Jan 1, 2017, 8:37 pm
Latest on EEO Free Weekend/BOGO certificates
Jun 26, 2011, 6:51 am
#136
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I agree - the changes each time are making these less worthwhile. Not totally worthless of course, but definitely a watering down of the bennie. It wouldn't surprise me if Marriott eventually drops them, which is too bad since they're a competitive advantage over the other chains.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Jun 26, 2011, 9:54 pm
#137
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Little if any benefit to those in the northeast corridor these days since almost every hotel anywhere near the coast from Maryland up through NH is now on the exclusion list... add even longer periods without the EEOs and its pretty much only good for training your pet or lining a birdcage.
Jun 27, 2011, 4:23 am
#138
In memoriam
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For the past year I have always looked out for the EEO's hoping for some EU/UK availability, as there was in the past. For the last year I have been disappointed...
I go away for weekends at least once, sometimes twice a month, mixing EU and UK stays.
My criteria for choosing my destination is simple, Value. If I can get a £1-£50 return EU flight, then I'll go there, wherever it is. If I can get a very cheap quality hotel then my flight budget can go up, likewise a real cheap flight cost can increase the hotel budget. EEO's have in previous years been a significant part of my travels, usually in the UK. To my mind the EEO scheme is mutually beneficial, Marriott flogs off vacant inventory, thus at least getting something rather than nothing, and does so to its most valuable customers, thus reinforcing our relationship with them. By making sure it can only be booked via the gold/plat line this enables both the hotels and Marriott to strictly control numbers, ensuring it really is only flogging vacant inventory.
My stays with Marriott at weekends have reduced since the EEO's ceased to be valid outside the US, and therefore that inventory I would have used remains vacant. Repeat that throughout the non-US membership and there is a sigificant loss of income with a corresponding gain in unused inventory. Surely this is not a good outcome for Marriott?
I can only assume Marriott is restricting both dates and venues because usage of the scheme has developed in a way they deem undesirable, but simply reducing the EEO validity is a very blunt instrument, and is undoubtably costing Marriott custom.
The BOGO EEO's are unique to MR, and a significant benefit, but to all non-US members its become a non-benefit, to many US members on the NorthEastern seaboard I suspect they feel similarly. Marriott needs to deal with the issues that are causing the company concern and return EEO's to the membership, rather than this gradual death by 1000 cuts, which is simply alienating an ever increasing number of us.
I go away for weekends at least once, sometimes twice a month, mixing EU and UK stays.
My criteria for choosing my destination is simple, Value. If I can get a £1-£50 return EU flight, then I'll go there, wherever it is. If I can get a very cheap quality hotel then my flight budget can go up, likewise a real cheap flight cost can increase the hotel budget. EEO's have in previous years been a significant part of my travels, usually in the UK. To my mind the EEO scheme is mutually beneficial, Marriott flogs off vacant inventory, thus at least getting something rather than nothing, and does so to its most valuable customers, thus reinforcing our relationship with them. By making sure it can only be booked via the gold/plat line this enables both the hotels and Marriott to strictly control numbers, ensuring it really is only flogging vacant inventory.
My stays with Marriott at weekends have reduced since the EEO's ceased to be valid outside the US, and therefore that inventory I would have used remains vacant. Repeat that throughout the non-US membership and there is a sigificant loss of income with a corresponding gain in unused inventory. Surely this is not a good outcome for Marriott?
I can only assume Marriott is restricting both dates and venues because usage of the scheme has developed in a way they deem undesirable, but simply reducing the EEO validity is a very blunt instrument, and is undoubtably costing Marriott custom.
The BOGO EEO's are unique to MR, and a significant benefit, but to all non-US members its become a non-benefit, to many US members on the NorthEastern seaboard I suspect they feel similarly. Marriott needs to deal with the issues that are causing the company concern and return EEO's to the membership, rather than this gradual death by 1000 cuts, which is simply alienating an ever increasing number of us.
Jun 27, 2011, 6:24 am
#139
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
For the past year I have always looked out for the EEO's hoping for some EU/UK availability, as there was in the past. For the last year I have been disappointed...
I go away for weekends at least once, sometimes twice a month, mixing EU and UK stays.
My criteria for choosing my destination is simple, Value. If I can get a £1-£50 return EU flight, then I'll go there, wherever it is. If I can get a very cheap quality hotel then my flight budget can go up, likewise a real cheap flight cost can increase the hotel budget. EEO's have in previous years been a significant part of my travels, usually in the UK. To my mind the EEO scheme is mutually beneficial, Marriott flogs off vacant inventory, thus at least getting something rather than nothing, and does so to its most valuable customers, thus reinforcing our relationship with them. By making sure it can only be booked via the gold/plat line this enables both the hotels and Marriott to strictly control numbers, ensuring it really is only flogging vacant inventory.
My stays with Marriott at weekends have reduced since the EEO's ceased to be valid outside the US, and therefore that inventory I would have used remains vacant. Repeat that throughout the non-US membership and there is a sigificant loss of income with a corresponding gain in unused inventory. Surely this is not a good outcome for Marriott?
I can only assume Marriott is restricting both dates and venues because usage of the scheme has developed in a way they deem undesirable, but simply reducing the EEO validity is a very blunt instrument, and is undoubtably costing Marriott custom.
The BOGO EEO's are unique to MR, and a significant benefit, but to all non-US members its become a non-benefit, to many US members on the NorthEastern seaboard I suspect they feel similarly. Marriott needs to deal with the issues that are causing the company concern and return EEO's to the membership, rather than this gradual death by 1000 cuts, which is simply alienating an ever increasing number of us.
I go away for weekends at least once, sometimes twice a month, mixing EU and UK stays.
My criteria for choosing my destination is simple, Value. If I can get a £1-£50 return EU flight, then I'll go there, wherever it is. If I can get a very cheap quality hotel then my flight budget can go up, likewise a real cheap flight cost can increase the hotel budget. EEO's have in previous years been a significant part of my travels, usually in the UK. To my mind the EEO scheme is mutually beneficial, Marriott flogs off vacant inventory, thus at least getting something rather than nothing, and does so to its most valuable customers, thus reinforcing our relationship with them. By making sure it can only be booked via the gold/plat line this enables both the hotels and Marriott to strictly control numbers, ensuring it really is only flogging vacant inventory.
My stays with Marriott at weekends have reduced since the EEO's ceased to be valid outside the US, and therefore that inventory I would have used remains vacant. Repeat that throughout the non-US membership and there is a sigificant loss of income with a corresponding gain in unused inventory. Surely this is not a good outcome for Marriott?
I can only assume Marriott is restricting both dates and venues because usage of the scheme has developed in a way they deem undesirable, but simply reducing the EEO validity is a very blunt instrument, and is undoubtably costing Marriott custom.
The BOGO EEO's are unique to MR, and a significant benefit, but to all non-US members its become a non-benefit, to many US members on the NorthEastern seaboard I suspect they feel similarly. Marriott needs to deal with the issues that are causing the company concern and return EEO's to the membership, rather than this gradual death by 1000 cuts, which is simply alienating an ever increasing number of us.
Cheers.
Jun 28, 2011, 8:50 am
#140
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NJ USA
Programs: AA PLAT 2MM, MR TITANIUM 2M, HH DIA, Hyatt EXP, BW DIA, IC AMB, IHG PLAT, UA GLD
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Upcoming EEO Dates
Just spoke with Platinum reservations regarding a different matter. I inquired about EEO certificates and was told that the next promo would be July 8 - Aug 28 with NO International properties offered. Promo after that won't start until October 28 and will last through Jan 15. Unusually long break between the two promos. It appears they are bypassing holiday weekends (July 4th, Labor Day).
Jun 28, 2011, 8:58 am
#141
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: HSV
Programs: Hy Glob,Choice Dia, MR TIT,IHG SPR,HH Dia, Wyn Dia, UA Sil, WN Alis, Hert 5*, National EE
Posts: 1,188
The EEO is the best perk of any hotel chain in my opinion.
I can always make use of them, it gives me an excuse to take weekend trips, I earn points/credit on the paid night at least, and I can combine with LNF.
I hope they dont cut these down much more, it is hands down the most attractive part of MR.
I can always make use of them, it gives me an excuse to take weekend trips, I earn points/credit on the paid night at least, and I can combine with LNF.
I hope they dont cut these down much more, it is hands down the most attractive part of MR.
Jun 29, 2011, 12:29 pm
#142
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: HOU/IAH
Programs: WN CP; Hilton Diamond; IHG Plat
Posts: 189
I also cannot find the T&C's and exclusions, so does anyone know if the Marriott Vacation Club hotels are excluded? Specifically, I want to use one at the Marriott's Ocean Pointe in Ft. Lauderdale the weekend of July 9th.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...-ocean-pointe/
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...-ocean-pointe/
Jun 29, 2011, 12:46 pm
#143
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In the past, they have applied to Marriotts and Renaissances only. No Vacation Clubs.
Bruce
Bruce
Jun 29, 2011, 7:47 pm
#144
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 650
However, Marriott seriously needs to work on improving the mechanics of booking the free nights, educating desk staff and so on. I understand there's some price discrimination going on here, but of the six or seven EEOs I've booked in the past year I think only ONE has gone completely smoothly.
Jun 30, 2011, 3:38 am
#145
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: Marriott Rewards Platinum
Posts: 141
Grrrrr
Pretty annoyed there won't be any UK properties. I rarely get to use these vouchers because of this. It would really help as we only stay for leisure and pay out of our own pocket, so the bonus of a few free nights would help.
BTW, for future reference (when Marriott are good enough to let us use them in the UK) can they be used more than once in one period?? I thought I could only use once.
BTW, for future reference (when Marriott are good enough to let us use them in the UK) can they be used more than once in one period?? I thought I could only use once.
Jul 3, 2011, 5:26 pm
#146
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ORD, MKE, MDW
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While I empathise with some of the frustration being expressed here, I think it's important to understand that this is a perk that revolves around unsold inventory. To me that pretty much explains why the UK, New York City, and other popular leisure destinations are seldom, if ever, included.
I've always viewed this program as Marriott in effect saying to customers, "Hey, we've got some inventory that's typically unsold on weekends. Help us out by giving us some revenue that we wouldn't get otherwise, and we'll help you out by throwing in a free night."
I don't think it's reasonable to expect high-demand properties to participate....especially in high-demand seasons. Like it or not, that would be bad business practice on Marriott's part.
That said....the long periods beyond redemption periods are a little harder to understand (unless indeed the program is being phased out). Why not just black out holiday weekends? As it is, the offer is subject to availability, so hotels can black out weekends where there might be local events, etc.
I've always viewed this program as Marriott in effect saying to customers, "Hey, we've got some inventory that's typically unsold on weekends. Help us out by giving us some revenue that we wouldn't get otherwise, and we'll help you out by throwing in a free night."
I don't think it's reasonable to expect high-demand properties to participate....especially in high-demand seasons. Like it or not, that would be bad business practice on Marriott's part.
That said....the long periods beyond redemption periods are a little harder to understand (unless indeed the program is being phased out). Why not just black out holiday weekends? As it is, the offer is subject to availability, so hotels can black out weekends where there might be local events, etc.
Jul 5, 2011, 8:02 am
#147
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 308
So what do you think when the new BOGO's will be available?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 5, 2011, 8:20 am
#148
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Jul 5, 2011, 9:09 am
#149
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BDU
Programs: DL:MM, Marriott:LTT
Posts: 8,779
Just checked. Not yet. Been checking pretty much daily...
Still holding hope that NYC properties will be included, since the EEO is only supposed to be for a short period during the summer, and NYC tends to somewhat empty out during the summer....
Still holding hope that NYC properties will be included, since the EEO is only supposed to be for a short period during the summer, and NYC tends to somewhat empty out during the summer....
Jul 5, 2011, 9:31 am
#150
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Hartford CT (BDL "International" Airport)
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond, Radisson Gold, UA 1K
Posts: 97
As well hoping these get posted ASAP...Have a stay in New Orleans that I would like to change over to a BOGO this upcoming weekend!!!