'Thinking of You'
Oct 25, 2000 | 3:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 1999
Posts: 195
'Thinking of You'
'Thinking of You' - Marriott Launches New Services; Introduces New Bed, Web Site Enhancement and Guest Assistance Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR - news) announced today ``Thinking of You,'' a series of new guest services and brand enhancements, including the debut of a totally redesigned bed, At Your Service(SM) one-call guest assistance, express reservations on Marriott.com, e-mail reservation confirmation, a resort personal planning service, and a special web resource for travelers.
``We have a reputation for listening to our guests and providing meaningful services and innovative products,'' said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer for Marriott International. ``'Thinking of You' represents Marriott's ongoing commitment to anticipating the needs of the guest and placing a strong focus on providing the highest quality service possible.''
The New Marriott Bed
The new Marriott Bed features a seven-inch Jamison mattress with plush quilting on the top and sides, as well as a down comforter with duvet cover, lightweight down blanket and Down Surround pillows. Down items are manufactured by the Pacific Coast Feather Company and undergo a patented Hypercleaning process to ensure the bedding is hypoallergenic. Marriott spent more than a year designing and testing the bed for Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites and Marriott Conference Centers -- eight hotels participated in extensive customer research. Installation began this fall and plans call for approximately 75 percent of the brands' guest rooms to receive the new bed by early 2003.
``One Touch'' At Your Service(SM)
With one call, guests at select Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites; and Marriott Conference Centers can access all hotel services. By dialing the At Your Service number, the guest has instant access to an At Your Service associate who is trained to handle guest requests ranging from room service to housekeeping, concierge, bell stand, business center, laundry/valet service, the hotel restaurant(s), recreational activities, engineering, wake-up call request and directions to local attractions. At Your Service enables Marriott to recognize and respond to guest needs more efficiently and effectively, and expands a hotel's ability to address guest preferences, enhance guest travel experiences and recognize frequent customers.
Marriott.com -- Personalized Express Reservations
Marriott.com, the company's award-winning web site, is adding personalization features that streamline online reservations by eliminating the need to re-enter personal information. Travelers can now voluntarily register basic profile information, including method of payment, preferred hotel brand, preferred room type, Marriott Rewards membership number and e-mail address. For updating, or to delete information, profiles can be accessed online at any time -- all information is encrypted and protected in a secure environment. Marriott.com receives three million visits per month and is the first lodging web site to provide a personal profile reservation service.
Reservation Confirmation via E-mail Marriott now offers immediate reservation confirmation via e-mail to anyone who books a guest room through Marriott worldwide reservations centers located in the U.S. and abroad. The new service, which is the first of its kind in the hospitality industry, will be available for bookings at all Marriott brands. This service is being implemented as a result of recent consumer research conducted by Marriott that found that travelers want to feel more prepared for and less apprehensive about their travel arrangements before they actually begin to travel. Also included in the e-mail confirmation is a hyperlink to each hotel's web page on Marriott.com where the guest can find property-specific information, including driving directions, restaurants and special amenities.
Marriott Resorts -- Personal Planning Service
With Marriott's Personal Planning Service, guests can enjoy ``one-stop shopping'' to plan an ideal, customized vacation at select Marriott Resorts in premier destinations across the country. Individuals, couples or families staying one night or more with at least a five-day advance reservation can now enjoy the luxury of a personal planning coordinator who will pre-arrange all resort dining, golf and tennis, spa treatments, children's care and activities, and other special needs ranging from a rollaway bed to a bottle of champagne upon arrival. The coordinator also will schedule popular off-site activities, including local tours, shows and exhibits, and visits to other area attractions. Marriott resorts currently offering Personal Planning Service include: Camelback Inn Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa, Marriott's Desert Springs, Rancho Las Palmas Marriott Resort & Spa, Grand Hotel Marriott Resort & Golf Club, Tan-Tar-A Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, and Harbor Beach Marriott Resort.
Marriott and STSN Develop New Portal -- TravelersEdge.com
Marriott and STSN have developed TravelersEdge.com, an online web site designed to provide travelers with instant access to information and services while on the road. The web site will be accessible in Marriott properties equipped with STSN high-speed Internet access.
TravelersEdge.com will supply guests with property and destination information, as well as general news, sports, weather, travel and entertainment updates. Marriott guests will be able to access information ranging from the hotel's room service menu to local gallery exhibits, stock quotes to flight schedules, and sports updates to online shopping. In addition, guests can personalize the information displayed to match their interests, allowing guests access to their customized portal selections during future stays.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR - news) announced today ``Thinking of You,'' a series of new guest services and brand enhancements, including the debut of a totally redesigned bed, At Your Service(SM) one-call guest assistance, express reservations on Marriott.com, e-mail reservation confirmation, a resort personal planning service, and a special web resource for travelers.
``We have a reputation for listening to our guests and providing meaningful services and innovative products,'' said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer for Marriott International. ``'Thinking of You' represents Marriott's ongoing commitment to anticipating the needs of the guest and placing a strong focus on providing the highest quality service possible.''
The New Marriott Bed
The new Marriott Bed features a seven-inch Jamison mattress with plush quilting on the top and sides, as well as a down comforter with duvet cover, lightweight down blanket and Down Surround pillows. Down items are manufactured by the Pacific Coast Feather Company and undergo a patented Hypercleaning process to ensure the bedding is hypoallergenic. Marriott spent more than a year designing and testing the bed for Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites and Marriott Conference Centers -- eight hotels participated in extensive customer research. Installation began this fall and plans call for approximately 75 percent of the brands' guest rooms to receive the new bed by early 2003.
``One Touch'' At Your Service(SM)
With one call, guests at select Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites; and Marriott Conference Centers can access all hotel services. By dialing the At Your Service number, the guest has instant access to an At Your Service associate who is trained to handle guest requests ranging from room service to housekeeping, concierge, bell stand, business center, laundry/valet service, the hotel restaurant(s), recreational activities, engineering, wake-up call request and directions to local attractions. At Your Service enables Marriott to recognize and respond to guest needs more efficiently and effectively, and expands a hotel's ability to address guest preferences, enhance guest travel experiences and recognize frequent customers.
Marriott.com -- Personalized Express Reservations
Marriott.com, the company's award-winning web site, is adding personalization features that streamline online reservations by eliminating the need to re-enter personal information. Travelers can now voluntarily register basic profile information, including method of payment, preferred hotel brand, preferred room type, Marriott Rewards membership number and e-mail address. For updating, or to delete information, profiles can be accessed online at any time -- all information is encrypted and protected in a secure environment. Marriott.com receives three million visits per month and is the first lodging web site to provide a personal profile reservation service.
Reservation Confirmation via E-mail Marriott now offers immediate reservation confirmation via e-mail to anyone who books a guest room through Marriott worldwide reservations centers located in the U.S. and abroad. The new service, which is the first of its kind in the hospitality industry, will be available for bookings at all Marriott brands. This service is being implemented as a result of recent consumer research conducted by Marriott that found that travelers want to feel more prepared for and less apprehensive about their travel arrangements before they actually begin to travel. Also included in the e-mail confirmation is a hyperlink to each hotel's web page on Marriott.com where the guest can find property-specific information, including driving directions, restaurants and special amenities.
Marriott Resorts -- Personal Planning Service
With Marriott's Personal Planning Service, guests can enjoy ``one-stop shopping'' to plan an ideal, customized vacation at select Marriott Resorts in premier destinations across the country. Individuals, couples or families staying one night or more with at least a five-day advance reservation can now enjoy the luxury of a personal planning coordinator who will pre-arrange all resort dining, golf and tennis, spa treatments, children's care and activities, and other special needs ranging from a rollaway bed to a bottle of champagne upon arrival. The coordinator also will schedule popular off-site activities, including local tours, shows and exhibits, and visits to other area attractions. Marriott resorts currently offering Personal Planning Service include: Camelback Inn Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa, Marriott's Desert Springs, Rancho Las Palmas Marriott Resort & Spa, Grand Hotel Marriott Resort & Golf Club, Tan-Tar-A Marriott Resort Golf Club & Spa, Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, and Harbor Beach Marriott Resort.
Marriott and STSN Develop New Portal -- TravelersEdge.com
Marriott and STSN have developed TravelersEdge.com, an online web site designed to provide travelers with instant access to information and services while on the road. The web site will be accessible in Marriott properties equipped with STSN high-speed Internet access.
TravelersEdge.com will supply guests with property and destination information, as well as general news, sports, weather, travel and entertainment updates. Marriott guests will be able to access information ranging from the hotel's room service menu to local gallery exhibits, stock quotes to flight schedules, and sports updates to online shopping. In addition, guests can personalize the information displayed to match their interests, allowing guests access to their customized portal selections during future stays.
Oct 25, 2000 | 7:43 pm
#2
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
What they NEED TO DO IS ELIMINATE THOSE RIDICULOUS PAPER AWARD CERTIFICATES. They are absolutely outdated.
Wake up Marriott - it is Y2K. The world is going ELECTRONIC.
Also, as a PLT member with approx. 92 nights YTD I would appreciate more perks.
Wake up Marriott - it is Y2K. The world is going ELECTRONIC.
Also, as a PLT member with approx. 92 nights YTD I would appreciate more perks.
Oct 26, 2000 | 2:53 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA1MM, *G,HA Premier Club, Hyatt Disc, HHonors Gold, Marriott LTPlat, ClubCarlson Gold, IHG PlatAmb
Posts: 1,281
Au contraire, I actually like the paper award certificate better than electronic. Why? I have, in the past, used the cert as a gift for other people and it sure makes a great gift everyone appreciate. Try THAT with the electronic version; which means the account holder (gifter) always have to get involved when the giftee is ready to make the reservation, OR the giftee need to have a reservation in advance. For me, I prefer handing off the certificate to someone else and let them deal with their schedule themselves.
Marriott is the only company that still have paper upgrade; I used to be able to do the same with the Hyatt but..not anymore.
I would only change my mind about the electronic cert if someone can come up with a good (and proper) way to gift them to someone else.
Thx
Jamester
Marriott is the only company that still have paper upgrade; I used to be able to do the same with the Hyatt but..not anymore.
I would only change my mind about the electronic cert if someone can come up with a good (and proper) way to gift them to someone else.
Thx
Jamester
Oct 27, 2000 | 7:47 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 141
How about following Delta Airlines lead and have both electronic awards AND paper award certificates?
Oct 27, 2000 | 8:25 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: IAD
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 27,068
Agreed - they should offer the option of electronic awards and last minute award reservation. Starwood offers it.
Oct 27, 2000 | 9:56 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 248
Speaking of Starwood, they have had everything that Marriott is introducing. The Heavenly Bed, The Westin One Call, express reservations using your Starwood Prefered Guest number. The Resort planning service can be accessed through The Luxury Collection or Resorts desk.
Oct 27, 2000 | 12:42 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA1MM, *G,HA Premier Club, Hyatt Disc, HHonors Gold, Marriott LTPlat, ClubCarlson Gold, IHG PlatAmb
Posts: 1,281
dljohn,
You said DL still does paper award? Can you gift it to a third party WITHOUT them being present? (i.e. call DL, ask them to send me a paper cert and hand the cert as a gift?) How does it work?
Thx in advance!
Jamester
You said DL still does paper award? Can you gift it to a third party WITHOUT them being present? (i.e. call DL, ask them to send me a paper cert and hand the cert as a gift?) How does it work?
Thx in advance!
Jamester
Oct 27, 2000 | 2:57 pm
#8
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
Thank you PG - that is my point. I am unable to schedule last minute reservations because of this ridiculous paper certificate nonsense.
Oct 29, 2000 | 7:37 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 141
Jamester:
Technically, the FF account holder must present the certificate to a DL ticketing office (or airport ticket counter) and get the actual ticket issued in the gift recipient's name.
That said, if the gift recipient is on a well known basis with a DL employee who tickets, said gift recipient could have the transaction handled through such friendship.
SECOND IDEA:
FF account holder sets up a reservation for the gift recipient as an E-ticket reservation. Points are used to "pay" for the ticket from account holder's account or from cashing in the paper certificate.
Gift recipient simply has to show up at the airport from where his/her journey begins with drivers license in hand.
Technically, the FF account holder must present the certificate to a DL ticketing office (or airport ticket counter) and get the actual ticket issued in the gift recipient's name.
That said, if the gift recipient is on a well known basis with a DL employee who tickets, said gift recipient could have the transaction handled through such friendship.
SECOND IDEA:
FF account holder sets up a reservation for the gift recipient as an E-ticket reservation. Points are used to "pay" for the ticket from account holder's account or from cashing in the paper certificate.
Gift recipient simply has to show up at the airport from where his/her journey begins with drivers license in hand.
Oct 29, 2000 | 10:59 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA1MM, *G,HA Premier Club, Hyatt Disc, HHonors Gold, Marriott LTPlat, ClubCarlson Gold, IHG PlatAmb
Posts: 1,281
dljohn,
Ah, thanks for the explain. What I would really like to do is give my friend a certificate that says 'Valid for one roundtrip fare within the U.S.' or something like that; since that would leave it up to my giftee to book his/her own travel. (I did this with AA two yrs ago; I think you can still do it this way) Your idea works only if I personally know when exactly he/she would like to travel.
Since this isn't a DL board, I'll go ahead and close this omni here and resume offline, before other Marriott readers start sending me hate mail.
Thanks again, dljohn!
Jamester
[This message has been edited by Jamester (edited 10-29-2000).]
Ah, thanks for the explain. What I would really like to do is give my friend a certificate that says 'Valid for one roundtrip fare within the U.S.' or something like that; since that would leave it up to my giftee to book his/her own travel. (I did this with AA two yrs ago; I think you can still do it this way) Your idea works only if I personally know when exactly he/she would like to travel.
Since this isn't a DL board, I'll go ahead and close this omni here and resume offline, before other Marriott readers start sending me hate mail.
Thanks again, dljohn!
Jamester
[This message has been edited by Jamester (edited 10-29-2000).]