prior to today will remain at the reserved Standard redemption rate. However, if you need to change that reservation, you may see a new redemption rate when you rebook. If the hotel you booked moves into Off-Peak, you can rebook at the new, lower redemption rate and then cancel the original reservation (standard cancellation time periods apply).
Maximum of 3 Points Advance bookings at a time
Marriott will be updating their terms to limit members to three points advance bookings at a time. Expect to hear from Marriott if you make a bunch of points advance reservations.
Point Advance Reservations [*to be discontinued 28 March 2023*]
Sep 8, 2019, 9:44 am
#121
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
They did reach out to "loyalty support" and that came out negative too. I emailed Bonvoy Champion, email bounced back to tell me to email Marriott Social Media service, which I did, and the email bounced back undeliverable. I tried to PM Bonvoy Lurker, that failed, and the old Starwood Lurkers are not active. So I have no idea who to contact. Any advice welcome 
You can send a private message to a Marriott Bonvoy Lurker here via FlyerTalk. That should solve the problem.
Sep 8, 2019, 9:47 am
#122
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,917
Also, PMing that particular Lurker does not work as they would seem to have disabled their incoming PMs.
Should I PM one of the numbered ones? Any suggestion on which one?
Sep 8, 2019, 9:52 am
#123
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I took the emails from: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/memb...oy-lurker.html (their profile)
Also, PMing that particular Lurker does not work as they would seem to have disabled their incoming PMs.
Should I PM one of the numbered ones? Any suggestion on which one?
Also, PMing that particular Lurker does not work as they would seem to have disabled their incoming PMs.
Should I PM one of the numbered ones? Any suggestion on which one?
The correct email is
[email protected]
Sep 8, 2019, 10:20 am
#124
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,917
I’ve had no issue sending a private message to any Bonvoy Lurker.
The correct email is
[email protected]
- emailing that email address gets this automated email back (oddly, from "Champion, SPG"): "This email address is no longer in service. Please re-submit your message to [email protected]."
- emailing that email address gives "[email protected]: The email address you entered couldn't be found. Please check the recipient's email address and try to resend the message. If the problem continues, please contact your email admin."
- PMing "Marriott Bonvoy Lurker" gives " Marriott Bonvoy Lurker has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her. "
[edit] I seem to have successfully PM'd Lurker III. Hope that works.... but kinda wish the above were a little bit more functional. :P
Sep 8, 2019, 10:21 am
#125
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: American Airlines Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 207
I swear, I'm not a total n00bcake
- emailing that email address gets this automated email back (oddly, from "Champion, SPG"): "This email address is no longer in service. Please re-submit your message to [email protected]."
- emailing that email address gives "[email protected]: The email address you entered couldn't be found. Please check the recipient's email address and try to resend the message. If the problem continues, please contact your email admin."
- PMing "Marriott Bonvoy Lurker" gives " Marriott Bonvoy Lurker has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her. "
- emailing that email address gets this automated email back (oddly, from "Champion, SPG"): "This email address is no longer in service. Please re-submit your message to [email protected]."
- emailing that email address gives "[email protected]: The email address you entered couldn't be found. Please check the recipient's email address and try to resend the message. If the problem continues, please contact your email admin."
- PMing "Marriott Bonvoy Lurker" gives " Marriott Bonvoy Lurker has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her. "
Sep 8, 2019, 10:55 am
#126
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 100
I’m really confused. I booked the Suiran in January when it was 60K. I now had the points deducted at 85K. When I call, I’m told that they aren’t honouring the old points rate because the “hotel changed categories”. Am I crazy and misunderstanding the meaning of “honouring”?...
Any advice on what I should do? I’m terrified to even TRY to apply points to my subsequent Maldives PA bookings ...
Any advice on what I should do? I’m terrified to even TRY to apply points to my subsequent Maldives PA bookings ...
Sep 8, 2019, 10:58 am
#127
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,917
I have had dozens of PA bookings fufilled that underwent a category change. Calling during the weekend you usually are given the run around... loyalty team will get back to you...etc. Means nothing. Call during the week and if you get a agent that is not familiar with the process request for supervisor. I have had calls take 5-10min to get it sorted out while others almost 45min. Agents claiming not "honoring" the old points rate because of the "hotel changed categories" is complete bs, been told that many times, just HUCA.
Thanks!
Sep 8, 2019, 7:58 pm
#128
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kan@da
Programs: Anything with sweet spots
Posts: 1,790
I have had dozens of PA bookings fufilled that underwent a category change. Calling during the weekend you usually are given the run around... loyalty team will get back to you...etc. Means nothing. Call during the week and if you get a agent that is not familiar with the process request for supervisor. I have had calls take 5-10min to get it sorted out while others almost 45min. Agents claiming not "honoring" the old points rate because of the "hotel changed categories" is complete bs, been told that many times, just HUCA.
Sep 10, 2019, 4:18 pm
#129
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: American Airlines Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 207
So I reached out to Bonvoy Lurker, was told:
Which was encouraging to hear that my booking would be honored, but I would prefer to have everything taken care of right away rather than try to have Marriott refund points to me later.
Loyalty Support also got back to me with a similar answer:
But again, no real action promised to resolve it or confirm my reservation. My biggest concern at this point was that I didn't *have* 340,000 points for my reservation, so my reservation would get cancelled if 14 days out I didn't have the (incorrect) elevated redemption value of 340,000, instead of the correct value of 240,000 (which I *did* have).
I was just about to call Titanium Support again, and I checked my account and saw the following in my activity:
So it looks like the system automatically took care of it, or someone I contacted fixed it without telling me that's what they were going to do. It's a bit odd that this happened 18 days before my PA reservation (instead of 14, which is when points should be automatically deducted). But, it looks like everything turned out okay.
Points Advance Reservations booked prior to March 5, 2019 Category changes and those booked before August 18, 2018 Category changes: The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to the Member at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
Please let us know after your stay so we can follow up to refund the points difference to you.
Please let us know after your stay so we can follow up to refund the points difference to you.
Loyalty Support also got back to me with a similar answer:
Every year, Marriott Bonvoy™ reviews the redemption activity and category at each hotel. Occasionally, during the year, a hotel may change categories based on individual hotel market changes.
I want to assure you that the original 60,000 points will be honored per your reservation.
I want to assure you that the original 60,000 points will be honored per your reservation.
I was just about to call Titanium Support again, and I checked my account and saw the following in my activity:
09/09/2019 Rewards Standard Redemption Rate -340,000 Rewards
09/09/2019 Bonus Reward Adjustment +100,000 Points
09/09/2019 Bonus Reward Adjustment +100,000 Points
Sep 10, 2019, 5:32 pm
#130
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: AP, BA, AS, UA, WS
Posts: 6
I got 3 PA bookings in place (2 I'll likely use, 1 is backup) for mid-2020. I wanted to make 2 more backup PA reservations for 4Q 2020, but the find&reserve only goes out to Aug/Sep 2020... so no way around this right?
Sep 10, 2019, 5:39 pm
#131
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Sep 11, 2019, 6:04 pm
#132
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
Here is the complete email I received from Marriott regarding the Point Advance booking made prior and after 9/14/2019. I believe we are allowed to keep 3 Point Advance booking at all time. I'm not sure if the limit is 5 PA bookings before the 9/14/2019 change. I could be wrong.
ACT NOW
Consolidate your Points Advance reservations.
xxxxxx, starting September 14, Marriott Bonvoy™ will offer these redemption rates for free nights: Off-Peak, Standard and Peak.
Also on that day, we’re updating the Points Advance reservation benefit for all members: You will be permitted a maximum of three Points Advance reservations at any time.
KEEP, CANCEL, CONVERT.
Before September 14, please take the following steps to reduce your Points Advance reservations to adhere to the upcoming policy:
1. Log in to your account on marriott.com and navigate to the “My Trips” tab.
2. Keep the Points Advance reservations you intend to use.
3. Cancel any remaining Points Advance reservations or convert them to a paid rate.
If you’re unable to complete this before September 14, we’ll contact you at the phone number listed in your account to help you resolve any excess reservations.
THINGS TO KNOW:
•
Use marriott.com to find the number of points you need before you redeem. Each night of your stay could be Off-Peak, Standard or Peak.
•
You’ll lock in each night’s rate when you redeem your points, not when you make your reservation. Watch our video for details.
•
For Points Advance reservation(s) made before September 14 only: When you redeem, if any night has a Peak rate, call us and we’ll adjust the night to its Standard rate. If you need to change your reservation, you’ll receive the available redemption rate when you rebook. See terms and conditions.
Consolidate your Points Advance reservations.
xxxxxx, starting September 14, Marriott Bonvoy™ will offer these redemption rates for free nights: Off-Peak, Standard and Peak.
Also on that day, we’re updating the Points Advance reservation benefit for all members: You will be permitted a maximum of three Points Advance reservations at any time.
KEEP, CANCEL, CONVERT.
Before September 14, please take the following steps to reduce your Points Advance reservations to adhere to the upcoming policy:
1. Log in to your account on marriott.com and navigate to the “My Trips” tab.
2. Keep the Points Advance reservations you intend to use.
3. Cancel any remaining Points Advance reservations or convert them to a paid rate.
If you’re unable to complete this before September 14, we’ll contact you at the phone number listed in your account to help you resolve any excess reservations.
THINGS TO KNOW:
•
Use marriott.com to find the number of points you need before you redeem. Each night of your stay could be Off-Peak, Standard or Peak.
•
You’ll lock in each night’s rate when you redeem your points, not when you make your reservation. Watch our video for details.
•
For Points Advance reservation(s) made before September 14 only: When you redeem, if any night has a Peak rate, call us and we’ll adjust the night to its Standard rate. If you need to change your reservation, you’ll receive the available redemption rate when you rebook. See terms and conditions.
Sep 12, 2019, 1:04 am
#133
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: California
Programs: Marriott Plat Premier, Hyatt Explorist, United Silver
Posts: 63
This is the answer I received regarding my PA reservation booked prior to 3/5/19 for a old category 5 hotel that is now a category 6.
Thank you for your message.
The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to you at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
If you need any further assistance, please let us know.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
Thank you for your message.
The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to you at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
If you need any further assistance, please let us know.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
Sep 12, 2019, 5:01 am
#134
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to you at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
Sep 12, 2019, 6:44 am
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,517
This is the answer I received regarding my PA reservation booked prior to 3/5/19 for a old category 5 hotel that is now a category 6.
Thank you for your message.
The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to you at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
If you need any further assistance, please let us know.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
Thank you for your message.
The Points Advance Reservation will be honored at the original Award Redemption Rate quoted to you at the time of booking, as long as no changes are made to dates, room type, or rate booked.
The system will deduct the amount of points needed for the current hotel category, and you may call customer service to credit the difference of points to your account two days before arrival.
If you need any further assistance, please let us know.
My concern is what if I don’t have the 200,000 points in my account and only have 140,000 points? Will my reservation by canceled?
Is that correct?
