Europe Sampler
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: Alaska Mileage Plan, Bonvoy, World of Hyatt
Posts: 145
Europe Sampler
My wife and I are headed to Europe in April and we want to take advantage of the Europe Sampler. On Marriott's Web site it says the award expires on Dec. 31.
Does that mean we have to use the certificates by Dec. 31, or that we have to redeem our points by then?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Does that mean we have to use the certificates by Dec. 31, or that we have to redeem our points by then?
Thanks in advance for the help.
#2
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott Rewards Silver, Starwood Preferred Guest Plus, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 967
You can order up to Dec 31 and it will be valid for 12 months from date of issue. Be aware that after Dec 31, this sort of award is being discontinued but if you order one before this date, you will be able to use it at hotels which are being elevated to the new Cat 8, providing you can reserve a Standard Award stay for your dates.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHX
Programs: Alaska Mileage Plan, Bonvoy, World of Hyatt
Posts: 145
Thank you, Glenn.
I've found standard award availability in Dublin, London and Paris, so I should be set.
I've found standard award availability in Dublin, London and Paris, so I should be set.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
It probably would be best to book this without delay.
Awards for next year are going to be scarce as many loyal Marriott(and soon to be ex Marriott customers)are rushing to book awards before the axe falls on Jan.15th 2009
Awards for next year are going to be scarce as many loyal Marriott(and soon to be ex Marriott customers)are rushing to book awards before the axe falls on Jan.15th 2009
#5
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott Rewards Silver, Starwood Preferred Guest Plus, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 967
#6
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MSP
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, UA Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 911
Are these paper certificates? And do they have an expiration date on them?
#7
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ORD, MKE, MDW
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, AAdvantage Gold, Air Canada Elite, Avis Pref Select, Hertz Gold,
Posts: 1,844
Glenn....Has this been officially announced? If so I may have overlooked it in all of the other buzz concerning this "enhancement". Bad news for me. (And yet another "exciting improvement", which for me turns out to be anything but!)
#9
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: BNA
Programs: HH Silver IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,733
Yes, Marriott Concierge has already announced that the European sampler will be discontinued.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Bethesda, MD
Programs: UA Million Miler, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 814
Looking at using cashing in points for the Europe Sampler. Just to confirm, in addition to the 7 night hotel certificate, I will receive 50k in ff miles credited to my airline account of choice (United). Plus a 25% cert off of Hertz rental. More interested in the 50k points going to my United account. How soon do they post to the account?
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: Marriott platinum
Posts: 296
Looking at using cashing in points for the Europe Sampler. Just to confirm, in addition to the 7 night hotel certificate, I will receive 50k in ff miles credited to my airline account of choice (United). Plus a 25% cert off of Hertz rental. More interested in the 50k points going to my United account. How soon do they post to the account?
If you book a travel package prior to Jan. 15, 2009, the 7 night certificate must be used within one year and can no longer be extended. Some hotel catagories may change in 2009 so make your reservations prior to Jan. 15 if possible.
#12
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 6,790
As noted above, the European Sampler doesn't come with miles.
With the travel packages (nights + miles) the miles usually post within a couple days, in my experience. However, I've had mine deposited to my American AAdvantage account, so it's possible United may be delayed. I have no reason to think so, though.
With the travel packages (nights + miles) the miles usually post within a couple days, in my experience. However, I've had mine deposited to my American AAdvantage account, so it's possible United may be delayed. I have no reason to think so, though.
#13
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South America
Programs: AA Platinum 1MM - Marriott Silver
Posts: 353
European Sampler - Marriott Concierge.
MARRIOTT NEW AND OLD REWARDS PACKAGES POINT REQUIREMENTS 2009
SAMPLER / HOPPER AWARDS[/COLO 7- Night Sampler or Hopper packages (Elite members only)[/COLOR]
2+2+3 package (Hawaii combo or Europe combo)
150,000 points. Good virtually any property, however availability is restricted more under the old program.
BIG ADVANTAGE: If ordered in 2008, this will have a 1 year window in 2009 where it will be very flexible (you can search for availability throughout 2009; but remember this is only in Europe or Hawaii).
Conclusion: If you think you can use the Hopper anywhere in Hawaii or in high-demand locations in Europe anytime before 12/31/09, then you should DEFINITELY order one.
SAMPLER / HOPPER AWARDS[/COLO 7- Night Sampler or Hopper packages (Elite members only)[/COLOR]
2+2+3 package (Hawaii combo or Europe combo)
150,000 points. Good virtually any property, however availability is restricted more under the old program.
BIG ADVANTAGE: If ordered in 2008, this will have a 1 year window in 2009 where it will be very flexible (you can search for availability throughout 2009; but remember this is only in Europe or Hawaii).
Conclusion: If you think you can use the Hopper anywhere in Hawaii or in high-demand locations in Europe anytime before 12/31/09, then you should DEFINITELY order one.
1. Should I order the Sampler Package anyway assuming that availability will open after Jan.15th?
2. If one of those hotels currently offers Stay Anytime awards, can I book it assuming that such room should be available as Standard Reward after Jan.15th and my certificate will cover it?
3. I also understand that if I return all three certificates I have a full refund of my points, so there is no risk to give this a try, am I right?
Thanks for your prompt response.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-Atlantic
Programs: AA Plat, UA Silver, DL Silver, Marriott Titanium, etc.
Posts: 4,210
While we are waiting for MC to respond, the above quote is of course my interpretation only and you are right to request responses to your questions from the Marriott Concierge. I would think you are 98% correct in your surmisals (there is a chance you won't get what you want next year, but it is suppose to be only a small chance), but we'll see what they say. If my recollection is correct however, the 2 properties you mention will be among a handful that can more significantly restrict availability for a few peak dates (don't have time to find the link to MC's post on this at the moment).