Qualifying Nights and TOS
 

Mods- I've looked for the proper thread and couldn't find it. So move accordingly.

Well due to my lack of understanding of the TOS and qualifying nights to maintain my Gold status, I have been knocked down to Silver. I followed the Stays posted to my on-line account and came up one night short.

Marriott would not give me an exception, not that I would expect them to since it was my error, but it does prevent me from wanting to stay at Marriott property's. Plenty of other choices. In fact I've read on FT that SPG has the better Loyalty program. I'll try someone different for a nice change.

So not wanting to spend another minute on this, anyone have any input as to what Charity you would want me to spend my 431,000 points on? I'll put the donations in your name.

You could contribute to my honeymoon fund. That would be an awesome way to spend your points. And we could send you pictures of all our experiences so that you could see the joy you brought to a young newlywed couple. :D

Only half kidding... What a wonderful surprise that would be for my fiance! haha

Were you trying to achieve Gold through, " Taste of Gold," or similar such promotion requiring 12 nights over 90 days. If so, then yes, they are usually really strict about meeting this requirement. If you are talking 50 actual BIB nights, well I am surprised as I have co-workers who maintain Gold with 46 or 47 nights year after year.

Seems silly to throw away your hard earned MR points, that could get you 10 nights+ at a nice Marriott resort, or 6 nights at a Ritz Carlton. But if you feel that is the direction you want to head, more information can be found here:

http://www.marriott.com/rewards/usep...onatePoints.mi

Per Marriott's website, "Note: this donation of Marriott Reward points is not considered a charitable contribution by the U.S. IRS, and therefore, is not deductible under U.S. tax rules and regulations." So putting the donation in someone else's name, while a nice gesture, won't benefit them at all.

Regards,

RIP...

How about the MaineFlyer16 Make a Trip to Hawaii Foundation? :p

I appreciate your charitable nature but as OU812 points out points donations aren't really deductable.

Just find a really nice MR resort property (where elite status matters much less anyway) and enjoy the beach for many many days on your many many points.

Or just PM me since I'm staring at many self paid nights at MR properties and could consume them in a flash ;)

Throwing my number in a hat for those 400+k points ;)

On a serious note, I usually donate 2 nights (cat 4) at Charlotte Renaissance Suite sometime in April for a couple during the NC Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (NCFAPA) conference. (http://www.ncfapa.org/)

There are plenty of foster parents that the 2 day conference is their only "vacation" rest from taking care of the state's children - many with special needs. I am sure such organizations would be grateful for your donation in kind.

Yes it was one of those, but fewer nights and shorter time frame. Unfortunately it was during the time of year when I do the least amount of travel. Making it worse for me, I even paid to have my daughter stay in a Hotel property in her hometown, for what I thought was the last night I needed for the program.

Had I known a Stay on my on-line account really didn't mean a Stay, I had plenty of time left to qualify. Oh well. C'est la Vie

Keep the ideas coming. I'll be moving on. Time for a change.

I am VERY much in need of a vacation. If you feel charitable my wifey and myself could use a much needed break from working bones to the finger.

Suggested charities
 

Since the OP asked for charities for consideration, I'd like to suggest two:

The Make-a-Wish Foundation- grants wishes to children with life-threatening illness. I volunteer with the Michigan chapter but there are great chapters throughout the country. It's an amazing opportunity to give a child struggling with so much a chance to have a great experience and forget about doctors, hospitals, illness, etc. for a short time.

Local Food Banks- I support the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint, which provides food to many that are struggling with food insecurity. Many people don't realize how many people don't have enough food on a day to day basis, and many of those are children and seniors. The food bank can provide $14 worth of food for ever $1 that is donated. I am sure that there are similar programs in other communities.

Either of these charities (or many of the other thousands that are doing great work) would appreciate your donation!

The "SkiAdcock who foolishly went for 2 Cat 1-4 certs when she actually qualified for 25,000 points in the spring promo & didn't realize it Foundation" could use the points for her annual stay at Grosvenor House, which she can't afford otherwise. Feel free to PM me for details on how to gift me points :D

On a more serious note, if the above foundation doesn't work for you, I'd look at the charities on the Marriott site if you're indeed looking at throwing away points you've earned.

Also, I'm with the others - why waste them? You've earned them. Even if you decide to stick w/ Starwood in the future, you can still get a lovely stay at a top tier Marriott property worldwide.

On a dif note - if Starwood had run a promo & you didn't meet the qualifications, odds are they wouldn't have granted you an exception either. Better loyalty program is relative. All the major chains have good loyalty programs & all have pros/cons. It's really dependent on what your needs/goals/travel patterns are as to which is best.

Cheers.

I've always wanted to surprise my wife with a trip somewhere exotic, and I've been eyeballing Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Thailand. I've been stashing US Air miles and Marriott points to hopefully redeem for a really nice two week getaway. I'm still at least a full year from being able to make it happen. I'm a hard working government employee - isn't that charity enough? And my wife would be very happy!