Do I actually need the Gold card?
 

Made a Priceline Express booking and called Marriott's 800 number to attach my MR account to the reservation. Rep refused to do it. Called the hotel directly and that worked, so now I see the reservation on marriott.com but it does not show anything relevant to elite status.

I've searched these forums and found plenty of posts advising third-party bookers to show their card to the front desk upon check-in. Is the physical card necessary? The only elite card I've ever actually had to show was United's. In all other cases, my account number alone was enough.

Why not just bring the card with you? That way you will have one less thing to worry about and also eliminate any doubt about your Gold status.

The card is thousands of miles away from me. Can the front desk really not tell which elite tier I am based on the number alone?

If your MR# is in the reservation, the hotel should be able to see your elite status. I've never had to show my card to "prove" my elite level.

So while it is probably not a bad idea to have it with you "just in case", it really isn't necessary unless it isn't in the reservation.

Get the Marriott App on your phone. One of the features is it will display your MR card for you. "Rewards Card" is on the front menu. Shows name, number, elite level

I try to carry mine. Not often, but it did cut a few arguments short for me when my business stays were booked for me by a third party and may or may not have been on Priceline. OK, you can't go home and get it. Another possible solution, primitive as it may be, is to print out your account header and hand them paper. So last millenmium I know, but it works. Kind of like last month when the label printer broke. The place froze till somebody remembered we had an old IBM Selectric in the closet. Two of us could actually remember how to turn it on and hand align envelopes.

Thanks all. To update, I stayed at the Marriott Burbank Airport.

Prior to my arrival, I noticed my room type had changed from standard to "concierge."

At check-in, the agent verified that I paid through Priceline and that my Marriott Rewards number was on file, but he made no reference to my status. I asked if I'd have breakfast/lounge access and he nodded discreetly, almost whispering, "For you, yeah."

I'm not sure if he knew I'm Gold, or if he thought he was doing a favor.

I think he knew you were Gold. I've never had to show my Gold card at check-in but the front desk always know. (The status applies for Marriott hotels, but does not apply at Marriott timeshare properties.) Maybe you're better looking than me, or a nicer person, but no one does me any special favors. Gold status is the thing that gets me perks or upgrades.