What value elite status with Marriott?
May 11, 2002 | 6:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,917
What value elite status with Marriott?
I have been Silver with Marriott for several years. I realize that is not a high elite status, but what value is elite with Marriott other than extra points earned? Seems like the Starwood board always talks about very common upgrades to suites etc. I cannot recall my silver status ever being noticed in any way at any marriott stay in the past. Is it because it is so low en elite status? What happens when a gold or platinum checks in to a Marriott?
[This message has been edited by RobertS975 (edited 05-11-2002).]
[This message has been edited by RobertS975 (edited 05-11-2002).]
May 11, 2002 | 6:36 pm
#2
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
Marriott silver status is too easy to get for it to have any real value. You can get silver status just for having a Marriott Rewards VISA card, for instance. You don't even have to stay at a hotel!
Gold and platinum status give access to the Concierge Lounge, which has real value. Plats also get upgrades most of the time.
Bruce
Gold and platinum status give access to the Concierge Lounge, which has real value. Plats also get upgrades most of the time.
Bruce
May 11, 2002 | 6:53 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Sacramento, Ca USA
Programs: United 1K MM - 1.7M actually, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,231
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bdschobel:
\Plats also get upgrades most of the time.
Bruce</font>
\Plats also get upgrades most of the time.
Bruce</font>
May 13, 2002 | 11:11 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: SJC (AA PLT 2MM - Marriott LTT - Avis Preferred)
Posts: 2,252
The system-wide room upgrades and concierge lounge access at Marriott/Renaissance have been my carrots for maintaining a Gold level.
May 13, 2002 | 9:16 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Sacramento, Ca USA
Programs: United 1K MM - 1.7M actually, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,231
with some properties charging $2-$3 fo a soda or a bottle of water, those free drinks (non alcoholic) in the lounge are a wonderful perk. the appetizers and veggie tray and deserts can save money on food bills as well.
Overall, I believe most frequent flyers tend to concentrate their business with a handful of airlines and hotels and then reap the benefits.
Overall, I believe most frequent flyers tend to concentrate their business with a handful of airlines and hotels and then reap the benefits.
May 14, 2002 | 8:45 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Marriott LTT, AA LTG MM, AC 25K
Posts: 3,984
I too am very disappointed with what Silver status at Marriott has become. The only thing preserved for this level when they merged the programs (Club Marquis, Courtyard Club, etc.) was the bonus points. Club Marquis Gold - the former 15 night level - at least seemed better. Some full-service Marriotts had Marquis floors, which while not full concierge levels, were a nice feature. Room upgrades were sometimes given without asking and (I know it's a minor complaint) we used to get a local newspaper 7 days a week instead of the USA Today every guest receives. It was really nice to spend a relaxing Sunday morning over your breakfast with that big newspaper. Some of the older Marriotts still remember, but not many.