Aug 14, 2018, 11:30 am
Last edit by: SkiAdcock
Hat tip to dcchi: "Whenever we do staycations in downtown Chicago, we use the ParkWhiz app to find parking. Normally pretty substantial savings off of hotel parking rates and even minor savings (and sometimes more) off of garage posted rates. If you're willing to walk one or a few blocks, this works well."
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Chicago, IL
Aug 1, 2014, 10:05 am
#946
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
1. I was offered compensation of 5000pts plus $10 credit. However no $100 .
2. I think Marriott should just take away welcoming gift at once, most of the hotel I stayed into , always always miss this, unless you mention it right in their face immediately. I feel like elite perks are not served to you, you have to tell them what you know to get the deal.
2. Sorry the hotels you've stayed at haven't asked what you prefer for PAG. I normally get asked at check-in.
Sounds like the JW management needs to do some training, especially since this is a JW.
Cheers.
Aug 7, 2014, 6:33 am
#948
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
I stayed at the REN last August, the hotel was sold out, they gave me a HUGE suite for 3 days as a PP. The CL was good to better than average, they had many bottled beverages that helped stock my suite refrig with drink mixers. I have no experience anywhere else. I believe that older RENs were built with more suites than your average FS, that might be a factor too.
Aug 7, 2014, 7:35 am
#949
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
Aug 7, 2014, 7:51 am
#950
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
I've stayed at the Mag Mile FS many times as a Plat and Plat Prem. I've never gotten an UG to a suite. My assumption is because this is a hotel that hosts many corporate events and weddings, the suites are likely given to those groups as part of the booking deal.
Aug 7, 2014, 11:52 am
#952
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SEA, YVR
Programs: Alaska MVPG, Flying Blue Gold, BA Silver, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 568
I stayed at the Ren in April. Got upgrade to a Riverview room (not suite though). I liked the lounge for the drinks as well, but note that it does close on the weekend, so stock up on drinks on Friday! Breakfast will be in the restaurant instead.
Aug 7, 2014, 12:48 pm
#953
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Former 1KMM now free as UA Gold MM, former HH D, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,121
Just got back from the FS Mag Mile property this week. Overall, it was a mediocre experience.
Positives: The staff was friendly and helpful addressing any needs or concerns. The location can't be beat.
Negatives: The room was tiny (made more tiny by our rollaway need). The interior was in disrepair with peeling wallpaper and cracks here and there. The view faced west (not that exciting) as will most rooms at this property. No upgrades for this platinum to even a slightly larger room were available. Lounge closed on weekends and no restaurant breakfast offered; the only choice was the 1,000 points instead.
Doing it again, I'd probably take my chances at the Ren next time.
Positives: The staff was friendly and helpful addressing any needs or concerns. The location can't be beat.
Negatives: The room was tiny (made more tiny by our rollaway need). The interior was in disrepair with peeling wallpaper and cracks here and there. The view faced west (not that exciting) as will most rooms at this property. No upgrades for this platinum to even a slightly larger room were available. Lounge closed on weekends and no restaurant breakfast offered; the only choice was the 1,000 points instead.
Doing it again, I'd probably take my chances at the Ren next time.
Aug 20, 2014, 8:39 am
#954
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Currently at the Courtyard North River.
Using my corporate rate and for the first time in 15 years was asked to show ID. Was literally the first thing out of the FD persons mouth after good evening. No biggie and showed him. Was never acknowledged as an elite member.
Gave me my keys and wished me a good night and pointed to the elevator. I asked about my platinum benefits and his response was "well you didn't give me time and I wasn't done". Yea right. After some light arguing with the manager (he stuck to the FD guy wasn't done story) I got my $100. Took a credit to the bill.
Overall a meh property but our corporate rate was killer.
Using my corporate rate and for the first time in 15 years was asked to show ID. Was literally the first thing out of the FD persons mouth after good evening. No biggie and showed him. Was never acknowledged as an elite member.
Gave me my keys and wished me a good night and pointed to the elevator. I asked about my platinum benefits and his response was "well you didn't give me time and I wasn't done". Yea right. After some light arguing with the manager (he stuck to the FD guy wasn't done story) I got my $100. Took a credit to the bill.
Overall a meh property but our corporate rate was killer.
Aug 20, 2014, 4:18 pm
#955
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,319
Was never acknowledged as an elite member.
Gave me my keys and wished me a good night and pointed to the elevator. I asked about my platinum benefits and his response was "well you didn't give me time and I wasn't done". Yea right. After some light arguing with the manager (he stuck to the FD guy wasn't done story) I got my $100. Took a credit to the bill.
Gave me my keys and wished me a good night and pointed to the elevator. I asked about my platinum benefits and his response was "well you didn't give me time and I wasn't done". Yea right. After some light arguing with the manager (he stuck to the FD guy wasn't done story) I got my $100. Took a credit to the bill.
Aug 20, 2014, 7:32 pm
#956
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Aug 20, 2014, 10:11 pm
#957
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
Appears from the photo that it was applied as a credit to your account rather than a cash payment, thus denying you rightfully earned points.
Aug 21, 2014, 8:14 am
#958
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
Aug 21, 2014, 8:17 am
#959
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Cheers.
Sep 4, 2014, 12:39 pm
#960
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 408
Added: Wow. Just checked out the rates. You cannot even get into the SHS/RI on a Plat Override. Given the choices I just saw, you have made the right choice. The Midway FS isn't as nice as the Medical District FS. The downtown FI is more money and the only property in the Loop area that I avoid. The O'Hare Suites is a very nice hotel, but it's farther than you want. The Medical District would be my choice, having stayed in most of the Marriott properties in Chicago.
Ironically, I have a placeholder res at the River North FI, and an hour after I booked the UIC property...I get an email from the FI general manager asking if there's anything they can do for me leading up to my stay. For being a lowly Gold, that's a rare occurrence for me.
Either that's a really crazy coincidence or Marriott has some real business intelligence correlation going on in their system. Likely the former.
The UIC Marriott is the choice then. I will post a trip report after the stay!