Apr 27, 2016, 10:15 am
Last edit by: mediator
Taste of Gold/Platinum
You are given gold/platinum status for 90 days, and you must complete a certain number of nights/stays to retain that status for the remainder of the year plus the following year. This promotion is targeted only.
Road to Gold/Platinum (a.k.a. Gold/Platinum Challenge)
Currently, this will allow you to move up one level with a shortened stay criteria. You have 90 days to complete 6/9 stays to receive Gold/Platinum status. If you do no qualify, you are eligible to start another challenge one year and one day after the 90th day of the challenge you just did. When you sign up, the MR CSR should tell you the date you are eligible to do another challenge.
FAQ
Q: What qualifies as a stay?
A: One paid night at a Marriott-brand (including Ritz-Carlton Hotels) hotel. Cash+points rate does not qualify. SPG hotels does not qualify (as of 03/2017). Some exclusions may apply, someone please help fill this in.
Q: Can I simply book multiple, consecutive one-night stays at the same hotel?
A: No.
Q: Can I jump between multiple Marriotts in the area?
A: Yes. As long as you book at least one night at each property. Special care must be taken if the Marriott properties are next to each other. They may share the same back-office. While you may book one night at each property on consecutive nights, which should count as two stays, it may only count as one stay. A call to Marriott Rewards should split them up correctly.
Q: Can I book multiple nights at different properties for the same night to get multiple stay credits?
A: No. Regardless how many different places you book for the same night, it all counts as one stay.
Q: Can I sign up for both Gold and Platinum Challenges at the same time?
A: No. Only one challenge per year.
Q: I'm Silver, can I do the Platinum challenge?
A: No. This is only a one-level promotion. You are only eligible for the Gold challenge.
Q: Can a non-elite do the Gold Challenge
A: No. Must be Silver.
Q: I just completed my 6th/9th stay. When should I see my new status?
A: Good job! Your new status should appear after your 6th/9th stay posts to your account.
Q: Can I book a meeting to get a stay credit?
A: No. You will only receive 10 night credits, not a stay credit.
You are given gold/platinum status for 90 days, and you must complete a certain number of nights/stays to retain that status for the remainder of the year plus the following year. This promotion is targeted only.
Road to Gold/Platinum (a.k.a. Gold/Platinum Challenge)
Currently, this will allow you to move up one level with a shortened stay criteria. You have 90 days to complete 6/9 stays to receive Gold/Platinum status. If you do no qualify, you are eligible to start another challenge one year and one day after the 90th day of the challenge you just did. When you sign up, the MR CSR should tell you the date you are eligible to do another challenge.
FAQ
Q: What qualifies as a stay?
A: One paid night at a Marriott-brand (including Ritz-Carlton Hotels) hotel. Cash+points rate does not qualify. SPG hotels does not qualify (as of 03/2017). Some exclusions may apply, someone please help fill this in.
Q: Can I simply book multiple, consecutive one-night stays at the same hotel?
A: No.
Q: Can I jump between multiple Marriotts in the area?
A: Yes. As long as you book at least one night at each property. Special care must be taken if the Marriott properties are next to each other. They may share the same back-office. While you may book one night at each property on consecutive nights, which should count as two stays, it may only count as one stay. A call to Marriott Rewards should split them up correctly.
Q: Can I book multiple nights at different properties for the same night to get multiple stay credits?
A: No. Regardless how many different places you book for the same night, it all counts as one stay.
Q: Can I sign up for both Gold and Platinum Challenges at the same time?
A: No. Only one challenge per year.
Q: I'm Silver, can I do the Platinum challenge?
A: No. This is only a one-level promotion. You are only eligible for the Gold challenge.
Q: Can a non-elite do the Gold Challenge
A: No. Must be Silver.
Q: I just completed my 6th/9th stay. When should I see my new status?
A: Good job! Your new status should appear after your 6th/9th stay posts to your account.
Q: Can I book a meeting to get a stay credit?
A: No. You will only receive 10 night credits, not a stay credit.
"Taste of Gold/Platinum" promotion and Platinum challenge [Merged threads]
Feb 1, 2013, 12:56 pm
#1216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,061
I thought normally if you ask for the challenge now, you'll get the status that lasts till Feb 2015.
Feb 1, 2013, 3:18 pm
#1217
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,596
I emailled asking for a challenge and was given a Gold Challenge. From what I see Gold will give me a room upgrade and some sort of free breakfast, is that correct ?
Thank you for contacting Marriott Rewards.
On behalf of Marriott Rewards Guest Services, please allow me to extend an offer to you to conditionally upgrade your status to the Gold Elite level. This new status would be valid through May 31, 2013; however, an updated membership card would not be processed until the following terms have been met.
In order to maintain this status, you must accumulate six separate paid stays beginning with the date the upgrade is processed, through May 31, 2013. This is a one-time offer, and would be effective within 24 to 48 hours of your acceptance of this upgrade offer.
Once you have accumulated six separate paid stays, the Gold Elite status will be extended through February 2014. To retain this status for all of 2014, you would need to stay the qualifying number of nights during 2013. The Silver Elite level requires 10 personal paid nights, the Gold Elite level requires 50 personal paid nights, and the Platinum Elite level requires 75 personal paid nights.
Thank you for contacting Marriott Rewards.
On behalf of Marriott Rewards Guest Services, please allow me to extend an offer to you to conditionally upgrade your status to the Gold Elite level. This new status would be valid through May 31, 2013; however, an updated membership card would not be processed until the following terms have been met.
In order to maintain this status, you must accumulate six separate paid stays beginning with the date the upgrade is processed, through May 31, 2013. This is a one-time offer, and would be effective within 24 to 48 hours of your acceptance of this upgrade offer.
Once you have accumulated six separate paid stays, the Gold Elite status will be extended through February 2014. To retain this status for all of 2014, you would need to stay the qualifying number of nights during 2013. The Silver Elite level requires 10 personal paid nights, the Gold Elite level requires 50 personal paid nights, and the Platinum Elite level requires 75 personal paid nights.
Last edited by flyer4512; Feb 1, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Feb 1, 2013, 3:33 pm
#1218
Formerly known as CollegeFlyer
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: JRA
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA PLT, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 6,716
MR told me 2015, for a challenge I completed in January. But I don't have the card yet.
Feb 1, 2013, 4:01 pm
#1219
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 940
Regards.
Feb 1, 2013, 4:31 pm
#1220
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,596
I have reservations at the TPA (Friday) and Clearwater Beach Marriott ( Sat - Tues) coming up so I guess I'll see what happens, thanks
Feb 1, 2013, 5:58 pm
#1221
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,738
Hilton Gold get guaranteed for continental brekkie but Marriott Gold get guaranteed Lounge Access at FS properties. Brekkie is guaranteed on weekdays in domestic properties but 7 days internationally. I would take Marriott Gold any day over Hilton Gold because most our travel is international. International lounges are much superior than domestic lounges - the guaranteed access is a very good benefit of Marriott Gold.
Feb 1, 2013, 6:37 pm
#1222
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thailand
Programs: Marriott - P; HH - G; Hyatt - P; Avis - LT First
Posts: 5,023
+1, subject to the "resort" disclaimer for brekkie/lounge............
It depends on your travel pattern.
Hilton Gold get guaranteed for continental brekkie but Marriott Gold get guaranteed Lounge Access at FS properties. Brekkie is guaranteed on weekdays in domestic properties but 7 days internationally. I would take Marriott Gold any day over Hilton Gold because most our travel is international. International lounges are much superior than domestic lounges - the guaranteed access is a very good benefit of Marriott Gold.
Hilton Gold get guaranteed for continental brekkie but Marriott Gold get guaranteed Lounge Access at FS properties. Brekkie is guaranteed on weekdays in domestic properties but 7 days internationally. I would take Marriott Gold any day over Hilton Gold because most our travel is international. International lounges are much superior than domestic lounges - the guaranteed access is a very good benefit of Marriott Gold.
Feb 1, 2013, 6:56 pm
#1223
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,596
It depends on your travel pattern.
Hilton Gold get guaranteed for continental brekkie but Marriott Gold get guaranteed Lounge Access at FS properties. Brekkie is guaranteed on weekdays in domestic properties but 7 days internationally. I would take Marriott Gold any day over Hilton Gold because most our travel is international. International lounges are much superior than domestic lounges - the guaranteed access is a very good benefit of Marriott Gold.
Hilton Gold get guaranteed for continental brekkie but Marriott Gold get guaranteed Lounge Access at FS properties. Brekkie is guaranteed on weekdays in domestic properties but 7 days internationally. I would take Marriott Gold any day over Hilton Gold because most our travel is international. International lounges are much superior than domestic lounges - the guaranteed access is a very good benefit of Marriott Gold.
Feb 1, 2013, 9:26 pm
#1224
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,855
Is Marriott giving away status too cheaply?
So I've noticed recently that lounges seem to be really busy in the morning, to the point where I don't even try to use them, I just skip or expense my breakfast.
I've also noticed lots of the bloggers have been proposing doing Gold or Platinum status challenges before staying at Marriott properties.
Should Marriott go the way of Starwood and only give status after the challenge is complete? It's somewhat of a downgrade after you spend over 100+ nights at Marriott to compete with these fake elites. And then they let you do a challenge 1 year later again.
I know the staff at some well run properties look at night's stayed when upgrading, but I feel it would be an overall positive to the program to not grant temporary elite status, but rather let it be earned by meeting the challenge.
I've also noticed lots of the bloggers have been proposing doing Gold or Platinum status challenges before staying at Marriott properties.
Should Marriott go the way of Starwood and only give status after the challenge is complete? It's somewhat of a downgrade after you spend over 100+ nights at Marriott to compete with these fake elites. And then they let you do a challenge 1 year later again.
I know the staff at some well run properties look at night's stayed when upgrading, but I feel it would be an overall positive to the program to not grant temporary elite status, but rather let it be earned by meeting the challenge.
Last edited by escapefromphl; Feb 2, 2013 at 7:50 am Reason: typo
Feb 2, 2013, 6:11 am
#1225
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
Yes.
With that said, I understand why Marriott is doing it. They are buying a few new elites, their loyalty, and the 50+/75+ nights per year that come with it. That is who they are targeting. BUT, they are also getting many who are gaming the system and staying much less.
I think this is much more evident in the NA properties because I perceive that there are a large number of travelers in this group that rarely venture overseas. FWIW, this makes the paltry NA properties' benefits that much more lacking; crowded lounges with Cosco appetizers and aged eggs and cold sausage/bacon, few real upgrades at any given property shared by dozens of elites.
None of the international lounges I have frequented have been overcrowded, Sydney Harbour Marriott being the exception and that was over New Years.
Not that my opinion matters since Marriott makes the rules, but I would limit challenges to one time only.
With that said, I understand why Marriott is doing it. They are buying a few new elites, their loyalty, and the 50+/75+ nights per year that come with it. That is who they are targeting. BUT, they are also getting many who are gaming the system and staying much less.
I think this is much more evident in the NA properties because I perceive that there are a large number of travelers in this group that rarely venture overseas. FWIW, this makes the paltry NA properties' benefits that much more lacking; crowded lounges with Cosco appetizers and aged eggs and cold sausage/bacon, few real upgrades at any given property shared by dozens of elites.
None of the international lounges I have frequented have been overcrowded, Sydney Harbour Marriott being the exception and that was over New Years.
Not that my opinion matters since Marriott makes the rules, but I would limit challenges to one time only.
Feb 2, 2013, 6:45 am
#1226
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,074
it is clear that benefits for US based PLAT are very weak. I think Marriott should only allow status challenge for GOLD. GOLD and PLAT in the US are very similar anyways.
Last edited by jr1202sr; Feb 2, 2013 at 7:17 am
Feb 2, 2013, 7:25 am
#1227
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 294
No new card yet
Should I call?
Has everyone already gotten their new cards?
Has everyone already gotten their new cards?
Feb 2, 2013, 8:07 am
#1228
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Platinum,Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 215
Your membership card can be displayed from your smartphone app
Feb 2, 2013, 8:16 am
#1229
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,697
I think this is much more evident in the NA properties because I perceive that there are a large number of travelers in this group that rarely venture overseas. FWIW, this makes the paltry NA properties' benefits that much more lacking; crowded lounges with Cosco appetizers and aged eggs and cold sausage/bacon, few real upgrades at any given property shared by dozens of elites.
I earned Gold/PLT for the first time in late 2006 after many years of spreading my business around and not getting into the lounge. I was amazed at the quality of the lounges both in the AM & PM across the US.
That lasted less than a year. Overnight, it seemed like they ALL shifted to the Costco bulk model and started giving away status via various means (CC, instant, challenges, rollover, etc).
I predict bottled water will be soon a thing of the past in favor of "filtered" dispensers, I saw I already in a JW SF.
Feb 2, 2013, 8:45 am
#1230
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: FLL
Programs: Delta GM, (fmr US CP/PP/GP!), DL SkyClub, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Avis Chairman's Club
Posts: 5,162
No, not everyone has received their new cards. As an example, I have not received my new card, and there are certainly others who have not either. Sure, you COULD call, but that does not mean you SHOULD call. The cards are sent out throughout January and February of each year, and MR says that everyone should have their cards by March 1. Since today is only February 2, it is not exactly panic time yet. If you do not have your card by February 22, then maybe you should call.
