Is there really a point in being Marriott Platinum?
Jul 11, 2012, 4:44 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 25,934
I don't understand why you make a point about SPG having way fewer hotels total than Marriott, if you then turn around and say Hyatt (which has even way fewer hotels total than SPG) is your second choice instead of SPG!
Last edited by sdsearch; Jul 11, 2012 at 5:03 pm Reason: spelling
Jul 11, 2012, 5:10 pm
#32
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott, AAdvantage, United, Club Carlson
Posts: 1,687
While written benefits may not differ significantly on paper, I've found that the treatment I've received while Platinum far supersedes that when I was Gold
Jul 11, 2012, 6:24 pm
#33
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thailand
Programs: Marriott - P; HH - G; Hyatt - P; Avis - LT First
Posts: 5,023
IMO, that depends on the individual property (ie. as a plat, I've never received any upgrade at the JW Phuket, but as a former gold, I, along with others reporting on their stays, were upgraded to a private pool villa at neighboring Reniassance Phuket)
Jul 11, 2012, 6:41 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
Absolutely!!
- Guaranteed room when hotel sold out - used this benefit several time and it is very convenient when booking at the last minute.
- Lounge access and free breakfast - very convinient in US properties but especially in properties overseas as their breakfast is much better. Also, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the evening (some times even a full dinner buffet).
- 50% points bonus
- amenity gift
These are some of the benefits I really enjoy.
- Guaranteed room when hotel sold out - used this benefit several time and it is very convenient when booking at the last minute.
- Lounge access and free breakfast - very convinient in US properties but especially in properties overseas as their breakfast is much better. Also, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the evening (some times even a full dinner buffet).
- 50% points bonus
- amenity gift
These are some of the benefits I really enjoy.
Jul 11, 2012, 6:45 pm
#35
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thailand
Programs: Marriott - P; HH - G; Hyatt - P; Avis - LT First
Posts: 5,023
I think you'll find that NYE is considered a special event and the 48-hr guarantee for plats won't be applicable................ that being said, have you tried seeing if bookings for more then 1-night is available as at certain times rooms are available over holidays if the res is more then 2+ days...............
Jul 11, 2012, 8:15 pm
#36
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
It looks like there is a 3 night minimum. Use the "My dates are flexible search" and you should be able to find a 3 night stay or longer for over NYE. Rates are $549/nt.
Jul 12, 2012, 1:30 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
I think you'll find that NYE is considered a special event and the 48-hr guarantee for plats won't be applicable................ that being said, have you tried seeing if bookings for more then 1-night is available as at certain times rooms are available over holidays if the res is more then 2+ days...............
Jul 12, 2012, 1:31 am
#38
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
Jul 12, 2012, 7:23 am
#39
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
NYE private venues (restaurants, dinner cruises, etc) run $500 and up per person. We did Cafe Sydney which was awesome and I highly recommend it. Bookings should have opened on July 1. Request outside if it's still available. Capt cook cruises, Opera Bar, Sebel Hotel (but it is right under the bridge so not the best location IMO since the bridge is what you want to see and looking straight up isn't this best view) are a couple other options. There are many more to choose from, do some research.
NYE public venues start filling up midday. If you choose this option bring plenty of sunscreen, umbrella and drink lots of water because it will be a long day.
Exec lounge closes at 9 PM on NYE but they do have an awesome spread that evening.
Jul 12, 2012, 8:47 pm
#40
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
Jul 12, 2012, 9:10 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,849
Depending on travel patterns, different programs/hotel chains work for different people. Number of hotels is not the only reason to choose a program--especially if most of them are in places one never has a need/desire to go.
Jul 13, 2012, 1:56 am
#42
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,578
I am just about 100% Marriotts elsewhere except the occasional Grand Hyatt in Seattle if they have a good rate (4-6 nights per year). I have their CC and use it at their hotels to earn some free nights per year with the stays.
Last edited by apodo77; Jul 13, 2012 at 2:03 am
Jul 13, 2012, 10:49 am
#43
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Jul 14, 2012, 5:09 pm
#44
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Hyatt Globalist;Bonvoy Lifetime Titan ; Hilton DIA (amex); AA Plat
Posts: 221
I work to keep it primarily for the bonus points, and the occasional upgrade.
Jul 15, 2012, 8:19 am
#45
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
A case in point is Club Carlson. I have a bunch of Club Carlson points and was going to use some for a couple of nights in downtown Chicago for my daughter. Club Carlson has 20 hotels listed but only one in downtown Chicago. And that one, Radisson Blu, is not taking points for the weekend I was looking at.