Preferences
 

Has anyone noticed that now Marriott (online) will not allow you to state preferences for the better priced rooms? Their policy is contradictory since we also just received an email asking us to update our preferences as we are Platinum. Go figure. We assume they either want to force you into higher prices or unload the smoking rooms.

DJTravel, welcome to FT.

I do not recall being able to state in the preferences a desire for a better room type. (Although I have only been a gold/platinum member for 7 months.) I request a room upgrade in the comments section of the online reservation and/or call the reservation line to have them add a note to my reservation for a possible room upgrade.

I think what DJ Travel was saying was that when he selects discounts (M11 or just weekend specials) they do not allow him to select preferences.

I too have seen this. (ie. You may only select 1 preference on the preference screen) The problem is that on that screen I generally have 4(King, Non Smoking, Rollaway, High Floor) I noted a refrigerator when I did the "NEW" Preference profile, so it adds that.

I have however found that if I don't touch the page (to add the rollaway), it normally will Gurantee the King, Non. I then just call in and Gold/Plat Line adds that and the Upgrade Requested Tag.

I have been able to guarantee a nonsmoking King with a discount code or weekend rate. I can also access my room preferences in the reservation and make multiple changes regarding the bed type, smoking preference, need for a rollaway or crib, and preferred floor.

I have been successful booking online and then calling to have the preferences added.

Last night, I was trying to book 2 rooms for the sames night(AAA Rate).

My preferences came up for room 1, but when I tried to select non-smoking for room 2-it said that I could not select preferences for a second room at that rate.

I reserved the rooms and called and got non-smoking for room 2.

Just wanted to clear up, not saying I have this problem all the time or on every hotel. Just some seem to do it, and I have seen it more frequently recently.

Preference for lower priced room?
 

Perhaps I missed it - but I don't see an option for updating my preferences online to show "lower price" as a preference. Just the usual smoking/non-smoking; high floor, pillow-type, extra towels, etc...

Or did I mis-read this post?

Clarification
 

Yes. I was referring to the preferences for (a) smoking/no smoking; (b) request a rollaway; (c) floor. When you get to this point, you have already selected the price point. Since I might book 10 hotels in different cities over a 2 week trip, it is a hassle to have to follow up with a call.

Mea Cupla... "nevermind" -- RossanRossanaDana

I agree; I notice that this has gotten ridiculously bad very recently. Another workaround I have found, which is easier than calling but still an imposition, is to book the rooms with no preferences, then immediately go back and click "change my reservation". For some reason, you can add all the preferences you want at that point.

Does anyone remember if there is still a loophole in the room type guarantee that it only applies to the type as stated in the original reservation? I am sure that loophole used to exist.

Because I remember reading about this loophole, whenever this happens, I always cancel the reservation and call Marriott, rather than change it post facto as described below.

albatross

You are right. Going back and using "change reservation" works. Thanks for the tip.