Guys
I have been very curious about this. Is there a permanent status level available with Marriott?

If not do any of the other hotels provide you with this?

Cheers

Yes. It is called "Emeritus," and has three distinct levels, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Once earned, you will continue to receive the benefits of that Marriott Rewards level for life, even if you reduce or cease your frequent travel. You can, of course, have a higher annual MR level than your Emeritus level. Obviously, if you had earned Silver Emeritus, but had earned Platinum status for the year, you'd want to take advantage of the Platinum amenities rather than the Silver ones.

For each level, you have to earn the following:

*A minimum number of total earned MR points (not all in your account at once).
*A minimum number of total nights stayed in Marriott properties.
*At minimum number of years in the MR program.
*Have to have earned the corresponding color level "the hard way" at least once.

If you call the service center, they can tell you how far along you are. I recently called to check on my progress, and was told that they had just "minted" a new Platinum Emeritus that day.

Based on what I've been told by the good folks at the service center, these are the qualification requirements:

Silver E:
1.5 million earned MR points
600 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Silver at least once

Gold E:
2 million earned MR points
800 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Gold at least once

Platinum E:
3 million earned MR points
1000 nights
12 years as an MR member
Earned MR Platinum at least once

Hope that helps!

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After reading about Marriott lifetime status, I told a friend of mine about it. Now retired, he had used Marriott almost exclusively during his working career and this seemed like a good thing for him to look into. However, two phone calls to Marriott yielded no information. Noone knew anything about it. Has anyone else had this problem? Has anyone recently received lifetime status?

I find it hard to believe that no one at MR knew anything about Emeritus level. Have your friend call again and patiently explain what he's looking for. I have never had an MR clerk not know what Emeritus status was, although I have had a couple that either didn't know the name (i.e. thought it was "lifetime level") or didn't know how to look it up (even though they knew what Emeritus was).

Marriott does not publicize Emeritus, but all the MR phone folks know what it is if you ask. Just try again.

I calloed Marriott this Fall after i read about "lifetime status" on Flyer Talk. I learned I was 80 nights short of lifetime platinum. "Well, then, " I asked, "Am I lifetime gold?" The answeer was " If you are requesting it now, you qualify for it and I will note it." So I am grateful to FT ... I otherwise would never have known this existed. However, to date I notice nothing has changed on my online account statement. I guess the real test will be when the new cards come out next year.

Congratulations, Phil! I have another seven years to go before I'm even eligible, but I'll definitely have the nights for Platinum Emeritus by the time I get there. The three bazillion MR points might take a little longer for me to earn, though.

FWIW, we've heard that you get a normal Marriott Rewards card reflecting your Emeritus level, but that there's no expiration date on it. Other than that, I don't think anyone has ever posted a description of the card. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to post a description for us when you receive yours?

And if I were you, I'd be figuring out when to get those extra 80 nights for Plat Emeritus. But I'm just greedy.

In 1994, I had a small problem and called special services to seek advice. in response, I received a letter stating that I had earned 3 million points and had now achieved Plat Automatic Renewal status and that i "would continue to enjoy these benefits for the balance of your Marriott hotel travel experience."
I still have the letter.
Since then, I have rec'd a Platinum card automatically every year, no matter how many or few nites I have stayed.
Marriott service pple have been EXTREMELY helpful. In return, I stay exclusively w/Marriott or one of its children: Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance,etc.

Uncle Wiggily, it sounds like you actually earned Platinum Emeritus. Would you consider posting some of the text from the letter? Emeritus is an unpublished benefit that has been the subject of frequent speculation here; anything you could do to throw some light on the matter would certainly be appreciated.

In my case, it just feels like it's permament. Here's the story:

1) Earned plat in 1999 with 75 nights in a full Marriott. Plat good through 1/01
2) Received complimentary plat in 2000 based on program switch from Marriotts only to all brands in change. Only stayed enough in 2000 to earn silver. Plat good through 1/02
3) Received platinum card in mail this year for no apparent reason. Have not stayed enough in 2002 for any 2003 status. Plat good through 1/03.

We'll see what happens next year, but I've already received 3 years of plat status for 1 year's worth of nights.

Until i read your posting, Just Passing Thru, I had no idea that there was such a thing as Emeritus or that one attained this status by staying nites, having 3 million points, etc.
Your research was enlightening so i got the letter out. Perhaps iin 1994, they did not call it Emeritus.
The letter stated what i had written: that i had a attained a 'respected place' in the program, that they were presenting me w/Plat Marquis Level Automatic Renewal Status and a few other kind sentences.
The day Marriott started this program in the 80s, I signed up and accumulated a lot of points very rapidly....long b4 Marriott owned the children: Courtyard, Fairfield, etc.
Perhaps this contributed to their kind decision.
Good luck in achieving it, Just Passing Thru.

Does anyone know if transferred in points from, for instance, American Express Membership Rewards count, or is it only miles earned from stays.

TIA

Emeritus status, very interesting. Do any other hotel chains offer this and why don't airlines?

I recently applied for permanent status and was turned down. Current stats are 3.1 mil points, about 800 nights, plat status earned 6-8 times and rest gold and in program since early 80's. Also steered thousands of dollars to them in meetings and conventions , timeshare sales, and their care faculities. I was disappointed and puzzled but moved on. The letter said that by granting me status it would undermind the integerty of the program. I am as loyal as Marriott gets too. Go figure.

I had the same response. I am short 150 room nights and have been almost as loyal to Marriott as you (except for the care facilities). My response came by e-mail but I do have gold status.
Being retired and having many points left I doubt that I will have an other 150 paid nights, I wonder if nights using points count?