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Platinum Status in Eight Days and $800 - No Stays Required

Old Dec 30, 2015, 10:18 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: rustykettel
Ten (10) Elite Nights are given for each meeting held in a participating hotel under the "Rewarding Events" program. See below for non-participating brands. Information about the Rewarding Events program may be found at https://www.marriott.com/meeting-eve...els/rewards.mi

The 10 elite nights per meeting are independent of any hotel rooms booked in conjunction with the meeting. In fact, no hotel rooms have to be booked as part of the meeting in order to receive credit for 10 elite nights.

Although the Rewarding Events webpage refers to room nights for meeting participants, the most important section is the one that states 10 Elite Nights, regardless if you or your guest is paying for it

In general, a written contract is required (or should be obtained). In many cases, the meeting is booked through a central Marriott group sales office instead of directly with a hotel. If booked through a central Marriott group sales office, there is a three-page contract that makes reference to the Rewarding Events program on page 2 of the agreement. A MR member number should be included in this area of the contract by the group sales office.

FAQs:

Q: What brands participate in the Rewarding Events program?
A: AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft, Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott, Delta Hotels by Marriott, EDITION, Element, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Marriott, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott, LeMridien, The Luxury Collection, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, St. Regis, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, & Westin.
Residence Inn by Marriott, TownePlace Suites, & Marriott Executive Apartments do not participate in the program.

Q: How do I find a hotel that participates?
A: Click on the link to the Rewarding Events page and then in the "Plan" section of the page click on the "Find a Hotel" box. Enter the city you'd like to have your meeting in, purpose of event (Business) and then check the "I need meeting/event space" box. Enter the size of your meeting (2 attendees should work) and then click the "Find" box. Leave the start date and end date blank. A list of potential hotels will be shown. The smallest meeting room is not usually shown online --- you may need to call each hotel to find out which one has a boardroom or other small meeting room. Once you've found a small meeting room, then request a quote online.

Q: How quickly will Marriott respond with a quote?
A: Usually within a day or two --- and usually via email. The email should contain a telephone number of the group sales contact. Give them a call and tell them you'd like to follow up on the quote and you're interested in booking the smallest room available for a 2 person meeting for an hour. If they quote a price that's higher than you want to pay, ask them if they can get approval for a lower priced meeting (e.g., a recent quote was for $75 for an 8 hour use of a CY boardroom). They accepted a counter of $50 for a one-hour meeting in the room (plus service charge plus local sales tax). Urban hotels may charge significantly higher rates for meeting space than a smaller, less congested city.

Q: Is a contract required?
A: The terms of the program suggest "yes" --- although there are reports that 10 elite nights have been granted without contracts. A best practice would be to obtain a contract.

Q: How long do points and EQNs take to post after the event is over?
A: Generally, this takes 3+ business days. According to Marriott, it can take 15 business days. If you do not see anything post after 15 business days, contact the hotel before contacting Marriott customer support. The hotel has to be the one to post it.

You will get an e-mail with a subject line Your Rewarding Events Award has Posted: EVENT NAME

Q: Will the hotel know what I am talking about when I say points and elite night credits?
A: Probably not. They may know about the rewarding events points being 3x per dollar spent, but not always. Usually they know of only the Marriott system (Group Posting Tool) where they input how much you spent and when. This is done after the event and is usually authorized by the sales or general manager.

Q: The contract doesn't say anything about points, will I still earn them?
A: YMMV but so far all the electronic contracts from the website state it, but some fail to read it. The paper contracts usually talk about points, but some reports that they don't, but still post. Remember this is a Marriott Rewards benefit that the hotels don't seem to be footing the bill for.
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Platinum Status in Eight Days and $800 - No Stays Required

 
Old Dec 2, 2015, 9:33 am
  #1096  
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: DTW
Programs: DL FF, Marriott LT Plat., National EA
Posts: 100
I know this has been discussed elsewhere in this thread, but I can't find it. How long should it take for the 10 nights to appear? The FAQ says points will take 7-10 days, but it doesn't mention the nights. I want to schedule one more meeting this year, but want to make sure I get credited for my first meeting first.

What's the best way to check or to follow up?
dsperling is offline  
Old Dec 2, 2015, 9:41 am
  #1097  
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Originally Posted by dsperling
I know this has been discussed elsewhere in this thread, but I can't find it. How long should it take for the 10 nights to appear? The FAQ says points will take 7-10 days, but it doesn't mention the nights. I want to schedule one more meeting this year, but want to make sure I get credited for my first meeting first.

What's the best way to check or to follow up?
That's all going to depend upon when the property does their thing. Once processed it should be pretty quick. I read a lot of posts where the property blames MR for not processing but I feel it's them not knowing what they need to do. There are two different systems, one for room activity and one for meeting activity.

Unless the rules have changed, it's the date of the meeting that will count and not the date of posting. So should they take longer than desired, a meeting this year will still count for this year activity even if posted in January.
RogerD408 is offline  
Old Dec 3, 2015, 8:56 am
  #1098  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,240
Originally Posted by dsperling
I know this has been discussed elsewhere in this thread, but I can't find it. How long should it take for the 10 nights to appear? The FAQ says points will take 7-10 days, but it doesn't mention the nights. I want to schedule one more meeting this year, but want to make sure I get credited for my first meeting first.

What's the best way to check or to follow up?
I have had 3 meetings this year. For two of them the nights posted within 48 hours. For the third it took about 8 days I believe. All 3 posted though. Staying plat for another year! Now debating about doing some more to create some roll over nights.
SacTownGuy is offline  
Old Dec 3, 2015, 10:04 pm
  #1099  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Washington DC Area
Posts: 362
Originally Posted by SacTownGuy
I have had 3 meetings this year. For two of them the nights posted within 48 hours. For the third it took about 8 days I believe. All 3 posted though. Staying plat for another year! Now debating about doing some more to create some roll over nights.
That's what I am doing. At 89 nights right now, and 3 more meetings to go before the end of the year. So, when rollover comes together with my 15-night credit from the credit card, I will be Gold (at least) for the following year (2017). Hehehe.


alextktan
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Old Dec 3, 2015, 11:24 pm
  #1100  
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have no idea why you're gloating inasmuch as having earned P status for next year even if you don't have 1 stay, or credit card nights, you would ONLY drop to G anyhow in 2017 under MRs "soft landing".

Originally Posted by alextktan
That's what I am doing. At 89 nights right now, and 3 more meetings to go before the end of the year. So, when rollover comes together with my 15-night credit from the credit card, I will be Gold (at least) for the following year (2017). Hehehe.


alextktan
leeky is offline  
Old Dec 4, 2015, 5:52 am
  #1101  
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9
Anyone have an issue with RFP's not being responded to? I put $50 room rental budget and breakout room only required.

Thanks!
DRoma is offline  
Old Dec 4, 2015, 7:36 am
  #1102  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,240
Originally Posted by leeky
have no idea why you're gloating inasmuch as having earned P status for next year even if you don't have 1 stay, or credit card nights, you would ONLY drop to G anyhow in 2017 under MRs "soft landing".
My take on what he is saying, as it's my plan, is to take advantage of rollover nights with the assumption they do it again this year. Might not after the Starwood merger is done!? Start the year with 30-40 nights, plus 20-30 credit card nights, and then my 20-25 actual nights will put me at plat again for 2017... and thus soft landing in 2018. To me it's all about positioning myself better for the Starwood merger as I imagine I'll be having more Marriott/Wood stays.
SacTownGuy is offline  
Old Dec 7, 2015, 10:29 am
  #1103  
stc
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
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Posts: 2,192
Originally Posted by dsperling
I know this has been discussed elsewhere in this thread, but I can't find it. How long should it take for the 10 nights to appear? The FAQ says points will take 7-10 days, but it doesn't mention the nights. I want to schedule one more meeting this year, but want to make sure I get credited for my first meeting first.

What's the best way to check or to follow up?
One of my real meeting took months and I had to follow up with the property. I would suggest calling the rep you dealt with or calling the property and asking for sales.
stc is offline  
Old Dec 10, 2015, 11:07 am
  #1104  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Originally Posted by dsperling
I know this has been discussed elsewhere in this thread, but I can't find it. How long should it take for the 10 nights to appear? The FAQ says points will take 7-10 days, but it doesn't mention the nights. I want to schedule one more meeting this year, but want to make sure I get credited for my first meeting first.

What's the best way to check or to follow up?
That is exactly what I am thinking. My first meeting was this morning, and I really want to kick up to platinum but don't want to throw good money after bad if the first one didn't work. I'll let you know when today's posts.
Madone59 is offline  
Old Dec 10, 2015, 11:17 am
  #1105  
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Join Date: Jun 2004
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I realized it's possible to do a lot better.

Suppose meetings are $100 each (for simple arithmetic). Get a Marriott credit card; that's 15 nights/year.

2016, in January: hold 12 meetings ($1200). Be Platinum for the remainder of 2016 and all of 2017, roll over 60 nights, add the credit card nights, and be Platinum for all of 2018. Repeat in 2019. So for $1200 you get 3 years (minus a few weeks) of Platinum status, and that's without figuring in any actual stays or anything else.

Is United Silver worth $400/year? (Or less, if you find cheaper meetings?)
sethb is offline  
Old Dec 10, 2015, 1:37 pm
  #1106  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,240
Originally Posted by sethb
I realized it's possible to do a lot better.

Suppose meetings are $100 each (for simple arithmetic). Get a Marriott credit card; that's 15 nights/year.

2016, in January: hold 12 meetings ($1200). Be Platinum for the remainder of 2016 and all of 2017, roll over 60 nights, add the credit card nights, and be Platinum for all of 2018. Repeat in 2019. So for $1200 you get 3 years (minus a few weeks) of Platinum status, and that's without figuring in any actual stays or anything else.

Is United Silver worth $400/year? (Or less, if you find cheaper meetings?)
It's an interesting theory. Pricey if you aren't staying at Marriott much. Although, you would be able to get status match to Hyatt and Hilton right now too. Gosh, with the hotels giving away status so easily the meager benefits are going to get more meager.
SacTownGuy is offline  
Old Dec 10, 2015, 6:26 pm
  #1107  
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re: Hyatt status match - not correct.

Originally Posted by SacTownGuy
Although, you would be able to get status match to Hyatt and Hilton right now too.
leeky is offline  
Old Dec 10, 2015, 6:37 pm
  #1108  
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Originally Posted by SacTownGuy
It's an interesting theory. Pricey if you aren't staying at Marriott much. Although, you would be able to get status match to Hyatt and Hilton right now too. Gosh, with the hotels giving away status so easily the meager benefits are going to get more meager.
That's why I pointed out the airline benefits.

It doesn't take many stays to be worth a few hundred dollars; free breakfast for two is $25/night, lounge access may be worth more, and upgrades do happen. If you value a suite upgrade at half the cash cost (if it were worth the full cash cost you'd just book it) you might cover the status cost in 2 or 3 nights.
sethb is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2015, 11:14 am
  #1109  
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
Originally Posted by SacTownGuy
It's an interesting theory. Pricey if you aren't staying at Marriott much. Although, you would be able to get status match to Hyatt and Hilton right now too. Gosh, with the hotels giving away status so easily the meager benefits are going to get more meager.
You no longer get a match to Hyatt with MR Plat; doubtful even PP would be matched.
I think Hilton now requires proof of BIB nights.
Best Western will match.

The hotel status matchapalooza has pretty much ended. For now. Both Hyatt and Hilton are getting more choosy on who they match, with an occasional straggler to sneak in.

Originally Posted by sethb
That's why I pointed out the airline benefits.

It doesn't take many stays to be worth a few hundred dollars; free breakfast for two is $25/night, lounge access may be worth more, and upgrades do happen. If you value a suite upgrade at half the cash cost (if it were worth the full cash cost you'd just book it) you might cover the status cost in 2 or 3 nights.
I still don't see much/any benefit of UAL Silver over just getting UAL's credit card.

IMHO, actual stays at Marriott FS properties is the main value of having Gold/Plat status. And I don't find the small incremental benefit of Plat worth enough to pursue it over Gold.
iflyjetz is offline  
Old Dec 12, 2015, 11:23 am
  #1110  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New York
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite, SPG Gold
Posts: 320
I am currently trying to get my status nights acknowledged with a hotel and not having much luck. So far they have come back and said: "Referring to your request for us for the Marriott Rewarding Events I am pleased to clarify that point earning for the above program is only applicable for booking the JW Ballroom for event and seminar." The hotel is in Asia and they could hold tight to their current policy. They actually have a JW Marriott Business Center at this property but have declared quite forcefully that they are not interested in giving me the status nights. Sadly I am not sure of my recourse if they just come back and say no. My understanding is that this is hotel based and MR is not interested in stepping in if there is problem.
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