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Originally Posted by holtju2
(Post 9755746)
If you want to settle the folio to a GC you cannot use express check out. Settling to the GC in US is fairly painless. Just ask them to run it as a Visa.
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Gift Card for multi-night stay
How do I use my gift card for multi-nights. Do I pay at the end of the visit or need to pay each night the balance down?
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Pay at the end.... But its always nice to let them know at check-in
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Just do the old card switch when you check out
Checkin with your credit card. When you check out just hand over the gift card and ask them to charge the entire balance (or whatever amount you'd want) to the gift card. There is usually no problem at major hotels but some small town CY or FI or even FS Marriott front desk agent will give you the duh look. Be prepared to explain the concept to them. Do a search of this forum for advice.
Oh and did I mention give yourself time to do this switch just in case. |
I have used the Marriott gift cards the past 2 years when they offer extra points for purchasing them. As mentioned be sure to leave extra time for the switch.
Dennis |
Here's what I do, very successfully.
Don't be afraid. A quick $200 savings for every $2000 purchased. Just be confident you have a need to stay at Marriott and DON"T LOOSE IT. Don't mention at check in, no reason to. Always check in with a normal credit card in case of disputes. Switch at checkout unless you have an unresolved dispute when you leave(rare). Know the exact amount remaining on the card and prepare to give that exact amount if your tab is MORE than what remains on each card presented. They will get a denial if its keyed for a penny more. If they have problems or give a funny look, tell them to process it exactly like a Visa card (as learned here). I admit I was skeptical about using these card after reading about the issues here, but I've processed about $20k in 2 years via the Delta promo with nary a problem. Telling them to process like a Visa works all the time. |
Agreed posts like a visa card but they need to add a 4 in the front of the gift card number for their computer system
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Originally Posted by phil398437
(Post 10544613)
Agreed posts like a visa card but they need to add a 4 in the front of the gift card number for their computer system
Only drawback is stopping at the desk and having to reprint the folio with the updated payment info. Do allow a few minutes. |
Not any more...
Most times they just swipe it and it registers fine. I have had to deal with the "add a 4" just once last year at a brand new Courtyard in Madison.
Originally Posted by phil398437
(Post 10544613)
Agreed posts like a visa card but they need to add a 4 in the front of the gift card number for their computer system
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Experience using Marriott Gift Cards (especially overseas)
My parents are going for thier anniversary to London and they will have Marriott gift cards to use at the Grosvenor House. They got these cards in a contest, so I'm not sure if they are the same as regular cards.
I was just wondering if anyone has used Marriott gift cards overseas. Any issues? Here are the T&C on the card: Card is not replaceable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Card is not redeemable for cash and change will not be returned. Card value may not be transferred to another card. 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 renwal date. Card may only be used at particpating Marriott locations. Card is a prepaid card, not a credit card, and is the property of and issues by MI Fulfillment Services, LLC. Each transaction will be debited against card balance; if transaction exceeds balance, user must pay the difference. To check balance call 1-800-442-6132. Account balance information outside the US and Canada: Use the AT&T Direct access number for the country you car calling from in conjunction with 800-442-6132. See gifts.marriott.com for further information or questions about the card. I visited gifts.marriott.com and it says that all Marriott, JW, etc hotels accept gift cards. However, the card itself isn't so inspiring. Why would it say that if all Marriott locations accept the cards? |
I've had no problems using gift cards overseas, but to be safe and make sure that what you have is an ordinary gift card I'd call Marriott and speak with them about it. Oh, and have the gift card in hand so you can give the folks at Marriott the identifying numbers from off the back.
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Thanks I appreciate the first-hand experience, makes me feel better. I was able to put the numbers in on the regular gift card site and the balance showed correct, so I am assuming these are regular gift cards. I will give Marriott a ring though.
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I've no personal experience with gift cards in Europe, but there have been several threads here about people having problems with gift cards in the UK because of front desk incompetence. If you do a search you can probably find the threads.
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When I used them in Sydney:
(1) Got told off about not giving them in at check-in which I did. They had to get another agent to process them and he didn't realise they had been stapled to my reg card. (2) Got a crap exchange rate, much lower than the travelex rate or the rate posted for exchanges made at the hotel |
Staying most of my nights in non USD locations i was always able to use my gift cards to settle my bill partially. However, as mentioned before, there are quite a few front desk agents who have no clue how to process the card in the first place. Also the exchange rate given varies. IMHO best result is if one can convince them to charge local currency against the card. Once the USD value of the card is getting low, i stop using it and save the remaining amount for stays in the US.
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