I checked in to a Marriott today, and was not asked if I want points or the arrival gift (I am Plat.)

Am I entitled to the cash gift? If so, what do I need to do to claim it?


I have stayed at this property once before, and that previous time was asked at check in, and I opted for the points.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, if you were not given an arrival gift upon arrival, you can ask the hotel to pony up on the cash guarantee.

Just go down and let the front desk staff know. They may offer you the arrival gift at that time. If you really think they dropped the ball and should pay the guarantee and you have every right to do so, then stick to your guns and tell them that they didn't offer it upon your arrival. And as such, you are invoking the cash guarantee. They may still offer resistence and you may need to ask to speak to a manager. But per the rules, you should be offered the cash. (Sometimes they may instead offer some "extra" items or points, if those are acceptable, you can always accept those. But if you don't want those and prefer the cash, tell them no.)

Be sure you are armed with the terms and conditions of the Platinum elite guarantee. Some hotels will try to weasel out of it or offer you some other compensation of lesser value (e.g. points).

Know what the terms are and stick to your guns.

I have had them not offer the Plat Guarantee, then called the office before check out. Magically they said I got points. Upon checking my account, yes I got the points. Works for me.

I'll take $100 over 500 points any day

Good news.

I stopped by the front desk before breakfast, and let the clerk know that I was not offered the arrival gift. It was the same clerk who had checked me in yesterday. She said she would look into it.

I stopped back after breakfast, and she apologized, asked me to sign a receipt, and gave me a $50 bill.

BTW, this is a Fairfield Inn & Suites property.

Thank you Marriott!!!

I forgot to add: I looked closely at the terms and conditions, and they have the "day of arrival" to give you the gift, but also you must make a claim for the cash reward prior to check out. That is why I waited until this morning.

Quick question: will platinum arrival gifts be given to award reservation platinum guests? I recently checked in to a Renaissance and they told me they won't give out points but would let me pick the standard food/drink feebies after I asked for my gift.

Yes, you should get your Plat arrival gift even on award stays. And I have received the points option for more than a few of my award stays. So what the front desk person told you isn't correct.