Most Marriott hotels only have a couple room types, excluding suites, and, again, IME, those that had multiple room types already had this policy in writing. Those properties were, IME, vacation destination properties.

Examples:

• Atlanta Marriott Marquis: Non-suite room types for a 7/1 reservation are Guest room and Concierge level. No change
• Eden Roc: The three room types for the same night, at different rates are Guest room, Partial ocean view and Ocean view. My previous reservations here have indicated I could only get a one type UG, but, in fact, I was given an Ocean view room at the Guest room rate. IMO, no change.
• JW Ko Olina: Mountain or Golf view, Ocean view, Deluxe Ocean view. I paid for the least room and was UG to Ocean view. The one room type UG was clear to me before going, and I remember thinking about paying the extra for the Ocean view to get the Deluxe, but read on the Web that the Ocean view was very nice. IME, no change.
• NY Marquis: Guest room, times Square guest room, Executive king larger guest room and CL guest room. IME, I've sometimes leapfrogged to the CL level, and other times to the Executive king. I've declined the Times Square option and mostly had a regular room. In other words, the same as it appears with the "new" language.

It just doesn't seem to be that big a change from what most properties have already been doing.

It may not be a big change from what properties are already doing (which, in my experience lately, is not a lot) but it now gives them the out to do as little as possible.

Is a queen room considered an upgrade over a room with 2 double beds?

What are you, some kind of hippie? We're conducting a major hissy fit here...:D

Bed type is already guaranteed. In those hotels that charge more for a King bed, if you choose the less expensive Queens then a King wouldn't be an UG, it would be a mistake.

We it may not have a big impact at most Marriotts. It does give any hotel the ability to limit the upgrade.

I am more concerned about MR people lying about the T&C language being changed. Really says a lot about MR and their integrity!

Regards,

RIP..

I think we've jumped several categories at almost every resort hotel we've ever stayed at. (Except Grand Cayman which gave us a crummy room despite the hotel being nearly empty). Curacao, Waikikii, Wailea, Waikoloa I book the most basic resort view on points and have always gotten ocean front or very good ocean view rooms.

Sounds like it actually might benefit elites, not hurt them.

How? What if no rooms are avaialbe in the next category up, but 6 rooms are avaialbe 2 cat's up? Are we SOL?

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I absolutely disagree. I've stayed in numerous Marriotts that have had multiple room types, and have seen no such written language limiting elite upgrades to one category.

1. I have no idea what it means to be just a change on the website. Are you saying it means nothing so pay no attention to it? Of course it means something or why is it there? You think some front desk clerk isn't going to point to it, when denying an upgrade?
2. I don't recall much discussion on the board about any unhappiness with the way the current rule was stated. I do recall much discussion when the rule stated "finest available accomodations" without excluding suites. But that's been years ago.
3. The current terms and conditions for elite upgrades state as follows: "Free Room Upgrade: Suites not included; based on room availability at check-in and limited to a Member's personal guestroom. For Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites, upgrades from studio rooms to 1- or 2-bedrooms are not guaranteed. Not available at Marriott Vacation Club." https://www.marriott.com/rewards/terms/elite.mi Notice, there is no limitation as to next highest room category.

But here is the newer language in a separate description of the upgrade benefit (but which is not a part of the terms and conditions): "For Platinum Elite members, the best way is up! So every time you check in, we'll do our best to upgrade you - at no additional charge - to our best-available guest room in the next room category level. Suites are excluded. Not available at Marriott Vacation Club." What was the point of adding the language to the description, but not the T&C's? https://www.marriott.com/rewards/mem...ts/platinum.mi

Yes, I win! :) (I made a bet that probably at some point Marriott's Ministry of Truth will claim this change was caused by numerous requests by members – if it acknowledges the change at all.)

Excuse me, "verbiage on the website" is what I agree to when I make reservations and join Marriott Rewards. That's the most important verbiage there is between me and MR. I don't have access to MR internal documents so don't care much what's there. "Verbiage on the website" is the contract between me and MR. How changing that could be considered something minor?!

he language should be the same in all media and print description of any benefit. Any deviation is going to cause confusion.

Are you claiming that Marriott for years has published "we will upgrade you to the best available room (suites excluded)" on their website, but internally to hotels always said "no, upgrade one category only"?

You cut off the "IME" that was immediately before the statement you quoted, but it still leaves me wondering how you can "absolutely disagree" with what I claimed to be "in my experience." Are we having these experiences together? If not, how can you absolutely disagree with my experience?

If a hotel chain rewards program is causing people so much angst, then perhaps it's time to switch programs.