LACK OF AWARD AVAILABILITY
Oct 15, 2000 | 8:35 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: DFW, 3.5 MM, AA EXP, LIFETIME PLATINUM, MARRIOTT LIFETIME PLATINUM, STARWOOD AMBASSADOR 223 NIGHTS, AND LIFETIME GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELITE
Posts: 5,847
LACK OF AWARD AVAILABILITY
Since it has become practically impossible to redeem my Marriott points, is there a way to "launder them" into Starwood - where I don't have to put up with "Unfortunately, the Special Rate You Requested Is Not Available" messages for 3 months in a row???
Get real Marriott...
Get real Marriott...
Oct 15, 2000 | 10:22 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,394
I don't know if I'm lucky, but I was able to book the 2nd week of January at the Key Largo Marriott.
What property / dates are you trying to book?
What property / dates are you trying to book?
Oct 16, 2000 | 1:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Allentown, PA USA
Programs: Northwest-millionair; Marriott, lifetime gold
Posts: 578
The most popular rewards at the most popular times certainly take advance planning. I think that's true of Starwood and others, too. I found it impossible to get Marriott Rome next August, even starting 11 months ahead. But it's been far from true that it is impossible to use my reward points. I've been successful is every one of the alternatives I sought, and Marriott's rewards people have been more than helpful.
Oct 16, 2000 | 5:04 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: CO
Posts: 815
I have found that I almost never have problems getting awards if booked well in advance. The exception to this is Paris & Rome where even 11 months in advance won't get you a room.
On the other hand - sometimes it is luck of the draw. A friend of my just got back from Rome where she got rooms about 2 weeks before departure. She was in Rome around the middle of Sept.
On the other hand - sometimes it is luck of the draw. A friend of my just got back from Rome where she got rooms about 2 weeks before departure. She was in Rome around the middle of Sept.
Oct 16, 2000 | 7:05 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: DFW, 3.5 MM, AA EXP, LIFETIME PLATINUM, MARRIOTT LIFETIME PLATINUM, STARWOOD AMBASSADOR 223 NIGHTS, AND LIFETIME GOLD, HILTON DIAMOND, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE ELITE
Posts: 5,847
Phil - With all due respect you are not very familiar with the Starwood program - with Starwood, if there is a vacant room, you get it.
I have never had any problems getting rooms at Starwood.
Not to mention, having to book 11 months in advance is a bit much..
I have never had any problems getting rooms at Starwood.
Not to mention, having to book 11 months in advance is a bit much..
Oct 16, 2000 | 8:31 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Winter Garden, FL
Programs: Delta DM-3MM United Gold-MM Marriott Lifetime Titanium Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 13,498
I'm not going to suggest that this is always so easy, but I got five "free" nights at the Paris Renaissance last November, maybe 5 months in advance. It's mostly luck, but they do have rewards available.
Bruce
Bruce
Oct 17, 2000 | 7:19 am
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tampa, FL
Programs: AAMM & PLT; UA Gold, DL Silver, Marriott LT Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold Club
Posts: 1,592
The only times I have not been able to get a an award stay was in 1998 in Paris during the World Cup Soccer tournament and at the Marabella Spain location. The reservation agent told me that this is the most visited vacation club and the owners almost never give up their assigned week. I have booked numerous stay and usually get what I need on the first try.
Oct 17, 2000 | 8:56 am
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Orange County, CA, USA
Programs: AA (Life Plat), Marriott (Life Titanium) and every other US program
Posts: 6,416
Agree with Jamflyer. I have been Marriott for over 15 years. For the last few years (until yesterday, when I made Gold) I have been the lowest elite level (Silver fka Gold). But I can't recall an effort to book an award I couldn't get. Just stayed this summer for 7 days at London Grosvenor. Stayed 2 days in New York during October last year (conference season). Hong Kong, Vienna, lots of others.
Oct 17, 2000 | 3:44 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: See pitflyer
Posts: 1,620
I had to fudge dates just a little bit, but I was able to get into the Marriott Grovesnsor Square over Thanksgiving for a reward stay.. without too much difficulty three months in advance.