Hello. First post. Through a odd series of events, I was granted comped Plat. Status by Marriott last week. (long story).

I stay at Marriott's about 15 nights a year. My first stay as a plat will be next week-From what I've read on here, being Plat is a "big deal"-just trying to get the most of my experience/stay and would love feedback.

Thanks and I hope to be able to contribute to FT.

Depends on the property. You'll get lounge access and internet (same as gold). Welcome gift, sometimes a food/drink item or points. Upgrades are very hit and miss. Never guaranteed a suite, but it does happen.

I have been plat less than a year and I have found it be very much NOT a big deal at all. If you like being thanked for your business and to receive a free bottle of water then it's a big deal. Otherwise not so much for me so far.

About half the time you'll get a big smile, welcome, thanks, water, explanation of the Internet benefit, choice of welcome amenity, upgrade, lounge access, requested "extras" such as towels and high floor without asking, and "what else may we do to make your stay more enjoyable?"

The other half of the time will be like a recent stay at the CY in West Palm Beach:

Agent: "Name?"
Me: "Wxguy." (and hands her my Marriott Visa card)
Agent: "Points?"
Me: "Please."

Agent hands me my key and credit card and walks away. Classy.

Have fun. It really depends on where you are staying............

Not to be negative, but that sounds mostly like a Fairfield Inn experience.

I've had experiences like picking a full size bottle of wine from the Market at a Courtyard, ice cream and wine, wine and cheese and many different arrival amenities.

I've had some upgrades, and I've had good service recovery in some cases.

I don't expect the red carpet, but overall, it's been worth it to me.

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

No Fairfield's for me. Actually there is one near my house with an indoor pool so we sometimes rent a room for the day. I am mostly fs and recently a couple of RI's. I just am not impressed. Also, I am unimpressed with the CL because breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and the slop they give you for free at the CL is generally horrible and thus I still go out to breakfast.

I have been Platinum for 17 years, and I value my status tremendously! I have almost always been happy with my upgrades, both at full service hotels, and at select service hotels, and often get suites, even at select service hotels.

As for the CL lounge food, yes, I agree, it depends on the hotel. Some hotels offer terrific CL breakfasts, and others are just mediocre, and the same is the case for evening hors d'oeuvres, sometimes great, and sometimes not. Generally though, I find that more hotels offer good food in the CL, than bad, and in some hotels, it is spectacular, such as in Europe and Asia.

If you stop and figure what the CL food is worth, plus free HSIA, the value can be more than $30/day (especially if the CL evening food is good enough to make a meal out of and not go out to dinner) in the US, and even more in Europe. IMHO, if you add in EEOs, and other benefits, it really is a great program. However, there are people who are negative about it, or just feel under served, such as GenevaFlyer, so of course, YMMV from what I have experienced.