Marriott has eliminated the all-inclusive reward
Oct 22, 2011, 8:30 pm
#61
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 261
Just switched a bunch if reservations to Hyatt. Will continue to do so due to this change. Unfortunate but as a consumer, I take my business where I think it is rewarded appropriately.
Oct 23, 2011, 4:56 pm
#62
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Washington DC
Posts: 98
Here's why some people use these and like them and are VERY UPSET they are gone:
- It includes two adults and two kids, everything is paid for
- It also includes kids club activities for the little ones, so that's like $80 a day or so in value if your kids like them
- We like frozen drinks on the beach and trying new ones. Sure I could say no or limit yourself, but here's a chance to try things different and not worry about the $12 plus service charge and tip
- The kids love trying smoothies and other things too
I really try and watch my point value to get the most out of what I use, but my calculations came out very good for these - especially considering the kids. Sure, I could go out and try some other restaurants, pay for it out of my pocket, pay for the car or cab, but our goal is to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.
BOO to Marriott for getting rid of this. I was looking forward to booking another one for holidays 2012, but time to start looking somewhere else.
Oct 23, 2011, 7:16 pm
#63
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
More disregard for Marriotts best customers from Ed French's office
Last edited by bigguyinpasadena; Oct 23, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Oct 23, 2011, 7:18 pm
#64
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
BTW=just wait until the changes are announced in the upcoming year 
Oct 23, 2011, 8:37 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,240
I seriously doubt this came from Ed French's office. More likely from the regional folks in charge of the Carribbean area, since this was clearly a regional level initiative that some hotels in one particular area had decided to offer.
Oct 23, 2011, 9:36 pm
#66
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
The decission to not issue advance warning regarding the elimination of this offer this offer,just like not giving advance warning about the discontinuation af the EEO benefits, is most certainly the(poor)work of Ed French's department.
Oct 24, 2011, 4:43 am
#67
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: IND
Programs: Marriott Platinum, SWA CP
Posts: 577
This whole thing STINKS.
How many book the nights then months later book the AI package? Very few I am sure. This is no consolation to those of use where were planning on booking the whole package in the near future.
Just one more reason I am re-evaluating my Marriott relationship. I moved most of my business to IC last year and have had few regrets.
I guess time to move my Ritz stay next week to the IC as a form of silent protest.
How many book the nights then months later book the AI package? Very few I am sure. This is no consolation to those of use where were planning on booking the whole package in the near future.
Just one more reason I am re-evaluating my Marriott relationship. I moved most of my business to IC last year and have had few regrets.
I guess time to move my Ritz stay next week to the IC as a form of silent protest.
Not my case, but another reason to add it on later might be the need for additional time to build up the additional points required...
I'm disappointed that this option is gone, but glad that it seems they will allow AI add-ons for packages that are already booked. I'm wondering if there will be any official communication of this change? I consider myself lucky that I'm watching FT to learn about this change...
Oct 24, 2011, 5:15 am
#68
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
Posts: 52,550
This is incredibly bush league and disappointing - even though I personally probably wouldn't ever use this particular award type.
Oct 24, 2011, 5:26 am
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
+1
Exactly. Wouldn't be surprised if that would happen overnight next time when the program is "enhanced".
Exactly. Wouldn't be surprised if that would happen overnight next time when the program is "enhanced".
Oct 24, 2011, 2:56 pm
#70
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: Delta DM, 1MM USAir SP Marriott Plat National Exec Elite
Posts: 111
Sheesh, this really sucks.
I have a trip planned to St. Kitts in the spring (room already reserved with points). I was waiting to build up some more points before ordering the AI.
Now, I'll probably switch over to the Hilton for a spring getaway.
Really, really ticks me off we weren't given any notice. 
I have a trip planned to St. Kitts in the spring (room already reserved with points). I was waiting to build up some more points before ordering the AI.
Now, I'll probably switch over to the Hilton for a spring getaway.
Really, really ticks me off we weren't given any notice.
Oct 24, 2011, 5:07 pm
#71
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
+1. The all-inclusive reward wasn't highly attractive to me personally because of my situation and travel style, but I absolutely sympathize with people who feel frustrated about the sudden change. Marriott Rewards should announce such changes in advance to its members. There's no way MR can make everyone happy when they eliminate a benefit, but providing notice so people can make better plans helps.
Oct 24, 2011, 6:01 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 53
I guess I understand why people who used this award and liked it are disappointed however it was only around for a couple of years anyway.
Instead of seeing it as a gift while it was available, Marriot is now cursed for discontinuing it?....It's not like it was a forever guarantee when you signed up for it - when most of us signed up it wasn't even an option.
Instead of seeing it as a gift while it was available, Marriot is now cursed for discontinuing it?....It's not like it was a forever guarantee when you signed up for it - when most of us signed up it wasn't even an option.
Oct 24, 2011, 7:45 pm
#73
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Silver, MR Plat Prem & LT Plat, Hyatt Plat,SPG Plat, Hertz PC, National EE, UA 1K
Posts: 3,404
I guess I understand why people who used this award and liked it are disappointed however it was only around for a couple of years anyway.
Instead of seeing it as a gift while it was available, Marriot is now cursed for discontinuing it?....It's not like it was a forever guarantee when you signed up for it - when most of us signed up it wasn't even an option.
Instead of seeing it as a gift while it was available, Marriot is now cursed for discontinuing it?....It's not like it was a forever guarantee when you signed up for it - when most of us signed up it wasn't even an option.
I mean...your points were a gift while you had them.
It is idiotic comments like these that make my head spin!
Oct 24, 2011, 11:40 pm
#74
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: RDU, Delta GM/1MM, Hilton Diamond (for now), Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 3,443
The good news is now SPG has a couple AI hotels (bookable with points) in the caribbean. Time to stock up on SPG points!
Oct 25, 2011, 11:19 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, UA Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 913
I am disappointed that this is gone. While I dont think I would have redeemed this award anytime in the near future, it was something I was looking forward to in a few years time as I transition over to taking more "bumming on the beach" vacations. Now its another option that is gone.
The one I truly miss are the 3-2-2 Europe stays for like 150K points under the old system before the "enhancements" were rolled out in 2009.
I am now sitting on ~1.3M points with approx 130 nights/year going to Marriott. Maybe its time to find a new bed.
