1. I am very happy with Marriott in general, and have been for 16 or so years.

2. Marriott Platinum is *significantly* more difficult to obtain than any (?) other program's top level - at 75 nights a year.

3. I often get Concierge Level and sometimes the equivalent of a Jr. Suite (larger single room). But I haven't received a significant upgrade (a real suite) at any time in the last two years. Curious if anyone else is getting those either on a regular basis or even occasionally (excluding a single property that you patronize multiple times a year).

I got suites several times at the MSP Airport Marriott, but that's about it. Which is why I switched to Starwood, my upgrade percentage is much better. I was Platinum for four years before I left for Starwood and Hilton. Marriott is still by far the most consistant chain, but consistancy will only buy you so much loyalty...

I have been platinum for 4 years and a few times i have gotten suites.

Personally i would rather have a nice clean room on the c floor and i am happy

the suites that i got were very big and i felt like i was in someone's apartment !

I just enjoyed an upgrade to a fantastic Ocean view suite at the Marriott Cancun CasaMagna two weeks ago. I was very pleased, considering that I redeemed Marriott Rewards for a Deluxe room.

I have had difficulty getting suite upgrades at other Marriott properties, especially the Renaissance Center in Detroit. During my 130+ nights there last year, I was upgraded twice at most.

If they have a concierge level or lounge - always.
Suites (junior or otherwise) - rarely

That's why I prefer Hilton.

Had a great UG to a suite in Buenos Aires in November. Not only great two rooms - overlooking the Plaza, but the service was second to none - and on the club floor!

A couple of weeks ago I received a great suite upgrade at the Chicago Downtown Renaissance. Huge 2-room deal with two bathrooms, wet bar, etc etc.

Last fall I was upgraded to the "Presidential" Suite in the Boca Raton Marriott. Well, its hardly presidential - more of a double-sized room - but Steve Forbes (former Republican presidential candidate) did stay there last spring while I was at the hotel. Anyways, this was on our corporate $75/night rate there and I think it was sort of thank you for the 175+ nights I spent there last year.

Other than that, I've had very few suite upgrades with Marriott. Now Starwood on the other hand...

I was comped GOLD with Marriott earlier this year due to my Platinum level with Starwood so I could try Marriott again. I have had 2 stays with Marriott since then (one Renaissance, one Marriott) and absolutely no upgrades.

I have been Platinum with Starwood for the past 4 years and have become very accustomed to suite upgrades. In fact, last year my suite upgrade percentage was around 95%. I had 30 stays, 110 nights in mostly Westin and W properties. The stays were spread out among 20 or so different properties.

With my Renaissance stay, I had to remind the front desk clerk that I was Gold. She acknowledged the level and then stated that there were no upgrades available. The same experience occurred with the Marriott stay. I wasn�t even given club level access.

Another annoying feature of the Marriott Rewards program is the absence of an 800 number for program information. Maybe I've gotten used to the Platinum Concierge program with Starwood. I was just a little shocked that I had to pay to call the Marriott Rewards service center.

If Marriott isn't going to deliver on the benefits of their tier program, then don't advertise the perks!



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AA Platinum, Delta Gold, Starwood Platinum, Fairmont President's Club Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold

I can top that. Last year I stayed 2 nights at the St. Regis in DC for a rate of $50 (1 Night at $100, 1 Night Free). With Platinum status with Starwood, I was upgraded to the Presidential Suite (over 1,500 square feet) with a private butler. I had no stays prior to that one stay. Not trying to brag...just wanted to give you an idea as to how the two programs differ...and why I've been spoiled.


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AA Platinum, Delta Gold, Starwood Platinum, Fairmont President's Club Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold

[This message has been edited by PMASON (edited 02-17-2003).]

This thread is a familiar theme on the Marriott board. Marriott's own rules for platinum/gold elites state: "When you check in, we'll upgrade you to our finest available accommodations - whenever we can -at no additional charge." Yet previous posters have stated that in response to e-mail inquiries to Marriott Rewards as to why almost no suite upgrades, MR has responded that suite upgrades are not part of the program and so hotels are not required to give them. Clearly, "finest available accomodations" means suites by any normal definition. On the one hand Marriott has decided that it must advertise this benefit in order to compete with Starwood/Hilton. On the other hand, somebody at Marriott has decided that just because they advertise the benefit doesn't mean they have to live up to their word. In my opinion, a poor way to treat your best customers. They should either see to it that hotels provide the benefit, or remove it from the list of benefits. I suspect the only way this will change is if enough of us complain to Marriott or just switch to companies that deliver what they promise. This is from somebody who really likes Marriott, but who feels disappointed that they don't feel obligated to live up to their own words.

Marriott Rewards quietly changed the wording of the upgrade benefit in their T&C's. It no longer reads "finest available..."
See:
http://www.marriottrewards.com/terms/elite.asp#benefits

"Room Upgrade: Upgraded accommodations at no additional charge"

Ohhh yes.

Is there another change? An upgrade is now also possible at the lower end chains like Courtyard and below. As far as I remember, the lower end chains were excluded from upgrades in the Terms&Conditions until now!?

"Finest available accomodations" wording still appears here, unchanged. http://www.marriottrewards.com/Elite/platinum.asp

I don't remember Courtyard being excluded from upgrades, and have received upgrades there (to a spa room).

I am Gold, and I have never gotten a suite upgrade. (I've received a wonderful five-room suite as part of a large catered event, but never a two-room suite as a result of a simple paid stay with Gold status.)

Fortunately, Marriott rarely if ever messes up bed/smoking type, so I don't complain. Usually, I get a room on the concierge level, although it seems like Marriott lounges are never open.

My only minor complaint about Marriott: it seems like they NEVER want to allow a late checkout. The stock reply is "Sorry, we're sold out tonight." Since the answer is the same - every time - I have a hard time believing that.