So I just got bonvoyed.... AGAIN!
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,165
Can't help but notice most of the good experiences were at legacy Starwood properties...not surprising given the elevated level of CS and elite recognition, relatively speaking...
#17
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AA EXP, Bonvoy Titanum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 61
In the last 90+ nights and 30+ stays I've had since the two rewards programs merged, I've been upgraded to a suite a grand total of zero times. Prior to the two programs merging, I was upgraded at least one third of the time to a suite; that made me feel super duper special (especially when I paid for the cheapest room at the Sheraton Grand Chicago and got upgraded to the Presidential Suite for my 4 night stay).
#19
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Denver, Colorado
Programs: IHG Spire, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Titanium, Mileage Plus Gold
Posts: 1,736
The Westin Riverwalk is a great property. Back when I was lowly gold at SPG, I got an email from Ingrid, one of their "Westin Experience Specialist" at the property. After I replied back to her question of why I was visiting, she went ahead and upgraded my room to a high floor river view room a month before my arrival date (I booked a cheap room). Once we were checked in, she sent up the following items to our room, including a bunch of free drink coupons. Based on the OP's experience, it looks like this property hasn't lost its touch.
#21
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: IHG - spire amb, Marriot - tit, Radisson - plat, Hilton - gold, Accor -gold, GHA - plat
Posts: 282
I wish I was bonvoyed that way too. I had 27 stays in 2019, 20 in full-service properties. 1-2 nights each. I was upgraded to suites exactly one time at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi. Stays were in the Middle East and Europe. I have decided titanium is not worth for me to pursue in 2019.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,598
#23
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Midwest USA
Programs: BA SIL, WN A, UA SIL, Marriott TIT (LT), Hilton DIA
Posts: 1,968
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,141
I think the title of this thread should be changed... 'bonvoyed' has a negative connotation so I was expecting a really good gripe/complaint/issue in this instead of positive things. As someone earlier suggested, perhaps SPG'd instead of Bonvoyed
#26
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,501
I had a very low suite upgrade hit rate at "old" Marriott Platinum and a zero (without SNA) hit rate as a Bonvoy Titanium. However, my two SNA requests in 2019 have been successful and yielded legit full suites.
So on the whole, I'm okay with that. I had a high suite hit rate in my 3 years as SPG Platinum (2010-2012), but since most of my lifetime stays have been on the Marriott side I'm accustomed to a lack of upgrades. The ability to play SNAs at Marriott brands is actually an improvement.
My Bonvoy-related complaints are simple: (a) poor IT systems, (b) poor customer service, and (c) a crazy convoluted matrix of benefits that makes it rather difficult to figure out what Titaniums should receive by brand.
So on the whole, I'm okay with that. I had a high suite hit rate in my 3 years as SPG Platinum (2010-2012), but since most of my lifetime stays have been on the Marriott side I'm accustomed to a lack of upgrades. The ability to play SNAs at Marriott brands is actually an improvement.
My Bonvoy-related complaints are simple: (a) poor IT systems, (b) poor customer service, and (c) a crazy convoluted matrix of benefits that makes it rather difficult to figure out what Titaniums should receive by brand.
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: Bonvoy ambassador - lifetime plat / Hilton diamond / AA CK baby!
Posts: 821
As someone who has never had a SNA expire, don't just hold them for aspirational properties. I try my best to burn them in the year I earn them.
#29
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MCO-TPA
Programs: AA EXP, UA, B6, DL, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Hilton, National
Posts: 195
I think it depends on the property. Some take elite status seriously, some seem not to care at all. As a Titanium so far this year I have been upgraded to the Presidential Suite (JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead) and totally dissed (Marriott Boston Copley Place). My experience is the recognition factor has improved since the elite level name changes, but the upgrades or lack thereof have not. As a side note, I have only gold status at Hilton and stayed at the Canopy Wharf in DC this past weekend because it was walking distance to where I needed to be. (I am loyal to Marriott and seldom stay anywhere else). Received a room upgrade, free full breakfast and three texts to ask if everything was ok. An eye opener for sure.
#30
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,778
And yet some hotel manage to get SNA available for prepaid rate.
It have been 2 months since Bonvoy and yet the issue still there.
B. I got a capable ambassador handle me, so I was lucky enough never have to contact cs.
C. The convoluted matrix are indeed annoying, added with some properties failed to train their fd properly.
But so far I never experience any issues with my stays.
To be honest, I dont see much difference in hotel treatment between spg plt and bonvoy amb.
I was spg plt last year and manage to reach amb for 2019.
The upgrade rate still the same and the suite upgrade rate is not improved so far.