Questions about attaining Marriott Platinum Elite
Mar 10, 2019, 3:15 pm
#1
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Questions about attaining Marriott Platinum Elite
I already have a Bonvoy card so that gives me 15 Elite nights. Now I just need to satisfy the 35 night requirements. I'm assuming staying at any Marriott property including Category 1 will count towards achieving Platinum Elite status?
Any other comments on how to quickly and cheaply acquire Platinum Elite status would be greatly appreciated.
What happens if I were to book a stay through friends and family (assuming Marriott even have something like this)? If I have a friend or relative that have access to staff pricing, can I get this credited to my Bonvoy account?
I'm heading to New Orleans next week for a few days. I'm assuming that if I were to book my stay at a Marriott property, I can't make a reservation through Expedia or Orbitz or I won't get status right? If I have to book through Marriott's website, any other way to get the price at Courtyard to come down even more say with a coupon?
Does Delta and Marriott still have a promotion where Platinum Elites get checked bags on Delta domestic flights?
Any other comments on how to quickly and cheaply acquire Platinum Elite status would be greatly appreciated.
What happens if I were to book a stay through friends and family (assuming Marriott even have something like this)? If I have a friend or relative that have access to staff pricing, can I get this credited to my Bonvoy account?
I'm heading to New Orleans next week for a few days. I'm assuming that if I were to book my stay at a Marriott property, I can't make a reservation through Expedia or Orbitz or I won't get status right? If I have to book through Marriott's website, any other way to get the price at Courtyard to come down even more say with a coupon?
Does Delta and Marriott still have a promotion where Platinum Elites get checked bags on Delta domestic flights?
Mar 10, 2019, 3:22 pm
#2
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
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I already have a Bonvoy card so that gives me 15 Elite nights. Now I just need to satisfy the 35 night requirements. I'm assuming staying at any Marriott property including Category 1 will count towards achieving Platinum Elite status?
Any other comments on how to quickly and cheaply acquire Platinum Elite status would be greatly appreciated.
What happens if I were to book a stay through friends and family (assuming Marriott even have something like this)? If I have a friend or relative that have access to staff pricing, can I get this credited to my Bonvoy account?
I'm heading to New Orleans next week for a few days. I'm assuming that if I were to book my stay at a Marriott property, I can't make a reservation through Expedia or Orbitz or I won't get status right? If I have to book through Marriott's website, any other way to get the price at Courtyard to come down even more say with a coupon?
Does Delta and Marriott still have a promotion where Platinum Elites get checked bags on Delta domestic flights?
Any other comments on how to quickly and cheaply acquire Platinum Elite status would be greatly appreciated.
What happens if I were to book a stay through friends and family (assuming Marriott even have something like this)? If I have a friend or relative that have access to staff pricing, can I get this credited to my Bonvoy account?
I'm heading to New Orleans next week for a few days. I'm assuming that if I were to book my stay at a Marriott property, I can't make a reservation through Expedia or Orbitz or I won't get status right? If I have to book through Marriott's website, any other way to get the price at Courtyard to come down even more say with a coupon?
Does Delta and Marriott still have a promotion where Platinum Elites get checked bags on Delta domestic flights?
Mar 10, 2019, 3:38 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NC
Programs: AA, Marriott/SPG, AMEX
Posts: 272
Book through Marriott.com, F&F rates do not count towards status. Try AAA (if you have it) and corporate rates if you have a legitimate reason to use them. AAA rates will, almost always, show a prepaid tab 1st so make sure to click on the other rate tabs for other AAA rates.
Unless they come out with a double your nights promo, plan on spending 35 nights with Marriott this year.
Unless they come out with a double your nights promo, plan on spending 35 nights with Marriott this year.
Mar 10, 2019, 3:53 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: PHX
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, HHonrs Diamond
Posts: 1,336
Also try to book one conference or meeting room as cheaply as possible during one of your trips for 10 extra nights credit. They are pretty easy to get for $200 without having to pay for any food and beverage to go with it. You can do this once per year. Confirm with the hotel that it will receive full "rewarding events" credit.
More info here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...2018-a-57.html
More info here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...2018-a-57.html
Mar 10, 2019, 4:12 pm
#5
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Book through Marriott.com, F&F rates do not count towards status. Try AAA (if you have it) and corporate rates if you have a legitimate reason to use them. AAA rates will, almost always, show a prepaid tab 1st so make sure to click on the other rate tabs for other AAA rates.
Unless they come out with a double your nights promo, plan on spending 35 nights with Marriott this year.
Unless they come out with a double your nights promo, plan on spending 35 nights with Marriott this year.
How often does Marriott have double your nights promo?
Marriott have a lot of brands. Which ones are the lowest and then up to the highest?
Mar 10, 2019, 4:22 pm
#6
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What are your intended use for Plat status?
Assuming you can get something around 100 USD all-inclusive on average per night, and even that kind of price range would be difficult, 35 nights would translate into 3,500 USD, something you would have to attain/retain each year.
Assuming you can get something around 100 USD all-inclusive on average per night, and even that kind of price range would be difficult, 35 nights would translate into 3,500 USD, something you would have to attain/retain each year.
Mar 10, 2019, 4:34 pm
#7
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Lower-end select service:
Fairfield
Four Points
Towneplace Suites
Mid-range select service:
Courtyard
SpringHill
Aloft
Element
Residence Inn
Higher-end select service:
AC Hotels
Standard full service:
Marriott
Renaissance
Westin
Le Meridien
Autograph Collection
Delta Hotels
Sheraton*
Gaylord
Somewhere between standard full service and luxury:
W Hotels
JW Marriott
Luxury:
Edition
Ritz-Carlton
St. Regis
Luxury Collection
I've left off the following because I really have no experience with them: Marriott Vacation Club, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels, Protea Hotels, Moxy, Marriott Executive Apartments
Also, I've put a * next to Sheraton because I've just found them to be more hit or miss than other properties in that category. Some are pretty decent, others are really run-down looking. I generally choose another brand if there's one available, however the newer Sheraton properties aren't bad.
Mar 10, 2019, 4:41 pm
#8
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What are your intended use for Plat status?
Assuming you can get something around 100 USD all-inclusive on average per night, and even that kind of price range would be difficult, 35 nights would translate into 3,500 USD, something you would have to attain/retain each year.
Assuming you can get something around 100 USD all-inclusive on average per night, and even that kind of price range would be difficult, 35 nights would translate into 3,500 USD, something you would have to attain/retain each year.
US$100/night all-inclusive? Examples?
Mar 10, 2019, 4:42 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: California
Programs: Marriott: Titanium, SQ: Gold, UA: Silver, Hilton: Diamond, Wyndham - Diamond, TR - Diamond
Posts: 233
Does Marriott.com always charge in USD or the currency changes depending on where I book or where the hotel is located? I don't have AAA at the moment. How does one get the AAA rate? I'm assuming BCAA is part of or have some sort of associated with AAA?
How often does Marriott have double your nights promo?
Marriott have a lot of brands. Which ones are the lowest and then up to the highest?
How often does Marriott have double your nights promo?
Marriott have a lot of brands. Which ones are the lowest and then up to the highest?
https://skift.com/2016/09/21/every-o...nds-explained/
Mar 10, 2019, 4:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2010
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Mar 10, 2019, 4:54 pm
#11
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You need to be a AAA member and have a membership card to use AAA rates.
Sometimes you get lucky and see a promo/package rate on the Starriott website that's a good deal, such as a restaurant credit for more than the difference in rates.
Is Plat guaranteed 4 pm late checkout in the new Bonvoy program or is it just 2 pm if available?
Generally, OP should look at T&C carefully to see whether Bonvoy Plat benefits are worth 35 nights and dealing with current Starrriott customer service and website problems.
In almost all foreign destinations, definitive prices are stated in the local currency. US$ rates appear as a courtesy and are based on current currency exchange rates, which of course can change significantly.
Sometimes you get lucky and see a promo/package rate on the Starriott website that's a good deal, such as a restaurant credit for more than the difference in rates.
Is Plat guaranteed 4 pm late checkout in the new Bonvoy program or is it just 2 pm if available?
Generally, OP should look at T&C carefully to see whether Bonvoy Plat benefits are worth 35 nights and dealing with current Starrriott customer service and website problems.
In almost all foreign destinations, definitive prices are stated in the local currency. US$ rates appear as a courtesy and are based on current currency exchange rates, which of course can change significantly.
Mar 10, 2019, 4:58 pm
#12
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I was just using 100 USD as a hypothetical minimum per night cost. You actual costs to attain/retain Plat status maybe higher (or lower).
Unless you can find inexpensive rooms in your local area, you would also need to factor time and cost to get there (e.g. air, train).
You'd also have the option to complete a Plat challenge, 16 nights within 90 days.
Mar 10, 2019, 5:35 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,714
This is my plan too- 15 EQNs from credit card, 10 EQNs from a Rewarding Event, and 25+ nights from cheap staycations/award nights/everything else. CB from Ebates/Jewel negates taxes. Despite the point devaluations, I've had good experiences with being a Titanium in both domestic and international properties.
Mar 10, 2019, 5:51 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: Delta Diamond , Marriott Ambassador, Alaska MVP Gold, American Airlines Gold
Posts: 77
Double-elite night deals and status challenges are the fastest way to do it but in my experience, it’s hard to count on doing either (and the challenge can typically only be done once every X years, not sure on the particulars). The good news is that most of the time those types of things stack. Meaning that if you are on a 16 night in 90 days challenge, that can stack with a double elite nights promo, meaning you’d really only have to do 8.
You may want to check with your employer to see if they have any deals/promos with Marriott. This usually requires a larger employer, but it’s worth checking out because it can loosen the elite requirements.
That said, if you’re not going to spend 30+ nights in hotels a year, I’m not sure the benefits are worth the time/money. That’s subjective, I realize — but something to keep in mind.
You may want to check with your employer to see if they have any deals/promos with Marriott. This usually requires a larger employer, but it’s worth checking out because it can loosen the elite requirements.
That said, if you’re not going to spend 30+ nights in hotels a year, I’m not sure the benefits are worth the time/money. That’s subjective, I realize — but something to keep in mind.
Mar 10, 2019, 5:58 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2009
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