Top Tips for a Newbie
Feb 18, 2016 | 4:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive Club, Asia Miles
Posts: 218
Top Tips for a Newbie
HI there
Long time FTer, but brand new to Marriott rewards. With a bit more business travel recently, I've seen the value of collecting hotel points like I do airline points and decided to add a Marriott Credit Card to that mix (Canadian though...not nearly as big sign up bonus). Just wondering if people have any key tips, or if there is a thread for newbies. I'm looking for how to get the most out of my points/free nights. I'm looking to redeem where I will be traveling with family: west coast Canada/USA, some Asia (several countries) and Australia.
Do you get more bang for your buck at international hotels?
Long time FTer, but brand new to Marriott rewards. With a bit more business travel recently, I've seen the value of collecting hotel points like I do airline points and decided to add a Marriott Credit Card to that mix (Canadian though...not nearly as big sign up bonus). Just wondering if people have any key tips, or if there is a thread for newbies. I'm looking for how to get the most out of my points/free nights. I'm looking to redeem where I will be traveling with family: west coast Canada/USA, some Asia (several countries) and Australia.
Do you get more bang for your buck at international hotels?
Feb 19, 2016 | 7:56 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DAY
Programs: UA 1K 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Amex MR; Chase UR; Hertz PC; Global Entry
Posts: 11,428
Welcome to the Marriott Club. 
A lot of specific answers will depend on what type of status you envision achieving with Marriott.
Overall, Marriott properties in Asia are pretty good, especially if you are Plat.
If you are able to amass significant number of points, take a look at redeeming for Travel Packages, which combine hotel stays award with Frequent Flier miles/points in one redemption. Probably the best value if you will stay at the same hotel for a week.
A lot of specific answers will depend on what type of status you envision achieving with Marriott.
Overall, Marriott properties in Asia are pretty good, especially if you are Plat.
If you are able to amass significant number of points, take a look at redeeming for Travel Packages, which combine hotel stays award with Frequent Flier miles/points in one redemption. Probably the best value if you will stay at the same hotel for a week.
Feb 19, 2016 | 8:22 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YHM (BUF/YYZ/YTZ in practice, formerly LHR)
Programs: rapidly diminishing
Posts: 993
Depends on the property, and what status you can obtain.
If you can manage a Gold Challenge, it's worth doing if you'll be able to make use of lounge access at FS Marriott properties (the one in Victoria, BC is particularly nice
)
I've had no trouble with guesting my wife and daughter in to lounges, but I believe it's supposed to be just 1 guest although it seems discretion is applied if you're travelling with family. YMMV.
With our crappy petrodollar exchange rate, you'll get more bang for your buck with international hotels. I'm just looking at TPA hotels for the night before we fly home, 25k (or burn a Cat 1-5 certificate) seems to be good value, make that great value if I use the lounge for dinner and breakfast.
Travel packages could work well if you can get enough points amassed to do it.
Good luck!
If you can manage a Gold Challenge, it's worth doing if you'll be able to make use of lounge access at FS Marriott properties (the one in Victoria, BC is particularly nice
)I've had no trouble with guesting my wife and daughter in to lounges, but I believe it's supposed to be just 1 guest although it seems discretion is applied if you're travelling with family. YMMV.
With our crappy petrodollar exchange rate, you'll get more bang for your buck with international hotels. I'm just looking at TPA hotels for the night before we fly home, 25k (or burn a Cat 1-5 certificate) seems to be good value, make that great value if I use the lounge for dinner and breakfast.
Travel packages could work well if you can get enough points amassed to do it.
Good luck!
Feb 19, 2016 | 8:47 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: DFW; Allen, TX
Programs: AA EXP/2MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum, Marriott PLT, National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,084
I just completed my Platinum Challenge today.
I have been a lifetime Platinum on SPG prior to this year, but with the potential merger, I wanted to get started on Marriott stays also to make sure I was covered in any event through the acquisition.
So far, I do not see the same value on points as SPG... but the concierge lounges are far superior to SPG, and these M Clubs are great.
I have been a lifetime Platinum on SPG prior to this year, but with the potential merger, I wanted to get started on Marriott stays also to make sure I was covered in any event through the acquisition.
So far, I do not see the same value on points as SPG... but the concierge lounges are far superior to SPG, and these M Clubs are great.
Feb 22, 2016 | 8:50 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive Club, Asia Miles
Posts: 218
Thanks guys
At this time I likely won't get beyond Silver Status...just hoping to learn some good hotels/ways to spend points. Been growing the forum and getting some ideas.
At this time I likely won't get beyond Silver Status...just hoping to learn some good hotels/ways to spend points. Been growing the forum and getting some ideas.