Does any one know if you can use a Bonus Buck at check in on the VISA Bonus Buck promotion reservation?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I would suggest writing to MR. I've written them with all sorts of questions about promos and such and they answered pretty quickly.

In the past you could, so long as you otherwise qualified (i.e., 2 paid night stay, etc.).

Hello Darylh:

It probably depends on the hotel if they will take your Bonus Buck (BB) or not. I checked in today at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA and I reserved the VISA Bonus Buck rate. I presented a $100 BB later this evening. It was accepted without question.

Whenever, I have been in this area, I usually book the M11 rate (BB Rate). I have used a BB on a BB rate. I have even used the Buy 1 Get 1 Free certificate on the BB rate.

Keep in mind that if the hotel accepts a BB, it is not necessarily the rule.

Marcell

Shouldn't be a problem as far as I know, its a publicaly available rate so as long as the other requirements have been met, two day stay and so on... I've stayed at three Marriotts in the last couple of weeks or so without a problem on this rate and used BB certs. Of course then extracting the new BB cert is a whole other story!

I did it this weekend at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott Suites. No problem.

Bruce

Yes - I've done it many times. Spend a BB/PP, earn a BB right back.

I submitted an additional $50 BB to the stay I had this past weekend at the Crystal Gateway. In all, I used $150 in BBs toward my 2 night stay.

How strict is the usage of a BB on a corporate rate? ie not public rate?
Does anyone have any experience where they refused to take the BB?

Also, Has anyone had problems using Premium Pounds in the US? Do the marriott folks know what they are and know how to do the conversion?

Many Thanks,
Stephany

The answer is "YMMV" (your mileage may vary).

I've used Premium Pounds at Marriott properties in the States and the experience has ranged from "What are those anyway?" to "Thank you, sir. We'll credit them to your account immediately".

The big city properties, particularly where international tourists are likely to come (think Anaheim, for instance, or Washington DC) have no problem with them. Some of the smaller towns, particularly in rural areas, seem not to have seen them. They're educable, though, and generally once I explain, say something like, "Well, we'll figure it out before you depart, you can rest assured of that" and they always have. Whether they call Marriott for help and guidance, or have a place on-line that "breaks the code", I don't know.

Bigger problem is the exchange rate. I've experienced everything from the property using the interbank rate in the day's newspaper, or the Marriott converter rate on-line in MARSHA, to an attempt at $1 per pound. That last was out of ignorance, I'm convinced, not malice. When we looked up the rate in the newspaper, she said, "That ($1 per pound) can't be right, let me do some more checking" and sure enough came up with something like the right rate.

Figure on anywhere from the interbank rate in the newspaper to 90% of that rate and you should be fine.

I used a £100 Premium Pounds coupon in New York last year and it was accepted cheerfully by the clerk, who even commented 'wow, these things are even better than Bonus Bucks'!

The hotel used their own exchange rate and the credit on my folio was equal to just over £95. No complaints.

I received a notice in the mail about a month ago informing me that their enhancing my benefits for the regular Visa Signature card.

There adding the following:

Receive a $100 BB Coupon whe you spend $25,000 on the card during the Calendar Year

Receive 10 nights Credit toward my elite status every year that my account is in good standing.

I was considering cancelling this card, but decided to keep it once I could earn the free nights annually. The 1st part about spending $25,000 on the Visa just to earn a $100 BB doesn't seem worth it.

Once I earn the 15 free nights from the Premier card, I will have 25 nights toward my elite membership without staying 1 night at a hotel.

Did anyone else receive this offer for the regular Visa Signature?

Marcell,

I believe there was another thread on whether the addition of the nights from more than one credit card was cumulative and I believe the consensus was that it was not. Others should chime in so as not to leave you disappointed. However, if they are cumulative, I will run and get the regular card as well. Just don't think so, though.

That's the same offer published on Chase's web page right now:
http://www.firstusa.com/cgi-bin/webc...sig&page=index

I think this is something new for current users. I've had the regular Marriott Visa Signature since 2003, and at that time I only received 15,000 bonus points with my first purchase. Two years ago, I applied for and received the Marriott Visa Premier card with all its benefits.

About 3-4 weeks ago, I received a flyer in the mail about the regular Visa Signature, that I already have, being upgraded for me to receive 10 free nights towards my account. However, I am waiting to see when the Visa Premier's 15 nights are credited.