If you read the earlier posts, this coupons is only good with generally available rates, not even AAA or AARP. At least that is the official rule.

It is good for eBreaks, I think, as it is generally available.

Hope is not a sound investment strategy.

Practically any company can buy these "incentive' coupons/awards etc. These are likely to be 99.99% the exact same as far as the T&Cs as any other BB or PP given by the hotels during promotions. Same as ones given for test driving a car or other promotion.

I'm just surprised that Marriott is allowing them to sell these for a profit, since all the other "deals" on the Geico Privileges website look like regaular internet affiliate offers.

I had the exact situation as you, got my rate switched at checkout because I used a member rate to the regular rate.

I argued since membership in MR costs nothing, MR is a public program, and I did not have to show my MR card at checkin it should be accepted. However seemed this argument was a no-go and I was switched anyway.

Just seems like a counterintuitive action, denying loyal guests the chance to use MR rates.

I think now the words are out, they will probably wonder where all the orders came from and run out.

Also, I am not a GEICO customer and it still let me sign up for the website. I wonder if it would let me buy anything there.

After the initial excitment, I did some calculations and think I am better off staying at lower end Marriotts using AAA deals.

As sophiegirl mentioned, MR & BB/PP are NOT related so the loyalty thing really isn't relevant. Someone who has never stayed at a Marriott previously could get a BB/PP if the rate they booked had it as an option.

I diss on Marriott when things don't go well, but in this case, the T&C are quite clear. Only publicly available rates are eligible. The fact that folk are lucky to have used them on other rates is quite simply that - luck, not policy. I don't get many BB/PP, but when I've used them they actually have been on PAR. If someone wanted to try their luck & was getting in before cancellation, they could always have a back-up ressie at the same property (dif rate) or dif property.

To get a Marriott Rewards rate is not a publicly available rate - ie, if my cousin who never travels & isn't a member of MR wanted to book it, s/he could not do so w/o showing some proof (if asked upon check-in) and could get hit w/ the rack rate if she didn't have said proof.

You HAVE TO JOIN MARRIOTT REWARDS - therefore that makes it a membership program. The fact that it's free (vs a fee like AAA) is irrelevant. So when you join a Members Reward program then yes you're no longer part of the 'general public' if you book the rate that's only eligible to members of that program.

And as in all things - read the T&C beforehand so you know the rules. If you want to take a chance on the bookings then go for it. But certainly don't complain about it if the property decides to follow the rules.

BTW - I feel for the folk who are complaining. It's a bummer to have a rate switch, but still...

PS - My guess is those who are arguing that they don't have to show their card at check-in would quickly be in the complaining 'why do I always have to show my card at check-in camp - don't you KNOW I'm a MR member?'. Sucks both ways ;)

Cheers.

Ok...so here's one to ponder....

What if.....(Don't we love these)

He got his Bonus Bucks while he was Marriott Rewards member. He made his hotel reservation while he was a Marriott Rewards member but then he immediately denounced his membership either right after booking or right after checking in. At that point he has his rate, he has his BB's but he's technically not a member of the MR program. I know there are a few ways to poke holes in that but play along here...:D

Do not be to sure - it depends on the type of traveling you do, when you do it, and where you do it.

My husband and I do a lot of weekend getaways - the rack rates at full service Marriotts are often very low (last weekend we paid $89 for the CLT Ren!) and since it is a publicly available rate, they will take the BB. So we paid $89 X 2 = $180 (+ tax of course); and got $100 off - our room for 2 nights was $80!^

Over Christmas we did some traveling with family, and were able to use both $50 and $100 at different hotels.

At an upcoming trip to NYC during the week, even as a plat, the best rate I can get is $379; and is also a publicly available rate. They will take the $100; which will at least help somewhat!

We keep @ least (1) $100 and (1) $50 on hand always (the $50 are good at CY, SHS, RI, FI AND FS & Ren) - and we have never had one expire without being able to use it.

JUST REMEMBER - you must stay 2 nights, and the rules are that it must be a rack rate. I have had properties take them on special rates, but many will not, and they are in their rights not to do so!

Cayman Islands Courtyard
 

I am planning to use a Fifty GBP Premium Pounds certificate at the Courtyard by Marriott in Grand Cayman Island this weekend.

Anyone have any experience using Bonus Bucks or Premium Pounds at this location? The Fifty GBP says it is good for two night stays at Courtyards.

I have tried on several occasions (always when I would be willing to pay without them or could cancel/rebook without penalty).

I have never had success using them on meb or eBreaks, as you have to be a "MEMBER" of the mailing list to receive the rate.

Not trying to be a pain here, but if you are following the rules of the bonus buck, you are required to call the 800 number on there. (I know...most all of us don't, but then we whine when they won't accept it.) If you don't follow the instructions to a "T" and have problems using the certficate, its not marriotts fault.

Only members of MR are eligible to receive MEO's

I wonder if there's a list of things that will make you lose your MR membership, like the list inside a passport of ways to lose your US citizenship.

So to carry out your plan and lose MR membership, you'd have to (a) renounce your membership before JW Marriott, Jr., or (b) earn Diamond with Hilton HHonors, or (c) open an SPG AMEX card, or ....

The problem here is if one sets up a process that is either very complicated, manually intensive, or not commonly enforced, then one should expect misunderstandings to arise. So while I agree that if one doesn't follow the instructions then they may not get to use the coupons, sometimes instructions can be put into place that almost beg for misunderstands to happen.

Just to play along; How would this be any different then making the res etc for a Govt rate while a govt employee, lets say it was gonna be 1 night due to work and 4 vacation. Now eitehr teh person is let go or quits and thats before the stay.

the person shows up anyway as it was gonna be a vacation as well. Since theya re no longer a Govt employee if they get carded they could be in big trouble.

OK no use of a PP or BB due to Govt rate. But its the same,your person got a special rate while being a member of something, now that they are no longer a member of said Org should no longer qualify for said rate, just as a former govt worker shouldnt qualify any longer.