Somehow MR is one of the few major hotel programs that I have little experience with, but the upcoming merger with SPG certainly got my attention, and they do have some nice properties that suit my upcoming trip well. So I registered at MR as a new member and called in to request a status match/challenge.

However, I was told in no uncertain terms that the challenge had been put on hold since January this year, as "there had been too many such inquiries and consistent complaints from existing elite members". The only challenge available would be one-level only, i.e. basic to silver, silver to gold, and perhaps gold to platinum. I have spoken to several agents (from both US and international offices) and one supervisor, but the answer seems quite consistent and no exception seems possible.

Could people confirm if this is indeed the current status? If so, I'll have to reconsider my travel choices, as it simply makes no sense to spend 10 nights to get their silver status first and then do a challenge for gold...

There used to be a Marriott Concierge on this board. But I have sent that person a private message without getting a response a few weeks ago. So I don't know that the Marriott Concierge is active here anymore.

One thing you could do is get a Marriott credit card from Chase. That would give you immediate silver status without any stays. Then you could sign up for a gold challenge after that.

Please post your results. Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately most such CC's are out of reach for those not based in the US... I have a long wish list of CC's, but they shall remain on the wish list as long as I'm still living in Europe

Interesting.

Marriott effectively admitting they've minted too many or made it too easy to get Gold/PLT? Who is doing this complaining and how does it reach HQ? Guest complaints to the poor lounge attendants when they've run out of food by 6pm and Management refuses to give them more to put out?

I bet its the franchisees doing the complaining...

They say this all the time as reported in the other thread. Hang up and call again or ask to speak to a supervisor. Your case is stronger if you have status at other hotel chains

It's about time they started putting some restrictions on this free-for-all with status challenges.

OP lists *Gold but doesn't give the airline program. If it's from UA, there should be a Marriott status attached.

I'm A3&TK*G... But I have submitted a status match request to United using my AA EXP credentials, let's see

Sure, but hopefully they can find a happy medium. The current policy, as I was told and if indeed true, would make it all but impossible for elites with other programs to switch/split loyalty and try MR.