Jul 30, 2016, 4:21 pm
Last edit by: Slickw
LINK TO CHART
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2019)
A Marriott supervisor can currently convert your legacy travel package into the new category mapping. If you hold a Category 6, 8, or Tier 1-3 legacy certificate, it's ideal to downgrade your certificate before converting so that points don't potentially get lost in the process.
The codes for the new partial packages are:
New Cat 1-4: QP83
New Cat 5: QP91
New Cat 6: QP99
New Cat 7:
The legacy certificates map to the new certificates as such:
Cat 1-5 => Cat 1-4
Cat 6 => Cat 1-4
Cat 7 => Cat 5
Cat 8 => Cat 5
Cat 9 => Cat 6
Tier 1-3 => Cat 6
Tier 4-5 => Cat 7
==================================================
If you are unsure where you will use your 7 night stay, when you request the package, just ask for a category 1-5 hotel. That way you are out of the least number of points. If later, you decide to book for a higher level category, then you can do so and pay the difference the travel package points. If you can't use your certificate within the year, then as close to the one year anniversary (without going over!) call to extend the certificate for one more year. That's as long as they will typically allow, one extension. There is an option to expedite the mileage delivery to within three business days (sometimes faster) for $15. There are reports that this fee may be waived for platinum members.
Effective April 1 2017 re: Southwest & the companion pass:
"Purchased points, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions and Diners Club, points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonuses, flight bonuses, and partner bonuses (excluding points bonuses earned on the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase) do not count toward Companion Pass."
************
Can I book SPG properties with my Marriott Travel Package? As of 9/1/2018 apparently not. see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30155836-post6529.html
Legacy to New Travel Package Conversion (effective August 2019)
A Marriott supervisor can currently convert your legacy travel package into the new category mapping. If you hold a Category 6, 8, or Tier 1-3 legacy certificate, it's ideal to downgrade your certificate before converting so that points don't potentially get lost in the process.
The codes for the new partial packages are:
New Cat 1-4: QP83
New Cat 5: QP91
New Cat 6: QP99
New Cat 7:
Originally Posted by Marriott Rewards Insider
Members who purchased a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 certificate prior to 8/18 are able to request a one-time exchange for a Travel Package one category lower. This process will cancel your current Travel Package, reissue a Travel Package one category lower and result in a refund of 30,000 points to your account. To submit a request, follow these steps:
Source: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...es-update.html
- Select “Packages - Deals” from the “Topic” drop down menu
- Submit your request
Source: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...es-update.html
The legacy certificates map to the new certificates as such:
Cat 1-5 => Cat 1-4
Cat 6 => Cat 1-4
Cat 7 => Cat 5
Cat 8 => Cat 5
Cat 9 => Cat 6
Tier 1-3 => Cat 6
Tier 4-5 => Cat 7
==================================================
If you are unsure where you will use your 7 night stay, when you request the package, just ask for a category 1-5 hotel. That way you are out of the least number of points. If later, you decide to book for a higher level category, then you can do so and pay the difference the travel package points. If you can't use your certificate within the year, then as close to the one year anniversary (without going over!) call to extend the certificate for one more year. That's as long as they will typically allow, one extension. There is an option to expedite the mileage delivery to within three business days (sometimes faster) for $15. There are reports that this fee may be waived for platinum members.
Effective April 1 2017 re: Southwest & the companion pass:
"Purchased points, points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, and e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions and Diners Club, points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonuses, flight bonuses, and partner bonuses (excluding points bonuses earned on the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase) do not count toward Companion Pass."
************
Can I book SPG properties with my Marriott Travel Package? As of 9/1/2018 apparently not. see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30155836-post6529.html
Marriott Travel Packages
Aug 12, 2018, 2:07 pm
#5026
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
this does sound tempting...thinking about booking 4 nights(Stay 5) We were thinking Malta, Sicily for this Feb, but this sounds too good to pass up with the huge devaluation coming, so might add this to the itinerary.
For those that have stayed here, what's the best airline to get there? We usually fly Bos-Dub using only 26k Avios on Aer lingus...but Dub-to Crete no good options. Malta-Crete, same.
For those that have stayed here, what's the best airline to get there? We usually fly Bos-Dub using only 26k Avios on Aer lingus...but Dub-to Crete no good options. Malta-Crete, same.
Malta is a different country albeit it is an island quite close to Sicily but I dont think one can do a "day trip" between the 2.
As for the poster considering Crete - Crete is a BIG island you will need a rental car to get around the whole island and there are plenty to do and see (the Minoans ruins for example) Google Minoan you would see it is considered one of the oldest cultures in the Med.
Aug 12, 2018, 2:12 pm
#5027
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Chicago
Posts: 318
Agreed. I have a 8/29 reservation with a certificate attached. I won’t know for sure if I can go on the trip until 8/25 and I’m afraid that I won’t be able to cancel the reservation if I need to and get the certificate back. I don’t care if they give me an old vs new certificate if I cancel, I just want to be able to cancel and get some type of certificate back (opposed to loosing the reward and being unable to rebook at a future date)
I’ve tried calling Marriott twice about this. Both times I was on and off hold for about an hour as the reps tried to track down the answer. But both times I couldn’t get any clarity.
This is my first time dealing with Marriott customer service, and am very disappointed (I’m use to dealing with my SPG ambassador).
Aug 12, 2018, 2:58 pm
#5028
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
Can you call in to cancel? Yes.
Can you get the SAME travel package back? It depends. Will you be canceling before August 18? Then, yes. Will you be canceling after August 18? We have no official word from Marriott on this, but if what Mr. Marriott's office said holds, then no. It will be converted to a different travel package which allows Starwood hotels and is matched up to the new hotel categories.
Can you get the SAME travel package back? It depends. Will you be canceling before August 18? Then, yes. Will you be canceling after August 18? We have no official word from Marriott on this, but if what Mr. Marriott's office said holds, then no. It will be converted to a different travel package which allows Starwood hotels and is matched up to the new hotel categories.
No reason to believe upgrades after Aug 18th would still get the old pricing. It would have to be based on the new pricing that comes in effect on Aug 18th.
I am not sure why there are still some folks who wonder should he or shouldn't he to redeem a Cat 5 basic package just because he does not know where he would use the cert - the bulk of TP value lies with the miles redemption, that is an unarguable fact. If one does not need the miles then there is no reason to redeem the TP especially one has no idea where to use the hotel cert. That should resolve most of the dilemma some still face, unable to make up their minds before the absolute deadline.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:01 pm
#5029
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 746
I agree with this, particularly if you have any intention to book aspirational properties at the momentarily lowered rate.
And a note on that: if the leaked T&C are what ends up being published you'll need to have points-in-hand for many of the new Starwoods--no Points Advance allowed. Another reason to potentially have a stock of points in hand.
And a note on that: if the leaked T&C are what ends up being published you'll need to have points-in-hand for many of the new Starwoods--no Points Advance allowed. Another reason to potentially have a stock of points in hand.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:12 pm
#5030
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 308
Malta is not Sicily (we have had a 9 days driving trip in Sicily). There is NO chain hotel presence in Sicily other than one old Hilton resort near Taomina.
Malta is a different country albeit it is an island quite close to Sicily but I dont think one can do a "day trip" between the 2.
As for the poster considering Crete - Crete is a BIG island you will need a rental car to get around the whole island and there are plenty to do and see (the Minoans ruins for example) Google Minoan you would see it is considered one of the oldest cultures in the Med.
Malta is a different country albeit it is an island quite close to Sicily but I dont think one can do a "day trip" between the 2.
As for the poster considering Crete - Crete is a BIG island you will need a rental car to get around the whole island and there are plenty to do and see (the Minoans ruins for example) Google Minoan you would see it is considered one of the oldest cultures in the Med.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:13 pm
#5031
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR/PHL/BWI
Posts: 4,412
I agree with this, particularly if you have any intention to book aspirational properties at the momentarily lowered rate.
And a note on that: if the leaked T&C are what ends up being published you'll need to have points-in-hand for many of the new Starwoods--no Points Advance allowed. Another reason to potentially have a stock of points in hand.
And a note on that: if the leaked T&C are what ends up being published you'll need to have points-in-hand for many of the new Starwoods--no Points Advance allowed. Another reason to potentially have a stock of points in hand.
Most of the properties will go up in points. If you have plenty of points, you should just transfer them to SPG and book at SPG side when they are still cheap now. You do not need to mess with the Marriott side.
There is not much we can do with Marriott TPs. We can't use them to book SPG stays now.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:22 pm
#5032
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 845
Malta is not Sicily (we have had a 9 days driving trip in Sicily). There is NO chain hotel presence in Sicily other than one old Hilton resort near Taomina.
Malta is a different country albeit it is an island quite close to Sicily but I dont think one can do a "day trip" between the 2.
As for the poster considering Crete - Crete is a BIG island you will need a rental car to get around the whole island and there are plenty to do and see (the Minoans ruins for example) Google Minoan you would see it is considered one of the oldest cultures in the Med.
Malta is a different country albeit it is an island quite close to Sicily but I dont think one can do a "day trip" between the 2.
As for the poster considering Crete - Crete is a BIG island you will need a rental car to get around the whole island and there are plenty to do and see (the Minoans ruins for example) Google Minoan you would see it is considered one of the oldest cultures in the Med.
There is a Four points in Catania Sicily listed on Marriot site.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:22 pm
#5033
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
In any case it leaves you only a few hours to check out either Malta or the Sicily port where you take the ferry from. I am not sure this is a good idea given Malta the capital town is an ultra hilly town and not easy to get around on foot.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:30 pm
#5034
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 625
Why is that??
Most of the properties will go up in points. If you have plenty of points, you should just transfer them to SPG and book at SPG side when they are still cheap now. You do not need to mess with the Marriott side.
There is not much we can do with Marriott TPs. We can't use them to book SPG stays now.
Most of the properties will go up in points. If you have plenty of points, you should just transfer them to SPG and book at SPG side when they are still cheap now. You do not need to mess with the Marriott side.
There is not much we can do with Marriott TPs. We can't use them to book SPG stays now.
Last edited by joeags; Aug 12, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Aug 12, 2018, 3:34 pm
#5035
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 746
But many properties are going down in value If you want a Marriott hotel going down in value but you spent all your points on a TP(s), you can get a point advance and book the room without the required points If you want an SPG aspirational property you must have the points to book it. Those hotels are now 30-30k SPG, but will be the equivalent of 20k starting 8/18 until they activate category 8.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:45 pm
#5036
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MCO, YEG
Posts: 1,181
Just got off the phone with Marriott. The person i talked to said that they can't transfer more than 50K even when doing a redemption, that their system can't do it. Really would far prefer to have the miles in my wife's account. Anybody successful in getting a transfer in excess of 50K in the last day or two?
Aug 12, 2018, 3:47 pm
#5037
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
In case you are not aware, the 4P is NOT anywhere near Catania town center - it is quite far out along the coast You either need a rental car or need a taxi to get around though hotel said it had a shuttle back and forth between hotel and town.
If you are looking at exploring Sicily - you may want to do a bit more research - Palermo over Catania, Syracuse and Noto from Catania are far nicer, ditto Taomina.
Taomina is thought to be The town in Sicily to visit if you can only visit one town... I would not agree with it 100% but it definitely is a lot nicer than Catania.
With our almost round the island drive I would rate the cities and towns in Sicily in that order - Palermo, Cefalu (can easily take a train from Palermo), Taomina, Syracuse and Noto, (they often are mentioned hand in hand), Catania, and Messina being the last.
The must visit sites are out of any of the above cities / towns -
Villa Romana del Casale
Valle de Templi (Valley of the Temples - the Unesco site is modeled one of the temple ruin on this site)
Monreale Norman Church (there are buses from / to Palermo for a day visit)
If one has more time, then add Segusta (quite near Palermo airport about 50 miles drive)
You would short change yourselves if you only spend 3 days at Catania and consider you have seen Sicily... The island has an amazing rich history and actually once was Very Rich during the ancient times when it was a fought for, strategic location between the Romans and the Carthaginians, later the Normans (literally Men from the North, i.e. the Vikings). Very interesting and fascinating history,. It was just outside the west coast of Sicily the Roman navy fleet defeated the Carthaginian fleet with decided win, and that started the down fall of Carthage and essentially it was wiped off from the map.
For Venice, I would recommend you to visit it together with Croatia (just across the Adriatic sea) on a separate trip. Give Croatia twice or more time than for Venice. In 2016 we did a 2 weeks driving trip in Croatia as the first half of a one month trip (the 2nd half was equally split between Sydney and Hong Kong). There are lots of Italians vacation in Croatia's upper coast, lots of them drove down from Trieste which is fairly near Venice.
Aug 12, 2018, 3:54 pm
#5038
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
Has anyone unattached a cert recently, i.e. the last couple days?
We have a Cat 6 cert attached but the hotel will come down to 25K a night after Aug 18.
Now we now semi certainly that the floater cert would not be forced converted back to surrender point value, I feel I should unattach the Cat 6 cert and then reattach a cat 5 cert currently floating, after Sept 18th.
We have a Cat 6 cert attached but the hotel will come down to 25K a night after Aug 18.
Now we now semi certainly that the floater cert would not be forced converted back to surrender point value, I feel I should unattach the Cat 6 cert and then reattach a cat 5 cert currently floating, after Sept 18th.
Aug 12, 2018, 4:03 pm
#5039
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,755
Why is that??
Most of the properties will go up in points. If you have plenty of points, you should just transfer them to SPG and book at SPG side when they are still cheap now. You do not need to mess with the Marriott side.
There is not much we can do with Marriott TPs. We can't use them to book SPG stays now.
Most of the properties will go up in points. If you have plenty of points, you should just transfer them to SPG and book at SPG side when they are still cheap now. You do not need to mess with the Marriott side.
There is not much we can do with Marriott TPs. We can't use them to book SPG stays now.
What the new T&Cs seem to suggest, you cannot book SPG properties in the same way you book Marriott properties now, i.e. not having enough pts in your account but you can still book it first...
So during the lock down period when the legacy certs are not usable but the SPG properties you want are available to book with the LOWER levels, then you want to have the SPG (or Marriott) pts available to book them so to ensure the availability. Once the lock down period is over, then you call to switch the pts booking to cert booking.
I believe that is what the poster means to not use up all your pts for TP redemption if you actually prefer hotel stays and need hotel stays. The old TP value primarily is for the Miles which are what the majority folks prefer and the hotel stays are a thrown in extra.
Aug 12, 2018, 4:28 pm
#5040
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 825
What is the best option for someone with ~249 points to do with regards to these packages and trying to get ahead?