I called to have mine changed the last 2 promo's. They changed it, but both times they made sure I knew that this was out of the ordinary and would only be done this one time. It is a pain, but the short time for the phone call is worth getting at least something during the promo periods.

Yeah, I get the same spiel, too. Why? Marriott Concierge has said Platinums are free to change their offer so what's with all the hassle? Very frustrating...

mine may be that I am only a Gold. But I realy don't understand why they wouldn't want to offer the same promo option to a Gold that they do a Silver (specifically the 2 nt certs as I do not generate enough nights to reach the first hurdle in the points promo).

I suppose this makes sense...

I still have a couple more of the Delta mile bonuses to earn so had to call to get my offer:

surprised to learn that I got the offer for 2 free Category nights after 4 stays - pretty pathetic since:

(1.) It is a maximum of 2 free nights,
(2.) The nights can't be used at cat. 5 to 8 properties, and
(3.) The free night certificates expire Dec. 15 (or so some have been told - folks some of you may earn the free nights only a few days before or even after the certs expire!)

This is the least attractive Marriott Rewards stay- / night-based promo I have received in a very long time.

Actually the 15 Dec expiration date is for the promotion that ends 31 Aug. The Cat. 1-4 certs for the upcoming promotion will expire on 31 May 2011.

Agree that it is still a weak promotion, but may not be a bad deal for someone who only has a few one or two night stays during the promotion period. If marriott would just change these to Cat. 1-5, they would be a lot more worthwhile.

That being said there are still some decent (although limited) options to get good value out of these 1-4 certs (Renaissance Battlehouse in Mobile, ATL Marriott Marquis or Midtown Suites, JW Grand Rapids to name a few...)

I would suggest we reserve judgment until we're reasonably sure the full slate of fall promos have been released.

Also remember, you should ask to change towards the end of the promo, when you know how many nights/stays you're going to have (and when Marriott is most likely looking to keep you happy), not at the beginning of the promo.

I have received some personal requests that I comment on the policy for changing your offer. So here goes…

Generally speaking we would rather keep members in the promotion they were solicited for, however, if your offer does not fit your travel reality, I encourage you to contact guest service and explain your situation to see what can be arranged.

I recommend for those of you who want to change to another offer that you request early during the promotion period as this will make it more likely that customer service representative will be able to change your offer. If you wait until the promotion is over, it will be finalized in your account and more difficult to change, though not impossible.

I recognize that this may be overly ambiguous for some of the specific questions I have received please feel free to send me a personal message if you would like more specific answers about your personal situation regarding this promotion.

Regards,
Ira

I have 18 nights for this promo. Don't think I am going to make 20. I believe there is an offer for 15 nights - can someone confirm? Thanks.

My original offer (since switched :)) was stay 15/25,000 points, stay 20/40,000 points.

Called and got switched but they said they have on a 15 nights for 20k promo. They couldn't find the 15/25000 that you mention.

Ira,

This is why I suggest members wait until towards the end (not after the end) of the promo period, when they have a good idea of which promo will be optimal for them.

Is that bad advice, then, to suggest making the request later in the promo period rather than earlier?

Follow the OP and match your number of nights to the number of points you should ask for.

The last promo period (ending Aug. 31) I had a stay 15/20,000 points offer. Maybe that's the confusion?

I definitely had the 15/25,000 offer for the fall megabonus - double-checked before posting.

I called
 

Called today as I have 15 and will not hit the 25/40K I was sign-up for.

Nice lady looked to see what I qualified for and said that I would get the 20K points, but that it would not be changed until end of promotion and then points would post.

So my suggestion is if you know what you are planning to do through 31st.
Call and ask.

And I plan to switch to miles for the two nights I have between 1-6th so I can get some more Delta miles (did nights in may before the other promotion started so figure should do some on end.)

For the summer promotion - I was given the high #nights/ high point offer and I switched to the stay 3 get 1 Cat 1-4, max. 2. I earned that.

I called to switch for the fall promotion and asked when my 2 Cat1-4 nights would appear, and they appeared the next day. Thanks Marriott.

The person I spoke to for the fall promo - must have activiated the 2 free nights - since I met the requirement for those (6 stays). I also switched to the stay 2, get one Cat1-4 free promo for the fall - only 2 stays needed per night, max. 2 rewards.