Replacement Benefit when Wi-Fi is included in resort fee
Feb 19, 19, 12:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 39
Replacement Benefit when Wi-Fi is included in resort fee
LoyaltyLobby recently posted a, "Marriott Bonvoy: Benefits at a Glance Chart."
In that chart, under, "Enhanced Wi-Fi," it states, "Replacement benefit offered if Wi-Fi is included in a resort fee."
Has anyone ever utilized this, "replacement benefit?"
In that chart, under, "Enhanced Wi-Fi," it states, "Replacement benefit offered if Wi-Fi is included in a resort fee."
Has anyone ever utilized this, "replacement benefit?"
Feb 19, 19, 2:27 pm
#4
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: SouthWest A-List; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; IHG Plat; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 11,249
I do believe it is up to the individual hotel to "decide" what the alternative is. So it will probably be different for every hotel.
Feb 19, 19, 2:27 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE100k, Marriott Platinum, Nexus/GE
Posts: 219
You probably did not loose on anything; I never had to ask for it. Properties offering something will mention it to during check-in. The choices are normally along the lines of free parking, some daily voucher for food and beverages, upgrade to buffet breakfast or points.
Feb 19, 19, 2:35 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Hartford, CT
Programs: Marriott LTS
Posts: 192
Originally Posted by yultraveler
You probably did not loose on anything; I never had to ask for it. Properties offering something will mention it to during check-in. The choices are normally along the lines of free parking, some daily voucher for food and beverages, upgrade to buffet breakfast or points.
Feb 19, 19, 2:39 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.5MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 19,818
legacy Starwood thread under Alternative Plat Amenity or something similar phrase-wise
but like everything Marriott is touching I'm guessing this benefit bites the dust too
but like everything Marriott is touching I'm guessing this benefit bites the dust too
Feb 19, 19, 5:18 pm
#8
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,000
The provision is still alive and well. Exercising it sometimes takes a bit of education and/or prodding. I've received points, a resort fee discount or a substantial food arrival gift.
Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions
Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions
Section 1.3.c.v. Participating Properties that have mandatory resort charges, which include Internet access, will provide a replacement benefit, to be determined at each Participating Property’s discretion.
Feb 19, 19, 10:00 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BTR
Programs: AA LTPlat 2.3MM; Marriott Titanium (LTP); Hilton Gold; Vistana 5-Star Elite; National Car Exec Elite
Posts: 6,119
Originally Posted by Collierkr
Is it really worth the hassle to chase this?
Feb 19, 19, 10:45 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: AS MVP, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 190
Anyone had luck utilizing this benefit when on a reward stay? I have an upcoming award stay with both a resort fee and a high required valet parking charge. I emailed the property asking if they’d be willing to waive the resort fee due to my Platinum Elite status and they said no. Now I’m wondering if I could point to this for waving parking or some other benefit.
Feb 19, 19, 10:49 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, spg plat, aa plat, marriott plat
Posts: 3,253
Originally Posted by Collierkr
Is it really worth the hassle to chase this?
Feb 19, 19, 10:57 pm
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 86,357
Originally Posted by Whowouldanewman
Anyone had luck utilizing this benefit when on a reward stay? I have an upcoming award stay with both a resort fee and a high required valet parking charge. I emailed the property asking if they’d be willing to waive the resort fee due to my Platinum Elite status and they said no. Now I’m wondering if I could point to this for waving parking or some other benefit.
The Bonvoy benefit seems to specifically refer to wifi which is included in the resort fee. IIRC the SPG rule was broader in that it concerned elite benefits included in resort (or destination etc.) fees and required the property to offer an alternative amenity of equivalent value.
That was SPG and this is now, so YMMV. I really don't expect Bonvoy to do anything to enforce this.
That was SPG and this is now, so YMMV. I really don't expect Bonvoy to do anything to enforce this.
Feb 19, 19, 10:59 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 27,750
Originally Posted by estnet
Well, if the hotel charges $65/night to offer me nothing I think it is! (eg I get wifi, breakfast, etc by status)
It is up to the customer to defend his entitlement, sadly this is seemingly how the Bonvoy is being run.
Feb 20, 19, 9:01 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 11,302
Alternative amenity benefit looks good on paper yet it is rarely delivered in reality. I have given up chasing this elusive benefit. Most FDA have no idea what I was talking about and kept saying I could choose between point/breakfast/local gift. 
I filed complaint a few times, the result was an email from management showing the list of amenities covered by resort fees and advised that all guests pays the same fees.
I wish others have better luck. I just paid $55x5 and $38x3 resorts fees in the past week and no alternative amenity was provided.
I filed complaint a few times, the result was an email from management showing the list of amenities covered by resort fees and advised that all guests pays the same fees.
I wish others have better luck. I just paid $55x5 and $38x3 resorts fees in the past week and no alternative amenity was provided.
Last edited by TerryK; Feb 20, 19 at 9:07 am
