Does Marriott somehow track EEO certs to limit use?
Feb 14, 2006 | 3:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SMF UA MM
Posts: 186
Does Marriott somehow track EEO certs to limit use?
I asked this question in the Elite Offers Saga thread but didn't get a clear answer.
With the advent of online Elite offers, how does Marriott track only using a stay 1 night get the second night free coupon once?
For example, I stay in Hotel A in February and use a 2-1 coupon. In March, I want to use the same coupon again (I can either print another from the website or use the paper one that I got) at Hotel B.
I realize that my Marriott Rewards number is on the electronic certificate, but I'm unclear on how Hotel B would know I already used a certificate at Hotel A.
Also, these certificates are transferable so could I use a certificate from another platinum member and book under my name?
Not trying to cheat the system but I am trying to understand how I can maximize usage. I used the certificate for the first time last weekend and all seemed to go well and the front desk was familiar with the certificate.
With the advent of online Elite offers, how does Marriott track only using a stay 1 night get the second night free coupon once?
For example, I stay in Hotel A in February and use a 2-1 coupon. In March, I want to use the same coupon again (I can either print another from the website or use the paper one that I got) at Hotel B.
I realize that my Marriott Rewards number is on the electronic certificate, but I'm unclear on how Hotel B would know I already used a certificate at Hotel A.
Also, these certificates are transferable so could I use a certificate from another platinum member and book under my name?
Not trying to cheat the system but I am trying to understand how I can maximize usage. I used the certificate for the first time last weekend and all seemed to go well and the front desk was familiar with the certificate.
Feb 14, 2006 | 5:15 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 179
I don't pretend to have the official word on this, but this is my interpretation.
The certs that you print from the web site have your name and account info, so they can track it to you. Also, on the web versions state "5. Offer honored once per member." I interpret this to mean that this cert is good once whether I use it myself or gift it.
The coupons that come in the mail use different language. They just state "10. Only one certificate honored per member." Given the context of that rule, I interpret it to mean only one certificate per stay. Also these coupons do not have member info on them and clearly state that they may be gifted. Obviously we can only use a coupon once because we have to surrender it and cannot reprint a copy. However, if a buddy of mine can't use his and gifts it to me, I don't have (and haven't had) a problem doing this.
The certs that you print from the web site have your name and account info, so they can track it to you. Also, on the web versions state "5. Offer honored once per member." I interpret this to mean that this cert is good once whether I use it myself or gift it.
The coupons that come in the mail use different language. They just state "10. Only one certificate honored per member." Given the context of that rule, I interpret it to mean only one certificate per stay. Also these coupons do not have member info on them and clearly state that they may be gifted. Obviously we can only use a coupon once because we have to surrender it and cannot reprint a copy. However, if a buddy of mine can't use his and gifts it to me, I don't have (and haven't had) a problem doing this.
Feb 15, 2006 | 7:14 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Winter Garden, FL
Programs: Delta DM-3MM United Gold-MM Marriott Lifetime Titanium Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 13,498
My instincts and long experience with Marriott suggest to me that nobody is tracking the usage of EEO certs, neither the mailed ones nor the on-line printouts. It's just too much trouble. And Marriott is probably very happy when you use these, no matter how many you use (but just one at a time, of course). Every time you use one, they get additional business that they wouldn't get otherwise. Nobody is losing money, I'm sure.
Bruce
Bruce
Feb 15, 2006 | 8:49 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by bdschobel
My instincts and long experience with Marriott suggest to me that nobody is tracking the usage of EEO certs, neither the mailed ones nor the on-line printouts. It's just too much trouble.
Bruce
Bruce