Sep 9, 2020, 7:01 am
Last edit by: seawolf
Per Marriott Lurker II in post #608:
Due to the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, our Elite Benefit compensation related to our Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, Room Type Guarantee, Welcome Gifts, and Lounge access has been placed on hold.
We appreciate your understanding during these challenging times.
Changes to Marriott Bonvoy Stays and Services Due to Covid (Discussion Thread)
Jan 9, 2021, 10:49 am
#1141
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
Now way in the distant past (i.e. 80s and 90s), back before Marriott combined all their different frequent stay programs for different brands, there was the CY Club. Back then, they still didn't offer free breakfast all the time to their CY Club members (or their top level CY Club Gold), but they would hand out a bunch of free breakfast vouchers for every 12 nights stayed at a CY. But after Marriott combined all their programs into the single Marriott Rewards program in the late 90s, they dropped that. No more free breakfast for their elites. The exception was at their non-NA CYs that had lounges. At those Golds/Plats (this is prior to Bonvoy) would get lounge access and breakfast through that.
Jan 9, 2021, 11:59 am
#1142
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Slightly OT, I wonder how much the Marriott model has changed over the years? Might be an interesting MBA case study?
In the early 1980s, I was in a Junior Achievement activity sponsored by the Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD for a year. I vividly recall a HQ tour that included walking through an entire floor and 1/2 of the 7 floor HQ building that was of architects and engineers designing properties. In addition, the basement included development kitchens for the various restaurant brands owned by Marriott and mock-up hotel rooms. The tour culminated with a visit to JW Sr's office (it had a fire place), but he was not present. We did meet JW Jr, however. My point being were there more corporate-owned and/or managed properties 40 years ago vs. 'franchises'?
There must be some behind the scenes standardization. I know of at least four (4) people retired from my public safety agency that have gone on to (current) careers inspecting Marriott-branded properties to identify life safety issues both domestically and internationally. Pre-COVID these people were on the road full-time. Maybe this standardization does not affect the benefits of statusers, but there seems to be some standardization.
In the early 1980s, I was in a Junior Achievement activity sponsored by the Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD for a year. I vividly recall a HQ tour that included walking through an entire floor and 1/2 of the 7 floor HQ building that was of architects and engineers designing properties. In addition, the basement included development kitchens for the various restaurant brands owned by Marriott and mock-up hotel rooms. The tour culminated with a visit to JW Sr's office (it had a fire place), but he was not present. We did meet JW Jr, however. My point being were there more corporate-owned and/or managed properties 40 years ago vs. 'franchises'?
There must be some behind the scenes standardization. I know of at least four (4) people retired from my public safety agency that have gone on to (current) careers inspecting Marriott-branded properties to identify life safety issues both domestically and internationally. Pre-COVID these people were on the road full-time. Maybe this standardization does not affect the benefits of statusers, but there seems to be some standardization.
But then, as an example, why aren't the Marriott properties in not only the Bethesda area but across the larger DC/MD/NVA region not more consistent and adhering to brand standards - either pre-COVID or even now given the access folks from headquarters have to each and everyone of these properties?
I and others could ask why aren't some of these DC region hotels exemplars for the whole chain?
David
Jan 9, 2021, 2:22 pm
#1143
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,231
Slightly OT, I wonder how much the Marriott model has changed over the years? Might be an interesting MBA case study?
In the early 1980s, I was in a Junior Achievement activity sponsored by the Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD for a year. I vividly recall a HQ tour that included walking through an entire floor and 1/2 of the 7 floor HQ building that was of architects and engineers designing properties. In addition, the basement included development kitchens for the various restaurant brands owned by Marriott and mock-up hotel rooms. The tour culminated with a visit to JW Sr's office (it had a fire place), but he was not present. We did meet JW Jr, however. My point being were there more corporate-owned and/or managed properties 40 years ago vs. 'franchises'?
There must be some behind the scenes standardization. I know of at least four (4) people retired from my public safety agency that have gone on to (current) careers inspecting Marriott-branded properties to identify life safety issues both domestically and internationally. Pre-COVID these people were on the road full-time. Maybe this standardization does not affect the benefits of statusers, but there seems to be some standardization.
In the early 1980s, I was in a Junior Achievement activity sponsored by the Marriott HQ in Bethesda, MD for a year. I vividly recall a HQ tour that included walking through an entire floor and 1/2 of the 7 floor HQ building that was of architects and engineers designing properties. In addition, the basement included development kitchens for the various restaurant brands owned by Marriott and mock-up hotel rooms. The tour culminated with a visit to JW Sr's office (it had a fire place), but he was not present. We did meet JW Jr, however. My point being were there more corporate-owned and/or managed properties 40 years ago vs. 'franchises'?
There must be some behind the scenes standardization. I know of at least four (4) people retired from my public safety agency that have gone on to (current) careers inspecting Marriott-branded properties to identify life safety issues both domestically and internationally. Pre-COVID these people were on the road full-time. Maybe this standardization does not affect the benefits of statusers, but there seems to be some standardization.
This isn't an 'agreement' problem, it's a management problem.
Jan 9, 2021, 6:06 pm
#1144
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: AA LTP 2MM, Marriott/SPG Rabid Plat w/Ambassador, HHonors Gold
Posts: 696
By “global” I meant that Marriott likely won’t re-establish brand standards from the top down on a global basis. Hotels will be able to provide benefits / brand standards based on local market conditions if they need/want to
Marriott could restore benefits now, but many hotel owners would claim they can’t afford to provide them, and they would be right depending on the market. Hilton and Hyatt have similar relaxations in place. These companies will all restore benefits/brand standards when hotels can broadly pay them out of cash flow. Remember Marriott does not pay the cost for brand standards / amenities / elite benefits
Marriott could restore benefits now, but many hotel owners would claim they can’t afford to provide them, and they would be right depending on the market. Hilton and Hyatt have similar relaxations in place. These companies will all restore benefits/brand standards when hotels can broadly pay them out of cash flow. Remember Marriott does not pay the cost for brand standards / amenities / elite benefits
Jan 11, 2021, 2:14 pm
#1145
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
It's finally over :)
They never announced it when it started, but they announced that it's over ;-)
Marriott Ends Elite Benefit Guarantee Suspension
Marriott Ends Elite Benefit Guarantee Suspension
Jan 11, 2021, 2:16 pm
#1147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,518
From the https://www.facebook.com/groups/marriottbonvoyinsiders group.
Good afternoon Insiders!
In the spirit of sharing breaking program news here first, we’re excited to share another update with you today regarding our Elite Benefit Guarantees.
We are reinstating the elite guarantee compensation which had been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Please note that based on day-to-day business conditions at individual hotels and/or government regulations, properties may offer a breakfast alternative when lounges and restaurants are closed such as grab and go or credit for food and beverage purchases on property. As always, the Lounge and Welcome Gift elite benefit depends on brand and geographic regions.
This change takes effect today, January 11, 2021.
In the spirit of sharing breaking program news here first, we’re excited to share another update with you today regarding our Elite Benefit Guarantees.
We are reinstating the elite guarantee compensation which had been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Please note that based on day-to-day business conditions at individual hotels and/or government regulations, properties may offer a breakfast alternative when lounges and restaurants are closed such as grab and go or credit for food and beverage purchases on property. As always, the Lounge and Welcome Gift elite benefit depends on brand and geographic regions.
This change takes effect today, January 11, 2021.
Jan 11, 2021, 4:36 pm
#1148
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,202
Great. Now Marriott will have to prove to me that a stale bagel & orange juice from concentrate doesn't count as breakfast. Marriott will have to prove to me that it will actually enforce its regulations on properties that run off the reservation.
Marriott has lost any goodwill it had with me. Problem is I still had more butt in bed nights in Marriott last yr over Hyatt because the reach is so much better.
A good olive branch would be Arne getting 0 in salary and bonus in 2021 until every Marriott Associate has full compensation returned.
Marriott has lost any goodwill it had with me. Problem is I still had more butt in bed nights in Marriott last yr over Hyatt because the reach is so much better.
A good olive branch would be Arne getting 0 in salary and bonus in 2021 until every Marriott Associate has full compensation returned.
Jan 11, 2021, 7:28 pm
#1149
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,067
Great. Now Marriott will have to prove to me that a stale bagel & orange juice from concentrate doesn't count as breakfast. Marriott will have to prove to me that it will actually enforce its regulations on properties that run off the reservation.
Marriott has lost any goodwill it had with me.
Marriott has lost any goodwill it had with me.
As for me, this cessation of the suspension of Platinum and Titanium Elite benefits, plus the announcement of the 2021 status qualification program (another Head Start to Status) is the best news I've received this year.
Beaucoup Bonv°y!
Jan 12, 2021, 8:29 am
#1150
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
Marriott Reinstates Elite Benefits - TPG
I was reading TPG earlier this morning and noticed that according to them Marriott has reinstated the Elite Guarantee for Elite Benefits.
This is a welcome change as a lot of properties were not in compliance last year and required the intervention of Corporate Customer Care on simple things that aren't covered by the Elite Benefit Guarantee but a basic expectation of what should come with a room regardless of the pandemic i.e. a functional a/c, room type paid for, or being walked and charged a higher rate for the pleasure.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/marrio...lite-benefits/
This is a welcome change as a lot of properties were not in compliance last year and required the intervention of Corporate Customer Care on simple things that aren't covered by the Elite Benefit Guarantee but a basic expectation of what should come with a room regardless of the pandemic i.e. a functional a/c, room type paid for, or being walked and charged a higher rate for the pleasure.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/marrio...lite-benefits/
Jan 12, 2021, 9:31 am
#1151
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,824
This is definitely a step in the right direction (if true) but it never should have been allowed to go there in the first place. This is my biggest complaint about Marriott and why I am less than enthusiastic about them.
Jan 12, 2021, 10:33 am
#1152
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
Is there an actual source for this article?
Marriott didn’t even publicly inform its members that they suspended benefits, and as far as I can tell there is no source from the TPG article that benefits are restored.
I may have missed it, but this seems like another tone deaf effort by Marriott.
If you’re going to adjust the BonVoy program make a formal announcement.. -_-
Marriott didn’t even publicly inform its members that they suspended benefits, and as far as I can tell there is no source from the TPG article that benefits are restored.
I may have missed it, but this seems like another tone deaf effort by Marriott.
If you’re going to adjust the BonVoy program make a formal announcement.. -_-
Jan 12, 2021, 11:22 am
#1153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Is there an actual source for this article?
Marriott didn’t even publicly inform its members that they suspended benefits, and as far as I can tell there is no source from the TPG article that benefits are restored.
I may have missed it, but this seems like another tone deaf effort by Marriott.
If you’re going to adjust the BonVoy program make a formal announcement.. -_-
Marriott didn’t even publicly inform its members that they suspended benefits, and as far as I can tell there is no source from the TPG article that benefits are restored.
I may have missed it, but this seems like another tone deaf effort by Marriott.
If you’re going to adjust the BonVoy program make a formal announcement.. -_-
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...2021-a-77.html
Jan 12, 2021, 11:38 am
#1154
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,156
Posted yesterday in Suspension of Benefits thread. There’s a link to Marriott Insiders.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...2021-a-77.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...2021-a-77.html
So, correct me if I’m wrong.. Marriott only made the announcement in their insiders FB group and didn’t email everyone or publish a statement on the Marriott website, correct?
If that’s correct, I would still posit that Marriott handled the suspension and resumption extremely poorly.
Jan 12, 2021, 11:50 am
#1155
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Thanks!
So, correct me if I’m wrong.. Marriott only made the announcement in their insiders FB group and didn’t email everyone or publish a statement on the Marriott website, correct?
If that’s correct, I would still posit that Marriott handled the suspension and resumption extremely poorly.
So, correct me if I’m wrong.. Marriott only made the announcement in their insiders FB group and didn’t email everyone or publish a statement on the Marriott website, correct?
If that’s correct, I would still posit that Marriott handled the suspension and resumption extremely poorly.