In your previous post, you said they dont give "nothin" for "nothin". Unfortunately, I provided a counterexample to this statement--the fact that my sister got silver for nothing, thus proving you WRONG. Now you are modifying your statement to "they don't give platinum away for nothing." Since you now have a history of lying, we have no reason to believe you. Obviously, you don't seem to have a clue about how Marriott does their marketing, since you keep changing your generalizations. I believe you are acting out of jealousy--the fact that you spent lots of money to earn it, and you are jealous and/or angry that pitflyer got it for next to nothing. Well, NEWSFLASH-airlines do it all the time--I could get high/midlevel tier status on any airline I choose because of the comping, so why can't hotels do it?

[This message has been edited by MaineFlyer16 (edited 11-16-2002).]

Experience has shown that altho Marriott is liberal with comps to Silver, it is very exceptional to get a comp to either of the higher levels. I'd like to have more detail from pitflyer.
To repeat, they don't comp but they do give you some play if you're a few nights short of qualifying.

I don't really give a **** if you believe me or not, but I was given Platinum this year even though I only had seven nights with Marriott last year. I assume one of two things: It's a computer glitch or it's because the company I worked for dumped Marriott and Marriott is still trying to hold onto us elites.

It didn't work, I instead went for Starwood Platinum, then Hilton Diamond (both still covered by my company). I will end this year with 12 nights at Marriott, will see what happens. Most of my stays are for their promotions or using the 2-for-1 Elite Exclusive Offers. I am still a fan of Marriott, but they are now third on my preference list after Starwood and Hilton.

Again, I don't think anyone should get their panties in a twist, but it did happen. It's as puzzling to me as to anyone else, and I remember early this year calling Marriott Rewards and going 'Are you sure I'm still Platinum?" and they said yes, and then puzzling over the welcome letter that says "Thanks for staying with us 75 nights last year".

Marriott is still by far the least likely to give people comped anything (aside from their promotions) and that is a GOOD thing, but if you think anything is written in stone in the frequent flier/stayer business, you really got a shock coming to you...

Marriott is pretty tough. I recently inquired to see if there was a way to get comped or take a challenge to attain an elite status with them. I have shown loyalty in the past (500k earned program points) but only 24 nights this year so far (although most were at full service, expensive Marriotts). The response I received was a resounding "no". (see below)

Thank you for contacting Marriott Rewards.

That challenge is only offered to members who were previously Gold and have
been downgraded.

In fairness to our most frequent stayers, elite levels in our program are
only achieved by personal nights stayed at Marriott Hotels 1/1 to 12/31 of
each year.

Silver elite level is 15 personal nights, Gold elite level is 50 personal
nights, and Platinum elite level is 75 personal nights.

Most of our Gold elite level (50 personal nights) members stay over 60
nights per year and most of our Platinum elite level (75 personal nights)
members stay over 100 nights per year. The demand for Gold and Platinum
elite level benefits such as concierge lounge (full service hotels, only,
excluding resorts), upgraded rooms, etc., is very high at hotels and not all
Gold and Platinum level members can be accommodated on every stay.

The Elite Membership benefits are not equal at each Marriott brand.

For Elite Membership benefits information, click here:
http://www.marriottrewards.com/Elite/default.asp.

We are always happy to assist you with your Marriott Rewards account.

Sincerely,

Trevor S.
Marriott Rewards

I'm switching to Starwood full time next year!

I also received PLATINUM at Marriot with minimal stays -- had spent more than 100 nights each of several previous years -- but company I work for dropped Marriott. Not sure why I remained Platinum, but didn't argue. Pretty much same experience as reported elsewhere on this forum.

I was also comped on Hilton and Starwood.

Hey DK, do you work for a large computer company? Like you, I took my Platinum status down the street to Starwood and Hilton and got comped there.

Based on your suggestion I started looking for specials so I'm now treating my wife to a weekend Monterey and being 2 credits closer to platinum. I'm still considering Priceline because I keep hearing mixed messages. I need to find my parents some accommodation so I book it in my name and if I get credit great, otherwise I'll doing a weekend San Francisco or so.

BA Fan

[This message has been edited by BA Fan (edited 11-18-2002).]