Platinum Override
#541
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
I understand the business perspective. I just think this is a worthless platinum "enhancement" if you can't use it, since so many hotels have exemptions. Marriott should just remove it as a Platinum "perk". The Autograph hotel in Berlin is also unavailable. I was going to pay for all these hotels, not use points. That's a whole other issue.
Like VickiSoCal & hhoope01 I've been able to use the Platinum override, so I don't consider it worthless.
It's unfortunate for you & Marriott that you can't stay in their properties in Nashville & Berlin, but I'm sure the other chains will be happy to take your reservation assuming they're not fully booked as well.
Cheers.
#542
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I understand the business perspective. I just think this is a worthless platinum "enhancement" if you can't use it, since so many hotels have exemptions. Marriott should just remove it as a Platinum "perk". The Autograph hotel in Berlin is also unavailable. I was going to pay for all these hotels, not use points. That's a whole other issue.
#543
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SNA and BNA depending on work and time of year
Programs: UA Silver/ AA EXP/Hyatt Globalist/Marriott Lifetime Titanium/Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,189
Inn at Opryland (Gaylord) Nashville is not available for April 11, 2015 (paid). I called the platinum desk and the reservations in house. It has been blocked for an event (convention?), and I am not allowed to use the Platinum override.
The same has happened for the Berlin Marriot and Berlin Courtyard in August 2015.
Am I just out of luck? It seems that Marriott is giving a lot of exceptions to the Platinum override!
The same has happened for the Berlin Marriot and Berlin Courtyard in August 2015.
Am I just out of luck? It seems that Marriott is giving a lot of exceptions to the Platinum override!
It takes a lot for the exemption to be offered. Sure things like the Super Bowl and Olympics are no brainers. Random things happen too. For example every year in May in Seabring, FL there is a baseball event that draws probably 200 major league scouts. Thanks to athletic VIP most scouts are Marriott loyalists and Plat or Plat Prem. There is only 1 Marriott property with about 100 rooms. The GM is allowed to block override after allowing so many to go through because she can show that like 90% of her bookings are Plats and she doesn't want to walk a Plat. Every year scouts must get in early or else stay at another chain or commute over an hour from the nearest property in Lakeland.
That's just a little backstory on why you might run into this.
#544
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
Marriott is only available for reward redemption through July 5, 2015. I think this also has nothing to do with Platinum override, but instead loading inventory in a timely manner. My guess is if you wait a month or so, the entire month will be available for award redemption; either that or press the issue with the hotel or reservations.
I find this happens with hotels that are still in the midst of negotiating event contracts; now that's not saying it's right, just the way it is. Also sometimes it is just an oversight, or the way this particular hotel does it.
JW Marriott Orlando, for years would free up inventory for awards until about 10 months out. Vail Marriott Resort would not release ANY standard inventory for sale or awards until the April time frame. There are a plethora of discussions about this somewhere in these threads if you care to know more details about those particular incidents you can search for them.
In all likelihood there is no conspiracy with these Berlin properties, also it is unlikely there is a corporate override in these cases, just a case of inventory management related delays.
#545
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
I think this also has nothing to do with Platinum override, but instead loading inventory in a timely manner. My guess is if you wait a month or so, the entire month will be available for award redemption; either that or press the issue with the hotel or reservations.
I find this happens with hotels that are still in the midst of negotiating event contracts; now that's not saying it's right, just the way it is. Also sometimes it is just an oversight, or the way this particular hotel does it.
I find this happens with hotels that are still in the midst of negotiating event contracts; now that's not saying it's right, just the way it is. Also sometimes it is just an oversight, or the way this particular hotel does it.
Cheers.
#546
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
Yes, it is available for both paid and award for all days in August when I checked earlier today.
#547
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
Quick and lazy answer from Plat CSR I would guess. At Berlin Marriott for July 6 onward (about 10 weeks of inventory) there is no award availability and yes there is paid inventory, obviously an inventory management issues for whatever reason; overlooked, mistake, intended for event contract finalization, or whatever.
Yes, it is available for both paid and award for all days in August when I checked earlier today.
Yes, it is available for both paid and award for all days in August when I checked earlier today.
Cheers.
#548
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: UK
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, UA 1K
Posts: 822
1 room
Shows availability every night in August 15 for both hotels.
From this I infer that the Plat Guarantee IS working - ie will work for one room & one room only.
(Suspect that the Steinplatz has yet to load rooms > July 15...)
#549
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
Tried to book a room for Feb 6-9, 2015. Was unable to use points or a Platinum override for the JW MARRIOTT in Cancun. Nearly four months out and couldn't get a room. The guarantee isn't so guaranteed.
#550
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA-EXP, MR-PP
Posts: 3,440
I would suspect someone book the whole hotel.
#551
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
Something's up. It only offered the Courtyard. The Marriott Casa Magna is also not available on a Plat override. The Ritz is also sold out-but not eligible for the override.
#552
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Avis First, Hertz PC
Posts: 575
I did a quick test on Marriott.com.
Boston Marriott Cambridge 11/6-11/7
Without logging in as a plat: No availability
Logged in as a plat: Regular rate ($569)
There were no comments about a special rate or platinum override. Logging in as a platinum opened inventory. The rate had free cancellation until 6pm on day of arrival.
Boston Marriott Cambridge 11/6-11/7
Without logging in as a plat: No availability
Logged in as a plat: Regular rate ($569)
There were no comments about a special rate or platinum override. Logging in as a platinum opened inventory. The rate had free cancellation until 6pm on day of arrival.
#553
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 113
I did look again for the Berlin Marriott, and it is available. The inventory must have loaded late. I'm all booked at a low rate, but it was also available on points. I wouldn't have looked had I not reread this thread. Thanks.
#554
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,077
You're welcome. Glad to hear it worked out. Enjoy Berlin next year.
#555
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,240
Courtyard Waikiki, 1/15-1/16, no availaibity, plat override rate of 599. Yikes. No thanks.