Socrates, I don't want to pile on, but I think it is extremely important that Marriott officially comment one way or the other as to the above postings, and postings in another thread, which seem to indicate that it is being less than forthright in applying the posted rules of the program. If, in fact, the program rules mean what they say, then Marriott needs to communicate that to us. If they don't, in other words if the "finest available accomodations" means a one-class upgrade and that suites are not included within the program, they need to inform us and change the rules of the program. As I'm sure you agree, it is patently unfair and less than honest to advertise the rules of the program as meaning one thing, but have secret exceptions that permit Marriott corporate and properties to wink at the rules. Even worse, the program designed to promote loyalty among its most frequent customers, will instead drive those customers away out of frustration.

Ohmark has hit the nail on the head. It is very hard for me to understand why Marriott requires us to get 75 nights to qualify for Platinum when other chains require only 50 or 60 nights and then give the suite upgrades. Although other differences in the programs exist, this is really the one that makes the most difference to me. Judging from the numerous postings here, I am not alone.

i agree with the other posters and will be jumping ship to SPG at the end of this year. by the way, i would be happy to post a photocopy of the letter i received from marriott corporate with the text which i transcribed earlier. i don't have a scanner but i don't mind mailing a copy to someone who does have a scanner and website to post the letter for all to see.

My experience - yest and tonight at Marriott Melville, Melville NY (Long Island). When I checked in - I asked about a Suite - it was a quick "nope - sorry none are available". She said well we do have you on the conc floor.

As a plat - I am guar. conc access - putting me on this floor (same rooms as all the rest) is more a convience to me - not a upgrade. Then the broadband doesn't work. Got it to work - checked online - sure enough: Junior Suites avail for $20 more/nt. Called the front desk - and told them about the net - and said: I didn't feel the warm and fuzzy welcome, she dismissed my suite request etc. He apologized and said he would find me another room and send someone up with a key.

Long story a bit shorter - got a new room. The night mgr called and asked about my problems, denied that she didn't have any suites and agreed with me 100% about the importance of Platinum guests etc. Unfortunatly, no suites on the 4th floor (only floor with HS internet). So I passed on the upgrade. She told me if I returned to call her personally to book the room. I asked for her to comp my two nights of internet access - she said absolutly.

So, you may not get an upgrade - but I agree that it always needs to be brought to hotel mgmt attention. If the manager is *the problem* - then you are kind of stuck. But often - the behavior is corrected, and genuine effort is made to satisfy. If you aren't happy with the service, ask for free internet, MR points, a free robe, free movies, etc. Better than invoking the Plat guar. and might make you happier than a "corner room" etc.

But I will say this: I am very disapointed hearing about the service that others are getting at SPG etc. Upgrades to Plat do include suites and should happen 50-75% of the time automatically. If it doesn't - I will go somewhere where 75+ nts a year mean something to me. $1 bottles of water I can get in the lounge - I want more comfort and service. I have another issue with the measly 30% bonus on MR pts for the Platinum level but I will address that in another issue.

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]

Sorry if you were there with Family and needed a suite, you should have BOOKED a suite, in no way shape or form would I expect any chain to give up a suite for free for 8 straight nights... this is not Marriotts problem its your over expectations of an award/freq stay program

[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OHNO!NOTUAL:

Quote:

Originally posted by rives21:
This past week, I stayed at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront and was "upgraded" to a corner room on the concierge level. While this room had a great view, I wanted a suite since I was there with my family for 8 nights.

If the hotel thinks there is an outside chance of making a buck on a suite that you want for an upgrade--they will try to sell it.

There is a superficial hospitality at Marriott, but once they are in the breakroom Platinum, Gold and Silver members are all well-dressed pan handlers to them.

Key point--if you are having a special event and want a suite--you should either buy it or burn some points. Nothing is more embarrasing then vacationing with family and going to the front desk & throwing a fit because you didn't get an upgrade.

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[This message has been edited by socrates (edited Mar 23, 2004).]