Need urgent help with gift cheques
 

At a resort property checking out today. Spoke to FD manager two months ago who confirmed I could use them on a AAA rate. Dropped off $1500 last night to apply towards room rate and food. Found out at 7am this morning that no, you can't use them. I said call the FD manager (now temp assigned to another property, I know where he is). Current FD manager saying they won't get reimbursed and that I know people have used them at other properties on special rates. So, will the property get reimbursed if they ultimately allow this? FD manager is going to call the support number for the cheques, but they don't open for another hour and 20 minutes.

thanks!!!

ETA: I understand what the cheques say, but based on FT reports and confirmation by FD manager I took a chance.

The rules (http://www.marriott.com/File%20Block...ttCheques.html) seem to say that you can't use them for AAA rate (need ID) but there are posts where people have been able to use them.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...xclusions.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...ift-check.html





Terms and Conditions:

This Cheque Award is VALID at all participating JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard® by Marriott, Fairfield Inn® by Marriott, SpringHill Suites® by Marriott, Residence Inn® by Marriott, TownePlace Suites® by Marriott and Marriott Vacation Club® locations. This Cheque is NOT VALID at Marriott ExecuStay® or Marriott Executive Apartments®.
It is not necessary to be a registered guest to use this Cheque Award.
If a registered guest, charge goods and services to the room and present this Cheque Award at the front desk at check-out. If a non-registered guest, present this Cheque at the time of purchase. The total charges will be reduced by the face value of this Cheque.
This Cheque Award may not be accepted at all concessions.
This Cheque Award is not valid toward any rate that requires ID or membership. Excludes advance purchase, catering, group, and associate rate and other contract rates.
This Cheque Award will be converted into local currency value at the hotel's current exchange rate.
This Cheque Award is void and will not be honored if sold for cash or other consideration or auctioned on the internet.
Any tax liability, including disclosure connected with the receipt or use of this Award is solely the recipient’s responsibility.
This Cheque Award is issued by and is the property of MI Fulfillment Services, LLC.
This Cheque Award is transferable when gifted.
Marriott Reward points can be earned with the use of this Award.
This Award is deemed purchased from and sold from Maryland, USA.
Any disputes relating in any way to this Award shall be adjudicated in the courts of Maryland, applying Maryland law.
This Award is not replaceable if lost, stolen, destroyed or expired. Expiration date cannot be modified or extended.
Revised 9/2/2011

Check Another Rate...
 

Understandable that you would be upset, but if it states you can't use them in the T&C's right on the certificate (as I presume it does based on the last post), then I don't think you have a leg to stand on... no matter what an employee may have stated. You should always read the T&C's on any deal and make sure you abide by them so there are no surprises. If they took them, great. Since they don't want to accept them, I'd ask what rate they have that you might use that doesn't require an ID, where you could use the checks and decide if that is appealing enough to use the checks... or save them for another time. Best of Luck.

It wasn't just an "employee", it was the front desk manager, who is clearly empowered to convey the policy of the hotel. The only mistake the OP may have arguably made was not to get the manager's statement in writing.

It is possible that they are giving you a hard time since it is a lot of $$. I would only suggest that they could charge you for a room without AAA discount assuming 10%-20% and pay for that amount.

I would ask to speak with the General Manager and discuss the situation

I'm aware of the Ts and Cs but my question is why there would be a correlation between the ability to use the cheques and the rate? Is it because the cheques are available at some sort of discount?

Assuming the cost of the cheques are 100% of face value (with the exception of the MR redemption), why would the "mother ship" not reimburse a property? Seems to me that any discount offered by a specific property is a separate matter altogether.

Anyway, I'm familiar with the policy but would love to understand it.

I don't know that I've used them for anything but AAA rates!

If all else fails, I would have the hotel change your rate to the best available rate that qualifies for the cert use and if they can look back, what that rate would have been when you made your reservation and then use your certificates.

After you accomplish that, I would then take up the rate difference with the FDM.

TW

Would love to know how the story ended....

I'll let the OP give the details but all is well

same here!

If a high level employee said they can be used I am confident someone there will honor it. T&C's don't matter in that case because the hotel will want to do right by this guy. It's not worth a hassle over a couple bucks. They will work it out I am sure.

well I'll fill in a few additional details - OP has been taken care of...the manager the OP spoke with is currently on taskforce at another location and not on property but the OP was able to speak with the Director of Finance who was able to assist and resolve the issue to the OP's satisfaction

This is one point where I give Marriott a top score - if it's in a grey area, they will make things right.

I've used Gift Cheques many times; sometimes using membership rates. I was aware of the T&C and would have paid cash if they were denied. I've never had the Gift Cheques denied.
I always used the Gift Cheques instead of using points for stays because the stays gave me night/spend credit toward status.