Who can book STAR and LUMINOUS rates?
Oct 20, 2019, 3:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Aeroplan, Amex AeroPlat
Posts: 977
Who can book STAR and LUMINOUS rates?
I find it incredibly frustrating that we as members can’t just book the star / luminous rates. I mean.. why the necessity for a travel agent, unless Marriott is getting PAID FROM the travel agencies when a booking is made? (Which of course doesn’t make sense)
Anyway, does anyone have a good TA recommendation for booking the star/ luminous rates?
Anyway, does anyone have a good TA recommendation for booking the star/ luminous rates?
Oct 20, 2019, 5:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,459
There are TAs on this forum who can book them. I usually book Virtuoso rates through the travel group run by DavidO to support another FT member.
The JPMorgan concierge service can also book them.
The JPMorgan concierge service can also book them.
Oct 20, 2019, 6:31 pm
#3
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,121
Why doesn't it make sense? TAs frequently steer customers towards certain hotels/chains. These agents have a contract with Marriott to offer exclusive rates.
Oct 20, 2019, 6:58 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Aeroplan, Amex AeroPlat
Posts: 977
Actually that’s true, I take back what I said. It does make sense. Just it’s so hard to find someone who can book it.. after all I’m a low rev kinda of gal in terms of booking cash rate.
Oct 21, 2019, 8:48 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,268
I find it incredibly frustrating that we as members can’t just book the star / luminous rates. I mean.. why the necessity for a travel agent, unless Marriott is getting PAID FROM the travel agencies when a booking is made? (Which of course doesn’t make sense)
Anyway, does anyone have a good TA recommendation for booking the star/ luminous rates?
Anyway, does anyone have a good TA recommendation for booking the star/ luminous rates?
What are the STAR and LUMINOUS rates?
Oct 21, 2019, 8:50 am
#9
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Posts: 100,369
It's the reverse, with the travel agent being paid a commission by the hotel, although AFAIK the hotel would also pay commissions to Starriott for reservations made through the Marriott website or Marriott phone/reservation agents.
Oct 21, 2019, 8:53 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
I believe most (if not every) agent who previously had access to the SPG Luxury Privileges rates have access to the new STAR and Luminous programs.
I've started booking with DavidO 's group, but prior to that WhatAHotel offered the capability to book SPG Luxury Privileges online. I'm not sure if they've since updated with the ability to book the new rates as well.
I've started booking with DavidO 's group, but prior to that WhatAHotel offered the capability to book SPG Luxury Privileges online. I'm not sure if they've since updated with the ability to book the new rates as well.
Oct 21, 2019, 9:13 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Aeroplan, Amex AeroPlat
Posts: 977
Near identical benefits as FHR and Virtuoso, with allegedly higher upgrade priority than FHR and Virtuoso since it’s Marriotts own luxury program.
My booking includes free breakfast for two and $100 dining credits— the hotel/ resort I booked doesn’t give free breakfast to elite members.
My booking includes free breakfast for two and $100 dining credits— the hotel/ resort I booked doesn’t give free breakfast to elite members.
Oct 21, 2019, 9:50 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Houston
Programs: UA 1K and Million Miler, *A Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hertz Five Star,
Posts: 1,301
Near identical benefits as FHR and Virtuoso, with allegedly higher upgrade priority than FHR and Virtuoso since it’s Marriotts own luxury program.
My booking includes free breakfast for two and $100 dining credits— the hotel/ resort I booked doesn’t give free breakfast to elite members.
My booking includes free breakfast for two and $100 dining credits— the hotel/ resort I booked doesn’t give free breakfast to elite members.
Oct 21, 2019, 10:05 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: Aeroplan, Amex AeroPlat
Posts: 977
No, it’s the standard flexible rate (ie not prepaid nor other promotion). It’s just not bookable by members direct if member is not authorized travel agent.