What reasonable benefit(s) would you suggest for Bonvoy Ambassador level members?
Feb 17, 2019, 5:19 am
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
I checked into an (international) aloft today and was welcomed as a platinum member even though the registration form lists me as an Ambassador. Not that it mattered, I asked about it and the front desk rep said, “oh with the new rebranding of the Marriott program, there are different levels of Platinum and you are a Platinum Ambassador”. So maybe hotel training is a reasonable benefit 
Feb 17, 2019, 7:02 am
#48
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,808
With the thread on suggestions for the new Marriott Bonvoy Titanium benefits, I thought it would actually good to start one for the new Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador benefits (unless there is one already then please merge). This is because the Ambassador level actually does warrant some additional benefits being that it is revenue-based and not exactly achievable on only 100 nights for regular travelers on sub-$200/night locations. Getting Ambassador status actually takes some loyalty and monetary investment.
Some reasonable benefits are:
* No resort/destination/location fee nonsense for all revenue and award stays
* Breakfast at all locations with no excluded properties
* Vouchers for free (alcoholic) drinks when there is no lounge
* Suite night upgrades confirmable at the time of reservation up to 4 times a year, up to 7 nights each time (similar to Hyatt)
* Supplemental rewards for making 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 nights in a year (additional suite certificates or points or stay certificates)
* Confirmed Your24 if reserved at least 5 days in advance (and late checkout will not apply)
* Actual Ambassador check-in line at all full-service properties whether there is a dedicated line or have flag down a concierge person and say you are an Ambassador member without looking like you are "cutting the queue."
Some unreasonable benefits are:
* Complimentary parking at all locations (definitely not happening in cities like NYC, SF, London, etc.)
* Waiving cancellation fees on prepaid reservations
* Ritz Carlton lounge benefits (because that horse has been beaten to death)
* Free day care for your kids (yes, i've seen someone actually drop their kids off at the lounge and said will be back in 15 minutes)
* Benefits for everyone in your family and then some when you book all their rooms
* Complimentary airport transfers
I'm sure we all will come up with some more REASONABLE benefits and lots of UNREASONABLE benefits. Let it rip.
Some reasonable benefits are:
* No resort/destination/location fee nonsense for all revenue and award stays
* Breakfast at all locations with no excluded properties
* Vouchers for free (alcoholic) drinks when there is no lounge
* Suite night upgrades confirmable at the time of reservation up to 4 times a year, up to 7 nights each time (similar to Hyatt)
* Supplemental rewards for making 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 nights in a year (additional suite certificates or points or stay certificates)
* Confirmed Your24 if reserved at least 5 days in advance (and late checkout will not apply)
* Actual Ambassador check-in line at all full-service properties whether there is a dedicated line or have flag down a concierge person and say you are an Ambassador member without looking like you are "cutting the queue."
Some unreasonable benefits are:
* Complimentary parking at all locations (definitely not happening in cities like NYC, SF, London, etc.)
* Waiving cancellation fees on prepaid reservations
* Ritz Carlton lounge benefits (because that horse has been beaten to death)
* Free day care for your kids (yes, i've seen someone actually drop their kids off at the lounge and said will be back in 15 minutes)
* Benefits for everyone in your family and then some when you book all their rooms
* Complimentary airport transfers
I'm sure we all will come up with some more REASONABLE benefits and lots of UNREASONABLE benefits. Let it rip.
Reasonable benefit I would like to have are :
1. Breakfast benefit - buffet breakfast for all hotel that provide one ... or some decent options if the hotel dont have buffet
St Regis San Francisco type of comp breakfast would be good ...
2. Complimentary lounge access for all hotel that provide one including the Ritz-Carlton.
3. Airport transfer ... this one quite grey area as the cost of providing one is varies greatly between cities and also some hotel relies on 3rd party supplier to provide this service.
Alternatively, if Marriott booking system can support it, create a special Ambassador rate which include these benefits so the hotels are only have to provide this complimentary service on paid stays.
As OP mentioned, Ambassador level tier requires extra commitment from members in terms of time and monetary value.
So its natural if Marriott provide extra benefit for that particular tier.
Feb 17, 2019, 8:03 am
#49
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: Bonvoy Amb; AA EXP
Posts: 1,136
I have to say that the check-in benefit is limited. The three hotels where I notice it the most: NYC Sheraton, LA Bonaventure, Westin St Francis. The elite line is often crowded or not staffed. I suppose if the electronic check in worked properly, that would work as well.
Feb 17, 2019, 9:27 am
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 4,914
* 15% off BAR
* full breakfast at all hotels
* special amenity per stay
* lounge access at all hotels that have it or substitute amenity for hotels without lounges.
but then again they can just bake it into the Ambassador benefits and save the 15% off BAR
Feb 17, 2019, 9:38 am
#51
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 687
There should be an Ambassador only rate like the FHR or LHC with say:
* 15% off BAR
* full breakfast at all hotels
* special amenity per stay
* lounge access at all hotels that have it or substitute amenity for hotels without lounges.
but then again they can just bake it into the Ambassador benefits and save the 15% off BAR
Feb 17, 2019, 9:39 am
#52
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
I wish Marriott, post integration of Marriott–SPG–Ritz-Carlton, would give a standard 10% or 15% off restaurant and bar purchases.
Feb 17, 2019, 10:06 am
#53
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,720
Apr 8, 2019, 7:04 pm
#56
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Apr 8, 2019, 7:07 pm
#57
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Apr 8, 2019, 7:42 pm
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,048