Let me clarify my situation even more, although I've been Platinum for 6 years now, last year was the first time I had over 100 nights. So I, along with others, am still trying to figure out the majic formula.

Why was this "surprising"? PP is an unpublished designation. It is only available by invitation. The Marriott employees who administer the program are quite fluent in how it works.

As a PP, I can tell you that it much more about personal service than extra benefits.

I can't imagine 125 nights in a Marriott. I can barely take the 75 or so I do now.

I made Platinum Premier this year but I'm not sure what exactly went into the qualifications for that level. The most obvious item in my case appears to be the number of stays. For what it's worth:

2002 nights 299+ (Residence Inn/Monthly contract)
2003 nights 200+ (Combination RI and Marriott)
2004 nights 175+ (Combination Marriott and Courtyard)
2005 nights 140+ (Courtyard)
2006 nights 102 as of today (on schedule to hit 163)

As for any special perks/recognition from the hotels since receiving my status there really hasn't been any (at least such that I noticed). When I stayed at the Marriott Alpharetta outside of Atlanta the front desk did recognize that I was PP, upgraded me to the Concierge level, credited 500 bonus points to my MR# and sent up an amenity. Other than this one time, I usually just get a "Welcome" and "Your Platinum Number is on file". I did get a fruit basket one week from the Courtyard where I'm currently staying but all of the other weeks it's been the standard bottled water and cookies.

Maybe it depends on the level of hotel you stay at but I'll add my voice to those that say they really haven't noticed much of a difference between Platinum and Platinum Premier.

Platinum Level...is that as high as I can go?
 

Hey guys! I hit Platinum status for 2007 two weeks ago, and it looks like before year's end, I may end up with a total of more than 125-150 nights for 2006. Is there a level above Platinum?
I tried searching past threads but found nothing matching. Just wanted to know if there was something else I could shoot for!
Thanks everyone!

Platinum Premier, which is an unpublished level.

There are lots of threads on the subject. Just search on Premier or PPR.

As I understand it, platinum premier ultra gets you priority in lining up for the Fairfield breakfast buffet and the possiblity of two mini-bags of cookies every fifth Courtyard visit.
;)

Also, the extra nights and points will get you closer to lifetime elite status with Marriott.

As noted earlier, there is quite a bit of information on this forum. Definitely do a search. But one point of note that might be of interest is that most of the information I have seen about attaining the Platinum Premier status is that it takes multiple years of spending lots of money and nights at Marriotts.

So if you do decide to pursue this level, you probably won't be able to get it this year and possibly not even next year either. I think that Marriott sees this elite level as a reward for long term patronage, not just a one year deal.

The following rule applies to all elites:

"The Ultimate Reservation Guarantee: To be eligible, your Marriott Rewards membership number and a valid credit card number must be part of your reservation. If unable to honor reservation, the hotel will pay for your accommodations that night at a nearby comparable hotel and compensate the member for the inconvenience. Compensation varies by lodging brand (see below):
At Marriott Hotels & Resorts; Renaissance Hotels & Resorts; Marriott Conference Centers; Marriott Vacation Club International; and Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club: Alternative accommodations, plus $200 and 2 free room certificates.


At Courtyard by Marriott; Fairfield Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; and TownePlace Suites by Marriott: Alternative accommodations, plus $100. (Platinum members also receive 2 free room certificates.)"

https://marriott.com/rewards/terms/e...eliteguarantee

I will "second" and "third" this comment. I've had 150+ nights at Marriotts for three straight years, and I haven't been invited yet....

Personally, I'm more interested in VA1379's comments:
Steve

Thanks for everyone's imput. I read a few other threads about PPR, and it doesn't look like something that is very attractive to me. I stay a total of 10 nights a year at Marriott's that would have the concierge service, so it doesn't appeal to me. I am more of a CY,FI, etc. type of guy anyway.

Big mystery, promoted to PP this year. Essentially stayed at Marriotts for the last 10 years, but the first 3 years were at RI before they even gave points for stays, but when they included RI they immediately gave me plat status, so they did recognize the past RI history.

Last year I had 150 nights, 100+ the year before and right on 75 the year before that.

I'll also share that for those 150 nights they were all at the gov't rate.

My opinion on the PP status is that the tangible benefits are quite unclear and makes me wonder if it worth 'trying' to keep (I'm at 134 nights so I could get top status at another chain as well).

Checking into hotels I've found there is minimal difference between Plat and PP, in fact many of the front desk employees are not clued in to what PP is.

Just returned from a trip to Russia in St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Ren in St. Petersburg made a point of the fact they were giving us a very good upgraded room. The Marriott Aurora and Grand in Moscow, I had a few discussions about the room they gave me.

The one plus I did see in planning this trip was in booking award rooms, the PP line went out of their way to get us rooms. I know in at least one case they got the hotel to provide us a 4th award night when the hotel was sold out. So that is the main benefit I've seen.

I did ask the Platnium desk about the PP status level a few months ago, and they referred me to the president's office. Their comment was that PP was by invitation only, and all queries should be directed there.

I've read from other sources that you need to have a very long (8-12 years) history of Platinum to attain PP and deac83 confirms that. I would imagine that this level is mostly held by people with lifetime status. Where do you go from the top?

For my part, I wouldn't mind something intermediate for those of us who put in 150+ nights/yr. on a consistent basis for a few years.

_m (currently at 114)

I mean, something, right? Jeez...what's to keep me from jumping ship to something else after I hit Plat for the year? Well...besides MegaBonus? :D