Experience using Marriott Gift Cards (especially overseas)
Jun 12, 2007, 8:11 am
#46
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
this is the KEY. when I 1st used the GC Overseas in April they swiped it like they did all the CCs via their computer and it didnt take, then he went over to the Cashiers cage and swiped it via a reg CC machine and instant presto it Took it.
When I checked out of the same Hotel a couple of weeks ago, with a different person behind the FD, I tried to explain what they had to do but they knew better. In the end they listened to Me and added the 4 before swiping it (Thanks to whomever posted about that somewhere) and I was on my way.
So make sure that the GC at least outside the US is swiped in a reg CC machine and remember if it doesnt take to tell them to 1st key in the #4 before actually swiping it.
GLAD it all worked out in the end for the OP
Jun 12, 2007, 8:16 am
#47
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
I didn't have any issues using my GC at the Ren CC in London. So they are definitely usable, assuming the staff at the hotel in question will take them. 
My only minor issue was that they couldn't see the balance, so the front desk person asked if the balance was enough to cover the charges. I said yes, they gave the card a quick swipe, and no issues.
My only minor issue was that they couldn't see the balance, so the front desk person asked if the balance was enough to cover the charges. I said yes, they gave the card a quick swipe, and no issues.
Jun 12, 2007, 11:38 am
#48
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
UPDATE: This is not true. I was able, after arguing for two months, to get the Preston Marriott to accept the fact that these cards are valid on incidentals AND room charges.
I ran into trouble using these cards in Manchester, Leeds and London but after refusing to take no for an answer and armed with my email correspondance with Nancy print out along with the Gift Card Terms and Conditions I was able to get them to just swipe the darn card.
I ran into trouble using these cards in Manchester, Leeds and London but after refusing to take no for an answer and armed with my email correspondance with Nancy print out along with the Gift Card Terms and Conditions I was able to get them to just swipe the darn card.
Last edited by ohmark; Jun 12, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Jun 12, 2007, 9:15 pm
#49
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: The County, Maine
Posts: 829
Glad it all worked out for you. And if Nancy in customer service should happen to frequent FlyerTalk, a special thank you to her too!^
Jun 13, 2007, 5:52 am
#50
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SF
Programs: UA IK: Marriott Platinum: SPG Platinum
Posts: 45
Many thanks to all of you with you suggestions. All of those combined helped me get my point across and eventually what I needed.
On another note, they did not have to enter a 4 before swiping. The only time they had to enter a 4 was when they typed it in manually.
Oct 14, 2007, 2:50 pm
#51
Join Date: Aug 2001
Programs: AA lifetime gold, Marriott Plat.
Posts: 418
do gift card expire?
We bought gift cards last year during the special promotion but forgot about them until just recently. Do they expire? We are planning an extended trip to Costa Rica in January and will use them then, but need to know before we try to use them. At that time they will be about a year old. Thanks
Oct 15, 2007, 11:34 am
#52
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Milwaukee
Programs: AAEXP 3+MM, Marriott Plt and Plt for life, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 414
I did the exact same thing. I can not find the answer. I am hoping someone here will answer.
Oct 15, 2007, 2:06 pm
#53
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 6,790
Card value does not expire. Card becomes inactive at the earlier of (a) the use of all value or (b) the posted renewal date. Upon request Marriott will replace card with a new card having an equivalent remaining value anytime after the posted renewal date.
Oct 15, 2007, 2:19 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K-UA/AA, LT PLAT-MARRIOTT(1984), HILTON-GOLD, HYATT-GOLD
Posts: 951
POOR VALUE if you use them outside the US
Visa processes them as a credit card and charges a 3% fee.
Does not make sense, since they are prepaid cash cards!
I object to that explanation of their charges!
Does not make sense, since they are prepaid cash cards!
I object to that explanation of their charges!
Oct 15, 2007, 3:23 pm
#55
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 6,790
That's a currency conversion fee.
VISA charges 3% currency exchange (conversion) fee (like the AMEX 2% fee) on all foreign currency transactions. If you use the card overseas for a bill in other than dollars, you will incur a currency conversion fee.
If you paid the hotel bill denominated in a foreign currency with dollars (cash), the conversion would be at the hotel's posted cash conversion rate, which is usually closer to 8% to 12% depending on the property.
I've used the card overseas to pay a bill denominated in dollars, and was not charged any fee by VISA.
VISA charges 3% currency exchange (conversion) fee (like the AMEX 2% fee) on all foreign currency transactions. If you use the card overseas for a bill in other than dollars, you will incur a currency conversion fee.
If you paid the hotel bill denominated in a foreign currency with dollars (cash), the conversion would be at the hotel's posted cash conversion rate, which is usually closer to 8% to 12% depending on the property.
I've used the card overseas to pay a bill denominated in dollars, and was not charged any fee by VISA.
Nov 6, 2007, 9:20 am
#56
Join Date: May 2004
Location: PWM
Programs: Marriott Platinum Hyatt Diamond Hilton Gold SPG Gold National Executive Avis Preferred Hertz Gold
Posts: 633
Marriott vacation card
I'll be spending a week in Cancun on an award stay at the Hilton property. However I have a Marriott vacation card with several hundred dollars and would like to use it for restaurant dining at Casa Magna/JW Marriott--is this possible--to use card even if not staying at one of the Marriots? Thanks for your help.
Nov 6, 2007, 9:28 am
#57
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium (former PP), Hilton Silver, UA Silver, AS Member, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,906
Marriott gift cards can be used in Marriott properties for restaurant and spa purchases even if you are not a guest at the hotel.
Nov 6, 2007, 11:47 am
#58
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: saint augustine, FL USA
Posts: 463
you should try the lobster buffet at the JW. I think it is sun,wed and fri.
Nov 6, 2007, 3:26 pm
#59
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, AA Platinum
Posts: 373
You can use them if you don't check in - it is just a normal purchase which is covered under the T+C.
The lobster buffet was soo good, but I think the combination of that and a day or Dos Equis left me hurting the next day.
The lobster buffet was soo good, but I think the combination of that and a day or Dos Equis left me hurting the next day.
Nov 6, 2007, 3:36 pm
#60
Join Date: May 2004
Location: PWM
Programs: Marriott Platinum Hyatt Diamond Hilton Gold SPG Gold National Executive Avis Preferred Hertz Gold
Posts: 633
Thank you very much