brumsey

I saw that there's a new status challenge available. I am eligible by virtue of Hilton Diamond.

I don't actually really need it as I'm only four nights from Platinum. But most of those nights will be at fairly nice hotels where Platinum status would be nice. Is there any reason not to register for this promotion (such as eligibility for future promotions)?

Thanks -- a bit new to the Marriott program so still learning.

obunewbie17

So in reading the new details here compared to the previously available challenge there -- there's really only a few minor differences:

1. You get the status immediately now, and then keep it if you hit the goals with the new option. With the old option, you only got the status AFTER the goals
2. 5 nights for Gold instead of 6
3. 15 nights for Platinum instead of 16
4. You have to show CURRENT status elsewhere to qualify for new promo, the old one you just had to ask for a challenge period

For you in particular, unless you have a realistic chance at an upgrade (or if they let you pick a platinum gift choice immediately) -- not sure the challenge is worth it for four stays. Like you'll get a few more points, which is cool. But which amenities could you take advantage of as a Platinum that you couldn't as a Gold -- that are actually available and accessible with COVID restrictions?

brumsey

Fair points. The benefits may not be huge. Hopes: higher chance of upgrades, the 4 p.m. late checkout if needed, possibly free breakfast and/or lounge access (depending on food situations). But I was figuring that the opportunity cost is near zero unless I may be foreclosing future challenge opportunities when they may be more valuable for me.

obunewbie17

The opportunity cost is zero, firmly agree with that. There's just a massive thread (multiple even) of FTers talking about the lack of proactive upgrades as a Platinum or Titanium -- you may have the same result just asking for one. The other perks just don't seem as valuable if they can't be leveraged, or wouldn't be leveraged anyway. Free/discounted breakfast is nice, but some restaurants aren't good enough for me to want it even if it's free. Lounges in the US are closed (I believe). I've never actually used the late checkout.

If you have a special occassion coming up, I say go for it. I love Parks & Rec and firmly believe that you should "Treat Yo Self" whenever possible. But I'd for sure ask for an upgrade rather than just hope/assume one would be offered.

brumsey

Yeah, I've actually had pretty good luck requesting upgrades recently at my current Gold status, but I did actually have a special occasion (anniversary) to state as justification. It feels a little different to just say "hey, can I have an upgrade?" Maybe it shouldn't though.

Mauibaby2008

Somehow I had IHG Platinum and 1 stay so far this year. I think it was a soft landing from Spire. Went ahead and submitted the form. Might be able to use it a few times in the next 3 months. Thank you !

Mauibaby2008

YOU’RE PLATINUM Welcome to your new Elite status. Marriott Bonvoy™ Platinum Elite status is yours for the next 90 days. Now stay 15 eligible nights* — instead of the usual 50 nights — by November 25, 2020, to keep your status until February 2022.

that was quick

anteater

With how easy it is to obtain Platinum it really is the new Gold tier.

GratefulSmile

I'm a low Silver with Marriott but Diamond with Hilton so just applied. See how long this takes.

teo1991

Hmm just wondering if I can turn free nights from vouchers into paid nights(by paying for an upgrade,etc). So that I can be eligible to be counted as one of the 15 stays to get Platinum Elite

escapefromphl

Not likely, cancel and rebook to qualify.

craigthemif

Because at some point in the future you might need a challenge / status match, and you could be disqualified for having done the challenge in 2020.

Radiation Station

This is what worries me. I could match IHG Platinum or Hilton Gold and be Bonvoy Plat before my next two stays, but it looks like I’ll hit Plat this year anyway, and I don’t want to be excluded from a status challenge in a year where I might struggle to hit Platinum organically (free nights have made it easier this year).

My current stay and next two stays have breakfast included in the rate already, so can anyone see a particular advantage to being Bonvoy Plat? The upcoming stays are AC Belfast and Trump Turnberry in Scotland.

Travelsam

Trying to log in on the landingpage mentioned, all I get is Ooops: Something went wrong with your request. Please attempt it again or reach out to Member Support with any questions.
Anyone else having these issues?

Global Adventurer

Yes! Tried on numerous devices and browsers and same message ☹️