This seems to be a common view, I understand what you are all saying - I put it more down to a cultural difference - maybe the way they talk in Tucson, so I read the content of the message and discounted the blunt delivery. :)

I don't even think it's about delivery, the message itself is quite clear - this person is tired and frustrated by his work. Well, if you are tired, retire. Move on. YELLING at Platinums won't solve any of your personal problems... Really.

Reminded me Fawlty Towers. :)

That's about what I figured it would be, and would explain why I haven't obtained the level. My annual average of stays is pretty bad, and I am up and down on my number of stays. 151 nights this year, but only 76 last year and 10 the year before that. Plus they don't get much in the way of "additional revenue" from me. The hotel restaurants are just too over priced for my cheapness! ;)

It also matches with the comment by TucsonMarriottGuy who said that "these guests represent a select group of Platinum Elite members who have consistently demonstrated exceptional loyalty to Marriott brands and have therefore earned the special designation of Platinum Premier status." (Bolding and underlining mine).

IMO: I agree there are differences in culture throughout the country and the world but again there are correct ways to handle a situation to ensure it isn't as blunt regardless of what is acceptable in a specific region

Given the fact you've been plat for a few years and never exceeded 150 nights, is one of your "random" qualifications" being "close enough to benefit from" an unnamed Marriott employee close to the administration of the PP selection process? :cool:

Thank you everyone for the very interesting info. here.

Here is my situation (fwiw):

Fall '04: Qualified for PLT Premier (yes, I was very touched....). Very nice letter from Bill Jr.

2005: Don't recall the # of nights (it was at least 75 though)

2006: 94 nights (confirmed as discussed below on 1/16)

I spoke with someone at Marriott Rewards yesterday (1/16), and was told that a new PLT Premier card had been mailed to me on January 15. The lady was very nice, and her exact words were: "Since you stayed 94 nights last year which exceeds the 75 night requirement for PLT, we sent you a new PLT Premier card yesterday".

I would also add that I initially called to see if a new card had yet been sent (as I live on the road), and was put on hold for a couple of minutes.

As I said, she was very polite, and it was clear by the tone of her voice that she was quite confident in her statement.

Anyway, this appears to be in sync with what someone else said earlier re: once you have earned PLT Premier and then stay 75 actual nights (or more of course), then you will still be at PLT Premier level.

Good Luck all.

mistake

No, I wish lol. I only met this person last year. I just squeeked in this year with 76 nights, maybe he will grease the wheels for me .... I am scared lol of the end of Febuary. I will be looking at my online account through the 'I can't look, but I really gotta look' hands spread over my face with huge slots between the fingers deal :)
Maybe I could ...... well nevermind :D

If Marriott really goes "grandfather" premiers who slip to mere platinum-qualifying levels of activity, I think the premier level will get rather diluted. The closest analogy I can think of is United Global Services, and they drop and pick up new members all the time in order to keep the overall number low enough to provide exceptional service to them.

Ice - I respectfully disagree. Its rather difficult to get to PLT Premier in the first place.

I suspect that once you hit Platinum Premier, if you retain your Platinum level you continue to stay Premier. If PP is for the most loyal Platinum members, continuing to renew at the Platinum level does nothing to question your continued loyalty. On the contrary, it continues to prove it, so why take away the status.

I suspect if it had any effect, it might impact others who are trying to qualify for PP. If there is a target number or a percentage of Platinum level members who they allow to be PP as has been insinuated, then there might be less opportunity for the promotion of additional Platinum members. If the Platinum membership does not grow or if current PPs don't lose their status, then there may theoretically be no room to promote additional Platinum members to PP. I have no inside info on this, and this is just a hunch.

It would be interesting to know if anyone on this board has lost their PP status after still qualifying for Platinum in continuous years.

If members visit the hotels less often, it also means that there is less competition for the PP amenities, so all is well.

Given that the major benefit to PP seems to be dedicated customer service, an increase in the number of PP's will definitely have a negative impact unless there is a commensurate growth in the number of customer service reps dedicated to PP issues.

I'm still gonna have to disagree...

It's hard to dilute something that doesn't seem to have a real benefit. From discussions with my friends that are Platinum, I haven't found any real benefit to my being PPremier. It's been 2 years, starting 3rd now, and I average about 130-160 nights a year...I haven't seen any difference in service as a PP...and the phone number, while nice and easy to remember, doesn't get me faster or better service than the regular Platinum number.

I still don't think that most hotels KNOW there's a difference between Platinum and PP...they should call it something else...like some other precious metal...perhaps PEWTER? lol - At least then, it would stick out from Platinum.

ChazDawg

I've been staying at the same Courtyard for about 5 weeks. I'm usually upgraded to an Extended King (once no upgrade). My first time checking in after having the designation of Platinum Premier, I was upgraded to the suite. Maybe it is just coincidence due to availability or that I'm becoming a frequent guest at this hotel, but maybe upgrades are given to Platinum Premier before Platinum.

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