Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous (General Discussion Thread)
Jun 20, 2019, 10:11 am
#16
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Jun 20, 2019, 10:41 am
#17
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Generally, I've noticed these rates, especially via Chase Luxury Hotel and Amex tend to be about $100+ more expensive. As a Titanium I've always booked the lowest rate on Marriott.com and just used my elite benefit.
Jun 20, 2019, 10:57 am
#18
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Jun 20, 2019, 11:22 am
#19
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Jun 20, 2019, 11:37 am
#20
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I've typically found these rates to be equal to the BAR -- i.e. the lowest refundable rate available to the public (including non-Bonvoy members). This, of course, is often more expensive than the lowest nonrefundable rate, but sometimes it's close enough that it makes sense to go for this rate, especially if you get a $100 F&B credit
Jun 20, 2019, 1:02 pm
#21
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Jun 20, 2019, 1:54 pm
#23
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I've typically found these rates to be equal to the BAR -- i.e. the lowest refundable rate available to the public (including non-Bonvoy members). This, of course, is often more expensive than the lowest nonrefundable rate, but sometimes it's close enough that it makes sense to go for this rate, especially if you get a $100 F&B credit
However, AAA etc. rates are generally refundable and lower than BAR.
Jun 20, 2019, 3:23 pm
#24
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For example, I just used a pay at the hotel FHR rate and received Bonvoy credit/points but probably not the 5X on Amex points.
The hotel was $259 a night, $250 for members, $220 on AAA, and $215 on my rate.
Using FHR, it was $259 a night, with a $100 F&B credit, guaranteed 4 PM checkout, and a reduced resort fee.
For two nights, I was better off with the FHR rate as it was $6 a night cheaper than my corporate rate, saved on the resort fee, guaranteed the 4 PM checkout at a resort, and included breakfast (so I could still get the 1000 point welcome). When I was at the same hotel last month, the FHR rate was $75 more than my rate so it didn't make sense.
But ... between Stars and FHR, sounds like FHR will normally be the better choice if available at that hotel.
Also, sounds like there will be rate code we can use and don't need to go through a travel agent.
Jun 20, 2019, 5:50 pm
#25
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Jun 20, 2019, 6:22 pm
#26
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Jun 24, 2019, 12:49 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Lifetime Titanium sticking with current strategy
As a Lifetime Titanium, that's the strategy (just book cheapest on-line rate; and rely on elite benefits) that I use. Plus these days I get to use the Senior Rate, which usually means a modest extra discount, but more importantly is a flexible rate so I can cancel if needed.
Also, if the $100 credit is per stay and not per night, doesn't it work against longer stays?
Pity if it reduces complementary upgrades
Also, if the $100 credit is per stay and not per night, doesn't it work against longer stays?
Pity if it reduces complementary upgrades
Last edited by MisterE; Jun 24, 2019 at 12:52 pm Reason: claification
Jun 26, 2019, 6:49 pm
#29
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Without verifying I am 99% sure not- especially with the Prestige changes come September when we will lose the ability to book special rates and earn Elite benefits. Prestige was great while it lasted. I used it 3 times on our recent trip to Spain and the UK and and recouped over $2000 But I probably will cancel the card in September
What intrigues me about STARS is that we are still eligible for all of our Elite benefits. I won't know if it is really interesting though until I have time to really compare options.
What intrigues me about STARS is that we are still eligible for all of our Elite benefits. I won't know if it is really interesting though until I have time to really compare options.
Jul 2, 2019, 9:18 am
#30
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Marriott is better than Sheraton and up to date with style...everyone from Starwood understands how much problem this brand had...not surprised it is not included in the list...I think Sheraton as standard business hotel and Marriott as flagship full service...