Using points for a stay
Feb 27, 2009 | 6:33 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: AA EP; Bonvoy Platinum: Hilton Gold
Posts: 535
Using points for a stay
I know this is probably a basic question, but how does Marriott decide what type of room to give you when you redeem points for a stay?
I am looking at a trip to stay at the Niagra Falls Fallsview hotel, cost shows to be 60k points. There are about 15 different categories of rooms, so I wonder what am I likely to receive? Is it based on a formula, reward level, or availability? I am a silver, would it different if was gold/plat?
I am looking at a trip to stay at the Niagra Falls Fallsview hotel, cost shows to be 60k points. There are about 15 different categories of rooms, so I wonder what am I likely to receive? Is it based on a formula, reward level, or availability? I am a silver, would it different if was gold/plat?
Feb 27, 2009 | 6:48 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: N Charleston South Carolina
Programs: UA PM (by 2MM), DL GM (by 3.5MM), Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,655
Usually, when you book online, it tells you what type of room to expect: for example, garden view, city view, etc. Normally, if a hotel offers "upgraded" free nights, they want extra $ per night or extra points.
The awards without any additional costs or certs is their most basic room.
For gold/plats, they usually upgrade you to the nicest available non-suite room available. Key word is available.
Silvers may get upgrades, but I would not count on it.
Billy
The awards without any additional costs or certs is their most basic room.
For gold/plats, they usually upgrade you to the nicest available non-suite room available. Key word is available.
Silvers may get upgrades, but I would not count on it.
Billy
Feb 28, 2009 | 8:39 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NYNY
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium, UA Silver, AA PLT
Posts: 857
I stayed at the Marriott Copley Sq last weekend on points and they put me on the CL level because I'm a gold. The CL is under construction, but oh well, it was still on the 28th floor 
Mar 1, 2009 | 2:54 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
Book the room. Then call the hotel or Marriott Elite and see what options you have. That's what I usually do.
Mar 1, 2009 | 4:07 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus, HH Gold, Hertz PC, National Executive, etc.
Posts: 31,670
You will be default get a "standard" room. When I redeemed at that property, it was a non-falls-facing, lower floor room. They said there were no falls-facing rooms available and as it was a holiday weekend/sold out, I didn't doubt it. You should get upgraded to the best available non-suite, which may be falls-facing in low season or if they're not crowded.