On Insiders they said .01% of elites use them I believe.

So little chance it is because of abuse.

How would they be abused? They are transferable, unlimited as long as you have enough points?

Apparently it is only the company that prints the USD denominated certs as the company(ies) that print the Yen, Sterling, Euro, and AUD denominated certs are still doing so in the new year. :rolleyes:

Is this true? I don't doubt you.

The company was founded on lies (Mr Mr Marriott would turn down single customers say he was sold out, hoping for a family of four would stay the night to charge an extra $3 at the first motel...)

Granted, the fancy printing has a cost but why it can't be done electronically in 2012 is just a poor excuse.

Yeah it is true:

Just being sarcastic. Since this was last excuse for yanking the benefits.

Yes, I have done this MANY times, if only to avoid some hotels from taking outrageous credit card holds at check in, and it has usually been without a problem, although in some locations, I have had to negotiate the holds down from say $75/night in incidentals to something like only $25/night incidentals hold. However, just make sure that they print you a receipt for the cheques redeemed at check in, which should look like a pre-payment using cash. For example, if I want to pre-pay $500, that would be 10 cheques, and the receipt should look like 10 different account payments of $50 each, with a $500 total at the bottom. If you do not do this, and at check out the hotel says they have no record of the cheques used for pre-payment, then you will have NO RECOURSE.

What BUNKUM!

LOL, as if!

Considering that many FD personnel don't know many of the program rules for even simple stuff, this has never been a problem for me. I have stayed on rez's which required ID, especially AAA, and then used cheques as payment, without any issues. It helps that I was not even aware of this rule, so that I would not have opened my mouth to ask at check in, thereby setting off alarms, and leading the FD staff to say, "Please hold on, let me check on that for you," thereby screwing myself.

Those would be the elites on FT by and large, since most people are not aware of so many rules and benefits available since they do not know about all the great tips shared between FTers!

Fedex came in w/ 1K worth today... no service fee for me "because i'm a valued platinum member." one more set in the pipeline coming in via reg mail.

Thanks MR for the quick turn on this.

The Fedex of the cheques is a great, unknown, extra Plat benefit, which I have used at least six times, but which most people do not know about, even a lot of the Plats who buy the cheques.

I do hope that they will do the same thing as last year and announce the extended Gold/Plat discounted cheque offer just a few days before 12/31, because it is a great benefit and a great deal too!

Mine arrived yesterday! Going to wrap them up and put them under the tree ;)

well, i'm falling for this with 2x sets and because of course they probably want us to burn points to get rid of those liabilities. well, they were definitely useful while they lasted. 195K for a 1K gift card is definitely not the same exchange.

I have $3K
 

Using them in Curacao on a AAA rate and confirmed with the hotel 2 times they will be accepted. I am taking the emails with me. electronically and printed.

Renaissance or Beach Resort? I was at the Beach Resort last year and they threw a fit when I tried to use them (despite speaking with FD manager). I was told MR wouldn't reimburse them and I said ok if that's the case charge my credit card. Never heard anything back. If it's the Beach Resort would you mind PMing me who you spoke to? My wife and I LOVE it there and go every year.

No the Marriott Curacao. I have 2 emails from the FDM saying it was OK on AAA rate. PM if you want more information.