Does anyone know if Marriott has a flyertalk rep?

I know many of the other hotels/airlines have them.

Thanks

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3.9 cents/min long dist_ _______ _ no monthly fee, dial direct

I too hope that Marriott may put a rep out here (Official or otherwise), however, that's only a hope. In the meantime, I advice you to remove the Ad from your signature line, as it's kinda against Flyertalks Rules.

Can't be of much help right now, but I'm starting a summer position at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre next month, (I'm a tourism management university student), so I'll be able to answer the basics. Most definitely not official, tho

[edited for spelling]

[This message has been edited by cedric (edited 04-24-2002).]

They did establish a dedicated email address for FT members. This is a quote from the Nov 15, 2001 Chat Transcript

Frankly, I've gotten better response just by using the email link at marriottrewards.com

-David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited 04-24-2002).]

Ok...I'll come clean...I do work for Marriott in Revenue Management, but am NOT an official representative here....I've always been happy to try and answer people's questions in this forum and if I'm unable to answer a question, I usually know who you should contact for the correct answer


[This message has been edited by socrates (edited 04-25-2002).]

socrates,

You should really talk to somebody there about the policy regarding replacement of lost or stolen Vacation Cards. Currently, the terms and conditions say that the cards will NOT be replaced (limited to unused value, of course), even though Marriott has the capability to do so. How many people are willing to carry around a $1000 or $2000 bearer instrument under those conditions? Not I!

I have had some conversations with Steve Maselko in Bethesda about this, but his hands seem to be tied by Marriott's lawyers, who are afraid of all kinds of hypothetical situations that I won't describe here.

This subject is covered in more detail in the thread about getting Marriott money cheap! Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Bruce

I wish MR had a full time person like the lurker at SPG but they do not. However Other than the SPG Lurker, I'm not sure of any other hotel or airline who has a full time or authorized rep. Some will Say Adam Burke at Hilton, however he has not been seen very often or as of late. As for the airlines, could someone shed some info if any airline has a rep... I read CO, DL, NW, and AA and haven't seen any on those boards.. ditto on the Hyatt, which is the only other chain other than MR, Hh, and SPG that I read...

I've read the same terms and conditions as you but if you go to http://gifts.marriott.com and read the faq's for the vacation card it states the cards WILL be reissued....so in my opinion (not a company opinion) I'd just make sure you print the faq's and you should be ok

Q. What if the VacationCard is lost or stolen?


A. If the card is lost or stolen: 1) Immediately call 801-468-4167 in the U.S. or 866-239-1455 in Canada. Give the account number and report the card as lost or stolen. 2) A new card will be sent. However, you will need to provide certain details in regards to the amount remaining on the card at the time of the call.

Remember....It states you need to know the account number and the amount remaining on the card....

Ok...just spoke to our Gift Certificate Accounting...we WILL replace the amount remaining on the card, however since Vacation Cards only come in 1k or 2k values, instead of a vacation card you may receive a gift card instead but you WILL receive the amount remaining on the card


<Edited for updated info>

[This message has been edited by socrates (edited 04-25-2002).]

Personally I have not "needed" assistance from Adam and I think you are correct that he has not been seen very often lately.

Hilton did implement a specific email address for FT'ers [email protected]

this email address has been terrific! Prompt response and service. However some on the Hilton board have not had such great response with this new email address.

I feel that Marriott should at least get an email address.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 04-26-2002).]

socrates,

This is very good news indeed! Thanks.

Bruce

It's very nice of you to answer some of the questions here, and I appreciate it, however, I think we're all missing some of the problems with the vacation card.

Mine came with an insert that specifically contradicts the terms and conditions on the web site, though I understand that they will attempt to replace your card, that insert says otherwise, and says that they will not replace lost or stolen cards. Why include that insert with the card, if that's not the way it works?

Even if they do replace it, they use the words "at it's current value", so what would happen if I lose it or its stolen from my hotel room, somebody finds it or takes it and uses the remaining value on the card before I discover that I don't have it? With a Visa credit or debit card, I know I'm protected within specific and certain limits in this case, but what is my legal protection with this 1k or 2k bearer instrument? I don't think that is very clear at all for this card, and the fact that it's my job to remember the number and the phone numbers makes it even worse.

Let the buyer beware.

Just my opinion.

-David

I'm not sure of the legal classification on the gift/vacation card (whether they ware considered a debit card or not) so I would agree with your opinion, however if it makes you feel better (not sure why it would though) I did buy a card, and have advised my family to do the same for our up coming vacation. (I believe I'll be keeping the card in my wallet for safe keeping)...also remember the cards have a feature where they can only be used at a Marriott Branded hotel (except Ritz-Carlton)....making it slightly harder for a thief to use

When Vacation Cards came out I noticed the discrepancy in the information about lost cards and corresponded with Steve Maselko about it. He attributed the conflict to the newness of the card and assured me that mine would be replaced if lost. He also assured me the information would be clarified. Obviously, it hasn't been. I think this is legally irresponsible and poor marketing. Why on earth wouldn't they fix it?

i have been a contractor to mvci for 2 years and from time-to-time will email lynne interesting items from flyertalk.

they are more aware of the issues you raise than you think. things can seem to move very slowly from the average f/t poster point of view. from my point of view, they are moving as fast as they can to be better and do it right. it takes more than pulling a new program out of you @$$ to make it work.

i have been to the big marriott hub in slc several times. it is amazing the amount of effort they put into customer service and volume of stuff that they have. it is like a little city with the city. you should use their email support if you have suggestions. they are listening and read all of them.

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