Denied Lounge Access
Jan 30, 2019, 11:03 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest USA
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Jan 30, 2019, 11:07 am
#17
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No, it is not. The restriction has been in there since the new rules were published effective August 18, 2018. Has been much discussed in numerous other threads since.
While no doubt disappointing for those who regularly book through OTAs, it's no surprise. Marriott was the last major chain to grant benes on OTA rates. It's also understandable that they want to drive bookings through their own channels given how much more money they make that way.
While no doubt disappointing for those who regularly book through OTAs, it's no surprise. Marriott was the last major chain to grant benes on OTA rates. It's also understandable that they want to drive bookings through their own channels given how much more money they make that way.
Jan 30, 2019, 11:16 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2008
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I get that, but not all of us have a choice when it comes to work travel. I busted my rear for the last 12+ years to get LTPP, and this is how they treat their good customers.
Jan 30, 2019, 11:26 am
#19
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To repeat, corporate rates booked through a Marriott channel will normally include elite benefits. If yours doesn't, that's because your employer has negotiated a special rate that expressly excludes lounge access. Likewise, if your company is booking through an OTA, your beef is with them, not Marriott.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:02 pm
#21
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Jan 30, 2019, 12:23 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2008
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To repeat, corporate rates booked through a Marriott channel will normally include elite benefits. If yours doesn't, that's because your employer has negotiated a special rate that expressly excludes lounge access. Likewise, if your company is booking through an OTA, your beef is with them, not Marriott.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:25 pm
#23
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
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There is broad industry pressure across chains to drive people to book direct. It's not jut Marriott and not just driven at the corporate level.
And, there is plenty of discussion on here about Concur bookings that sometimes are direct bookings and others are contract rates tthrough OTA's and another thread on this issue.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...ookings-2.html
I know this is a change for Marriott. There is how SPG worked before the acquisition, i.e., no elite perks on OTA bookings. More adverse impact from the SPGization of the MR program.
See also
https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea...917.1526509117
And, there is plenty of discussion on here about Concur bookings that sometimes are direct bookings and others are contract rates tthrough OTA's and another thread on this issue.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...ookings-2.html
I know this is a change for Marriott. There is how SPG worked before the acquisition, i.e., no elite perks on OTA bookings. More adverse impact from the SPGization of the MR program.
See also
https://viewfromthewing.boardingarea...917.1526509117
Jan 30, 2019, 12:25 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest USA
Programs: BA SIL, WN A, UA SIL, Marriott TIT (LT), Hilton DIA
Posts: 1,969
it is "new" in the sense that is was implemented less than 6 months ago. That is "new" to me, and "new" to those that do not have 36000 posts and frequent this website every minute of every day. No offense against those that choose to do so.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:27 pm
#25
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Well you are certainly entitled to that opinion, but I don't think you're going to get any satisfaction from Marriott (nor Hilton, nor Hyatt, nor IHG) if your company regularly books through OTAs.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:34 pm
#26
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
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One option is a private hotel room with a desk, internet, power points as a quiet place to get work done.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:34 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2008
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And I agree that I am unlikely to get any satisfaction.
Jan 30, 2019, 12:36 pm
#28
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My company has a contract rate with Marriott. Up until last night, I was always given lounge access as a Platinum Premier, but never point or night stay credit when staying on company business. Last night at the LGA Marriott I was denied lounge access for the first time ever and told that a new memo was sent to all hotels that only eligible rates may have any elite benefits.
This is a rather unfortunate turn of events and makes me less inclined to book any Bonvoy property when on my own dime.
Just an FYI
This is a rather unfortunate turn of events and makes me less inclined to book any Bonvoy property when on my own dime.
Just an FYI
Will echo other comments that this is definitely not a broad corporate rate change. All of my corporate travel is Concur layered on top of AMEXGBT and I continue to receive my status benefits (including lounge, points, stay credit, etc) on all my stays including travel last week.
Not a customer friendly change but not surprising - Hilton / SPG / IHG / Hyatt have had similar policies at least 2 years if not longer.
Jan 30, 2019, 1:33 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,911
- master billed rooms (was lounge access allowed on this before? Not sure)
- corporate rates that don’t earn points now considered non point eligible = no elite benefits. (ie airline rates)
Jan 30, 2019, 1:56 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington DC Metro Area
Programs: A: PP, LTG/1.5M | UA: SLV | Bonvoy LTTi | IHG PLT| Avis PC | Nat'l Emerald Club EE
Posts: 1,067
I agree we lack sufficient information about the rate that was used to draw conclusions or provide informed commentary. Under normal circumstances, a corporate rate, booked through Marriott booking channels, should count as a Qualifying Rate. Here are the stated exclusions:
...
vi. A voucher or third-party award was redeemed for the guest room.
...
vi. A voucher or third-party award was redeemed for the guest room.
