One thing that sometimes gets overlooked in the broader discussion about which hotel program does the best hotel promotions (with people generally accepting that Starwood and Hyatt lead the pack): Marriott frequently runs these types of offers that have decent short-term payoff potential in a format other than more points.

I've always appreciated the mix of offers from Marriott. The ongoing Bonus Buck and EEO programs have probably netted me more total free nights with Marriott than the Travel Packages have. Throw in a couple others from the past - various "3rd Night Free" offers at the timeshare properties, the yearlong Hertz HPR promo (extended the free weekend night concept to brands outside Mar/Ren)...it all adds up.

2 questions:

-Are the BB transferrable, i.e. can I give them to a friend?
-Can you use BB on a BB reservation? Specifically, if I make 2 BB reservations, one for November and one for December, can I use the BB I earned in Nov. to pay for the Dec. stay, and still earn the BB?

Another question, can one use 2 BB coupons on one stay over the weekend. I am planning on earning 2 BB coupons in October and was wondering if I can use both of them on one stay before they expire?

Yes and Yes.

No, unless it's 4 paid nights or the front desk cuts you a very generous exception. Typically it's one BB used per 2 paid nights.

Thanks!!!

Using 100$ bonus bucks certificates
 

Does anyone know if AAA rates can be used if i want to redeem a bonus bucks cert ? The cert suggest that corp/discount rates are not acceptable but doesnt specifically say for AAA

Similarly is it possible to use one of those certs (that i have from a previous stay) on a room promo rate that include one of those 100$ bonus bucks ?

Thanks

you should not have an issue

Triple A rate is hit and miss with bonus bucks. The terms on the back state you can not use the BB with any rate you have to show an I. D.

Also on the back of the coupon, it further affirms the above, read HOTEL PERSONNEL: ..........(e.g. does not apply to negotiated special corporate rates or AAA rates).

Just checked into the Marriott Hutchinson Island (FL). They caught the AAA rate at the desk. Would not accept the bonus bucks. Nice upgrade to beachfront suite with crashing waves :). Asst manager that checked me in even looked at the best rate available to redeem the bucks. I would have lost the free breakfast and had to pay $60 more.

As to the other part of your question:

Generally, if the rate is offered to the general public (e.g., a "Stay for Breakfast" rate that also gives a Bonus Buck) you can use a Bonus Buck you had from before (i.e., that you give them at the time of check-in), but you can't apply a Bonus Buck to the same stay that earned that particular Bonus Buck.

I checked out of a FS Marriott yesterday (14 Nov) and received a bonus buck that expires 27 January. After politely asking if they had any with later expiration dates, the clerk was only able to produce one with a 11 February expiration date. Less than 3 months doesn't seem acceptable to me, but it was all the hotel had.

Does anyone know if Marriott has corporate standards regarding the issuance of Bonus Bucks with minimum validity periods?

Its been awhile since I recieved my last one, but I thought that there were supposed to have at least 6 months of validity when you receive it. In the past, I have even asked the hotel to look throught their "inventory" of BBs to see if they have some with farther out expiration date.

It might be worth calling the hotel and asking if they can get you one that has at least 6 month before it expires.

This window is shorter than the historic six month redemption period for most Bonus Bucks promotions.

However, the terms and conditions of the most recent chain-wide Bonus Bucks promotion (full service hotels with breakfast plus $100 voucher) specified a three-month redemption window --- as well as stricter weekend-only parameters.

This is sad to learn. Given the reduction in EEO use mentioned in the http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...what-joke.html, it looks like Marriott has a general trend toward benefit reductions. :td: