Is there a Platinum-Lite Status out there?
 

I was recently at a trade show with a former colleague who is a meeting planner. We both were having a conversation about the benefits of staying with Marriott and found out that we were both Platinum--but quickly realized that I was getting some perks that he wasn't.

So we both produced our Platinum cards and mine says "Platinum Elite" and his just says "Platinum". Apparently his Platinum status is given to him without staying the required number of nights but via his role as a meeting planner.

Anyone know anything about this meeting planner platinum status? As far as I could tell the meeting planner platinum was getting about the same treatment as most other guests. (Not that Platinum Elite is that special anyway)

Just looked through my Plat guide last night and noticed that the qualification levels for Silver, Gold and Plat were pretty clear and called out either room nights or meetings/conferences to match room night counts. Can't recall the exact amounts, but I think it was 3 events for silver, 7 for gold and maybe 15? for plat. Did not seem to indicate any different benefits. My new card also says Plat Elite and was issued on night stays (and Visa nights :) ).

What kinds of perks is he not getting?

Interesting. Were they different cards of just the different label on them?

I just checked mine and its says elite on it.

I wonder if the planner was simply unaware of the benefits he 'wasn't getting.' :confused:

If the planner earns his status via booked events, and not via nights stayed, perhaps he simply didn't realize the extent of the benefits to which he is entitled?

Benefits that he wasn't getting included stuff like concierge lunge access and instead of getting the super special platinum room key, he got the regular guest key. (i know big deal)

Did you check the expiration date on his Platinum card. Perhaps the card he had in his wallet had expired, which would explain the difference in benefits and the difference in cards. Previous year's cards may have just had Platinum printed on them.

There is no difference between Platinum and Platinum Elite. There is another higher level called Platinum Premier. This higher level is via invitation only and its membership is determined by Marriott Rewards. I only reached it once and I think the qualification is to stay more than 100 nights/year.

I remember calling a customer service rep asking her about this higher status and was told that, in general, only 3% of platinum members receive this status.