Marriott Bonvoy Lurker Update (Starwood/Marriott Bonvoy Lurker Retires)
Aug 14, 2019, 4:08 am
#61
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
A bittersweet moment because I am very happy for you William but man will you be missed.
Many of us here were recipients of your skillful help over the years (almost two decades!) You patiently explained policy, ran interference and solved issues for the legions here. The best part was how you delivered it- with a clever, dry wit that set you apart from all other corporate representatives.
You helped me with my very first Starwood stay (and numerous times since) and it is not an exaggeration to say that you inspired my original SPG loyalty.
I had a premonition this was coming. May your next years be your happiest and most fulfilling yet.
Many of us here were recipients of your skillful help over the years (almost two decades!) You patiently explained policy, ran interference and solved issues for the legions here. The best part was how you delivered it- with a clever, dry wit that set you apart from all other corporate representatives.
You helped me with my very first Starwood stay (and numerous times since) and it is not an exaggeration to say that you inspired my original SPG loyalty.
I had a premonition this was coming. May your next years be your happiest and most fulfilling yet.
Aug 14, 2019, 4:57 am
#63
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Atlanta but Washington DC will always be home.
Programs: Marriott LTP, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold, Hyatt Explorist,, Delta Plat,
Posts: 2,070
Sorry to see William go, but best wishes on retirement! May you have lots of trips to places you never had time to go while working. You were truly the example for all other companies with a Flyertalk presence. Loved that you were indeed so helpful, but more importantly, you had a personality and didn't parrot press releases or use corporate speak. You'll be missed and the other Marriott Lurkers have quite a high bar to meet in your absence!
Aug 14, 2019, 5:15 am
#64
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,642
Good luck in retirement, William. I hope you’re able to gain as much enjoyment in this stage of your life as you were able to give so many others while you were here. Thank you.
Aug 14, 2019, 5:44 am
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,167
Still remember meeting you at SMD2 at the start of my SPG loyalty! Was a thrill.
Thanks for all the help & amazing participation over the years.
Thanks for all the help & amazing participation over the years.
Aug 14, 2019, 5:50 am
#67
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
22 years? Where did they go? Thanks for everything. You really were the best and made life easy for all of us with your honesty and straight-forward and clear explanations of sometimes difficult issues.
I, and many other FTers, appreciated your help over the years. We have also learned a lot more about hotel loyalty program. You will be missed.
Aug 14, 2019, 6:40 am
#70
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,656
All the best in retirement and you will surely be missed by all of us old time SPG loyalists (and by many Bonvoy members) for all your help over the years.
Aug 14, 2019, 7:08 am
#71
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
Truly the end of an era -- William, thank you so much for your tireless service to us cranky travelers on this forum!
I learned a great deal about how to make the best of the SPG program from your posts -- information that has made my business travel easier and my vacations more enjoyable, and which I've shared with a lot of friends not nearly nerdy enough to frequent this place. For that I am deeply grateful.
Best wishes for a happy retirement.
I learned a great deal about how to make the best of the SPG program from your posts -- information that has made my business travel easier and my vacations more enjoyable, and which I've shared with a lot of friends not nearly nerdy enough to frequent this place. For that I am deeply grateful.
Best wishes for a happy retirement.
Aug 14, 2019, 9:18 am
#72
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA 2MM - UA 1P / Hyatt Diamond - SPG Plat / Hertz 5* - Avis 1st
Posts: 3,886
Happy trails, William!
You were the acme of customer service and corporate representation in the dawn of the internet age, and you were one of the strong reasons to be a user here at FT. Thank you for all the gracious interactions with the masses here.
You were the acme of customer service and corporate representation in the dawn of the internet age, and you were one of the strong reasons to be a user here at FT. Thank you for all the gracious interactions with the masses here.