Oh-so-true, iwpingmu! 'Tis better to pay $50 for a $160--$175 coupon than $30 for a $100 coupon. However, some people don't like the hassle of dealing with receptionists in small- to medium-city Marriotts, some of whom don't even know that there is a such a money as British Pounds!

pp vs bb
 

It is a simple math, british premium pound can save more whenever the rate is between US$140-170, I believe u got the point, some people who are buying bonus bucks even do not have any knowledge about brithish pounds and do not know that such 1.70:1.00 ratio to US$ exists

Bruce, I have read all the threads on this subject and am thoroughly confused as to what Premium Pounds are. As I will be staying in England for 3 days in July, it sounds like to me that it might be worth my while to barter with some one who has them. I gather the pounds are given out by Marriott as part of a Thank You for spending money and staying at a Marriott. So, are people trying to barter the Pounds? If a GBP is worth, say $175 USD, am I to presume that there are FTers willing to part with their Pounds for something less? I really would appreciate it if you or some kind soul could direct me to a site that explains what they are. Thanks

Premium Pounds are the same as Bonus Bucks only in British Pounds (100 BP = roughly $175 US Dollars. You can get these sometimes from Marriott in the UK or buy them on Ebay!

Another option is FlyerTalk's own Coupon Connection forum, but you need a minimum number of posts (180?) to access it.

Bruce

Refer to my previous quote. Has anyone else experienced problems with the correct posting of MR point to their account?

If there's a discrepancy of the amount of MR points earned after BBs are used, call MR # on the back of your membership card. You should be able to get the correct amount of points from your stay(s).

To all Flyertalkers: Have you ever used your BBs on your business stays? I have a business trip coming up the week of April 4-7 at the Crystal Gateway in Arlington, VA and I'm interested in feedback on this.

Here's a scenario: You stay a # of nights at a hotel on business. You received a travel advance from your employer to attend an workshop or conference. You use a BB or BBs on your business stay and pocket the cash amount equivalent to the BB amount.

Do any of you have employers/companies that scrutinize your hotel expense report for things like these or does it matter at all.

Given that U have received an advance from your employer, that should end it--your use of GCs or coupons or free awards, more power 2U!

However, if you had not received the advance & the stay were direct-billed to the co., then using BBs would just save the co. some cash, making U a very loyal employee.

If U had to submit for re-imb. afterward, it would depend on how the hotel marked the BB usage--Cash Payment or GC vs. a coupon.

Thanks for the response. My employer has never scrutinized my bill for BBs. I may try this down the line as that when I get approved to attend various events, I always make my own reservations.

Bonus Bucks at Marriott Vacation Club Resorts
 

This may have been answered somewhere on the forum, but I can't find it. I'm staying 5 nights at the Ocean Club in Aruba at Easter, and then have 2 more nights to stay(haven't figured where yet--the Marriott Stellaris next door, or pay for 2 nights in the Ocean club).
Can I use a bonus bucks coupon at the Ocean club TS if I'm paying for the 2 nights? THanks
pete

Just make sure that they post the Premium Pound or Bonus Bucks as a cash payment. Sometimes they might deduct the amount from the room rate if they are not familair with the form of payment but that is incorrect procedure.

To answer the question you asked, they are almost always (in my experience over quite a number of hotels around the world) posted as "Bonus Buck" or "Premium Pound coupon" or "Extra Euro coupon" and an amount in the "credit" column.

There was one exception: At the Airport Marriott at SEA-TAC, it was listed as "Cash BB/SM" and the $100 credit in the credit column.

Added: I just pulled out my old records, and notice that years ago (2004 and earlier) they would sometimes be listed as though they were a cash credit. So, YMMV.

Can a JW Bonus Bucks be used in another Marriott?
 

I got a BB during a stay at the JW in China. Could I use it at another non -JW Marriott or Renn property?

Thanks
Harini

Do GOV rates and Bonus Bucks/Premium Pounds mix?
 

I have used Marriott Bonus Bucks on many occasions while I was staying at the Federal Govt rate. Many times... never a problem.

Now, I am being told the GOV rate is a special contract rate and the hotel cannot accept the Bonus Bucks/Premium Pounds because it would be in violation of the T&C. Although I explained the hotel is reimbursed the full amount they give, the front desk told me they must submit copies of the guest folio and when the fulfillment company sees the GOV rate used, they would refuse to reimburse the hotel.

Anyone with experience??

Thanks!