Anyone ever use the Flex Awards?
 

I'm thinking of cashing in my Amtrak points for the Mariott Flex awards. I understand that they are good at all U.S. Courtyards, Fairfield Inns, Residence Inns, Springhill Suites, and Towneplace Suites. Has anyone ever had any problems using these certificates? The T&C don't mention anything about blackout dates or capacity controls.

FLEX Awards
 

I have used them on at least three occasions and never had a problem with them. I personally think they are good value though others on this board disagree. When Marriott Rewards wants 15,000 points for a one-night stay and I can use 10,000 FLEX points for the same place, same night, I would say that is a better deal.

John

I also think it sounds like a good deal, especially for the more expensive locations. I want to use these awards for one of the properties in Downtown Chicago, so if that's possible it's quite a bargain.

Two additional points: These certs are sometimes a much better value than an ordinary Marriott award, as they include breakfast. If you're considering a city property (downtown Chicago, for example), this is a considerable value. Although I believe you have to actually book with an operator, you can check availability online by searching for "Incentive Awards" at your property of choice. Usually the "NPR" code will display these.

Thanks! Am I supposed to call a special number to reserve these rooms or can I do it with any Marriott operator? Also, can I book the awards before obtaining the certificates?

Reservations must be confirmed in advance by calling the appropriate reservation number. Recipients should advise the reservations agent that they are using a Flex Award including appropriate rate code. Therefore, you will want to obtaining the certificate first so that you will have this information.

what is a flex reward? I have never heard of it. :rolleyes:

Thanks!

Links here
 

Weekend

Weekday

Looks like they are good at Marriotts too. In fact, it says they are good at 1500 US properties which sounds like it might be all Marriott flagged properties. (I wonder if Ren is included even though not stated). This does sound like a good deal.

Here's the skinny. These look to be the same incentive awards you can buy to give to employees. They cost $119 for the Weekend Flex and $139 for the Anytime Flex. The list of locations is available from this link:

http://marriott.com/incentives/Anyti...timeAwardsFlex

(Click on Location List button under Flex)

And it looks like some Rens are included and some Marriotts but ALL CY, SHS, RI, TPS, and FI.

How long does it take to receive the certificate?

Does every certificate have a different serial code that I need to give to reservations? Or is it just some standard "rate code" that is the same for all Amtrak certificates, and can be given before obtaining the physical piece of paper?

I get my FLEX award certificates from my Amtrak Guest Rewards Account (10,000 points for weekend, 15,000 points for weekday stays per night). I usually receive them within 7 business days. The rate code is MFAK for the weekend ones. I use the general Marriott res number (1.800.443.6000) and they know what to do with them.

Regarding an earlier comment about full service Marriotts, these FLEX awards are good at some properties but not all. When I want to check, I call Marriott res and give them the property name and MFAK. If it works, great. If not, I save it for another property. Honestly, these certificates are NOT good at a lot of the full service properties.