Latest on EEO Free Weekend/BOGO certificates
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
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I don't care if demand has gone up or down... its supposed to be a benefit for elites, not some elites in certain regions. Either allow the EEO to be used, or get rid of them instead of making the excluded list a page long. Saying it can't be used at a Cat8 would be fine, but some of the hotels around here that are excluded are even Cat5. What a crock.
#17
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Washington DC
Programs: BA GLD, AA GLD 1MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,702
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8320/4.5.0.81 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)
I agree - I am very disappointed lately with how many properties don't accept EEOs. Hardly any in the entire DC area participate now.
I agree - I am very disappointed lately with how many properties don't accept EEOs. Hardly any in the entire DC area participate now.
#18
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,713
I am of the belief that NO properties should be excluded. If they are all that popular, then their rates will reflect that. If a weekend rate is $499 (for example), then they should still be able to offer the most valuable elite customers a second night for free. I really don't see it as any different than a suburban business hotel that only charges $79 a night on the weekend. Either way, the hotel is getting revenue AND Marriott is rewarding a loyal guest...
#19
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
No it is sheer greed on the hotels part and putting the loyal customer last on Marriott Rewards part. If they have the luxury of flying the flag then they should be forced to honor the program.
This is yet more devaluation of a once fine program.Nothing less.
#20
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Location: BOS
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Well, instead of the hotel getting paid $209 for one night and me getting the 2nd free, I've canceled the reservation entirely. So net result is the hotel will have that room empty for the weekend instead of getting revenue from the 1 room night as well as losing revenue from the bar, breakfast, and parking.
EDIT:
I will be sending a letter to corporate regarding the EEOs. Anyone know if there is a particular address that is better to use, or send to corporate in DC attention to Bill Marriott?
EDIT:
I will be sending a letter to corporate regarding the EEOs. Anyone know if there is a particular address that is better to use, or send to corporate in DC attention to Bill Marriott?
Last edited by rylan; Nov 9, 2010 at 7:29 am
#21
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
Send it to Ed French-he is behind all of these shenangins.
#22
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Gulf Coast/Ventura County/Somewhere in between
Programs: DL GM, Marriott PP, Avis Something or other
Posts: 4,431
Well, instead of the hotel getting paid $209 for one night and me getting the 2nd free, I've canceled the reservation entirely. So net result is the hotel will have that room empty for the weekend instead of getting revenue from the 1 room night as well as losing revenue from the bar, breakfast, and parking.
#23
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I highly doubt the hotel will be at or even near capacity. They are running specials online to try to get people to stay and the discounted rates have not sold out yet.
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
I think the list -- which has grown significantly -- is a reaction to local factors and franchisees.
Although Boston is blacked out, and so is downtown DC (except for the Renaissance DC near the Convention Center) there are other properties -- like Long Island, NY and the like -- which are not very high demand properties but are also on the list.
On the other hand, there are countless Marriott/Renaissance properties in the LA area which are still included.
These changes are likely beyond Marriott's control and you will have to accept them.
Also, remember, that unlike in years past, there are a number of Int'l properties that are participating this round.
More heat than light in this thread.
Although Boston is blacked out, and so is downtown DC (except for the Renaissance DC near the Convention Center) there are other properties -- like Long Island, NY and the like -- which are not very high demand properties but are also on the list.
On the other hand, there are countless Marriott/Renaissance properties in the LA area which are still included.
These changes are likely beyond Marriott's control and you will have to accept them.
Also, remember, that unlike in years past, there are a number of Int'l properties that are participating this round.
More heat than light in this thread.
#25
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA ExP, Hyatt Diamond, MR Platinum, PC Platinum, SPG Platinum, HH Gold
Posts: 498
The list of non-participating properties seems to grow every time a new EEO season comes around.
#26
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
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Also, remember, that unlike in years past, there are a number of Int'l properties that are participating this round.
More heat than light in this thread.
More heat than light in this thread.
I could understand if the EEO's were restricted to the hotels in a given market less likely to sell out on weekends, but blacking out an entire city seems excessive. I know there's a balance between giving away product you'd otherwise sell and rewarding high-value clients - just seems like Marriott is really devaluing one of the best elite perks in the industry here.
Starwood will give me more suites. HHonors will honor my elite status at resorts and on weekends. But the EEO's are one thing that keep me in the Marriott system more than I'd otherwise be.
#27
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: Delta Skymiles (SM, 1MM) Marriott Rewards (Lifetime Gold), HHonors (Lifetime Diamond)
Posts: 160
Ok... I give up.... Will someone please explain what an EEO is?
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
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Actually its worse than just the entire Boston area... its the entire STATE of MA except for one which I won't mention in case it was missed by accident. Even the Springfield Marriott is on the list, and that isn't exactly a popular weekend destination.
Essentially anywhere within 50 miles of the coast from Virginia up through New Hampshire it is now not possible to use an EEO.
EEO = Elite Only Offer, for buy one get one free weekend night. Available to Golds and up every few months.
Essentially anywhere within 50 miles of the coast from Virginia up through New Hampshire it is now not possible to use an EEO.
EEO = Elite Only Offer, for buy one get one free weekend night. Available to Golds and up every few months.
Last edited by rylan; Nov 10, 2010 at 8:57 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
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Posts: 15,202
I could understand if the EEO's were restricted to the hotels in a given market less likely to sell out on weekends, but blacking out an entire city seems excessive. I know there's a balance between giving away product you'd otherwise sell and rewarding high-value clients - just seems like Marriott is really devaluing one of the best elite perks in the industry here.
And its not just an entire city... its the entire northeastern seaboard.
#30
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 701
PS: I believe that the original exclusion of Hotel 57 in NYC was an oversight as even the NYC airport hotels are excluded (and my experiences there have been the opposite of dreaded) .