Getting Awards Faster
 

Is there any way to get reward stays booked quickly - say in 2-3 days? I am Starwood Platinum and I could, literally, book an award stay on the web for tonight if I cared to do so. Anything comparable with Marriott? Or am I stuck with 2 weeks by mail?

It's actually quite easy to book a reward reservation on Marriott.com.

Go to the website and book a room as you would normally for a paid stay. Just click the 'Marriott Rewards Redemption' box and it will show availability for an award.

It may take 10-14 days to receive an award certificate once requested.

I guess its those 2 weeks to get the certificate that bother me. I can make the reservation for tomorrow night, but I have no hope of getting the certificate by then. Right?

Pretty much. I know you can pay them to FedEx the cert, but it still takes a few days.

[edited to fix fedex]

[This message has been edited by empedocles (edited 07-17-2002).]

If you are Platinum, MR waives the $15 express fee. But if you wanted to use the reward tonight or tomorrow, you can have them express the certificate to the hotel directly. Even if it doesn't arrive on time, the hotel can call Marriott Rewards and get the certificate number.

Rumor has it that Marriott is working on a new system of redeeming reward points right at the hotel and doing away with the need for certificates. Hope that goes through.