Dec 4, 2018, 10:44 am
Last edit by: HHQX888
Ambassador Service general email address: [email protected]
Ambassador Service general phone line (USA): (866) 924-9885
Europe: +353-21-4861 222
USA: +1-866-924-9885
Asia : +86-20-38157156
Ambassador Service general phone line (USA): (866) 924-9885
Europe: +353-21-4861 222
USA: +1-866-924-9885
Asia : +86-20-38157156
Marriott Bonvoy ‘Ambassador Elite’ Level : experiences (2020 and earlier)
Oct 17, 2018, 1:08 am
#991
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
One thing I have confirmed by chatting with friendly FDCs is that they only see “Platinum” on their screens. At least that is how legacy SPG hotels understand it- I do not think they have a clear understanding of the different levels. I do suspect that upper management is advised someway since we have had the managers introduce themselves and leave us their cards, along with special welcome gifts on this trip.
But if Marriott wants the higher Elite levels to receive special recognition they need to rename. Platinum Premier needs a new name and Ambassador should be “ Ambassador”
They have a perfect opportunity to do this when they introduce the new program in January.
But if Marriott wants the higher Elite levels to receive special recognition they need to rename. Platinum Premier needs a new name and Ambassador should be “ Ambassador”
They have a perfect opportunity to do this when they introduce the new program in January.
Last edited by damon88; Oct 17, 2018 at 7:21 am
Oct 17, 2018, 1:23 am
#992
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Right now I believe that the Marriott booking system only allows point redemption rates for a standard room. Hotels can offer better rooms for award redemptions but they’ll be the standard point rate + a cash upgrade. As one example, you can only book a tiny “bunk bed” room at the Proper hotel in San Francisco. You can book a variety of room types for points & cash at the JW Marriott in Hong Kong.
Oct 17, 2018, 1:25 am
#993
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,818
I tried to use my SNAs for a reservation in December but wasn't able to online and the Ambassador team could not figure out why. Their theory is the reservation overflows into 2019 but I thought as long as you redeem before 31 December you should be ok or is my interpretation incorrect?
Oct 17, 2018, 1:30 am
#994
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
I tried to use my SNAs for a reservation in December but wasn't able to online and the Ambassador team could not figure out why. Their theory is the reservation overflows into 2019 but I thought as long as you redeem before 31 December you should be ok or is my interpretation incorrect?
You need 2019 SNAs for nights in 2019.
Oct 17, 2018, 1:35 am
#995
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Dubai
Programs: SPG 100 Ambassador, LH M&M Senator, Skywards Silver
Posts: 250
Oct 17, 2018, 3:06 am
#996
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I think you may be mistaken- I have been using for 5 years and it has been stay date
From the old terms (pre August)
“Suite Night Awards earned during the 2018 Qualifying Period must be redeemed for Stays that occur no later than December 31, 2019.”
FULL :
Suite Night Awards — Terms and Conditions:
Please see the SPG Terms and Conditions for full details regarding Platinum 50 Eligible Nights Benefits. To the extent that terms are capitalized in these Suite Night™ Awards terms and conditions, the terms have the meanings specified in the SPG Terms and Conditions.
Suite Night Awards earned during the 2018 Qualifying Period must be redeemed for Stays that occur no later than December 31, 2019.
Suite Night Awards may be redeemed for advanced confirmable upgrades for select premium rooms or standard suites on a per-room, per-night basis, subject to availability.
Suite Night Award upgrades must be requested through the SPG Program website (spg.com) or by contacting a Customer Engagement Center no later than 2:00 p.m. (local hotel time) one day prior to arrival. If a request for a Suite Night Award upgrade is confirmed, a confirmation email will be sent to the requesting SPG Member.
Suite Night Awards may only be redeemed for upgrades in connection with a Stay.
Requests for Suite Night Award upgrades and confirmed Suite Night Award redemptions may be canceled pursuant to the Suite Night Award cancellation policy on the SPG Program website (spg.com).
Suite Night Awards have expiration dates that may be different from other SPG Program benefits (for full details, see the SPG Terms and Conditions).
An eligible SPG Member should check his/her account to confirm the expiration date of his/her Suite Night Awards.
Suite Night Awards may not be redeemed at certain SPG Participating Hotels or at Starwood Vacation Ownership and residential properties. Please contact the specific SPG Participating Hotel or Starwood Vacation Ownership and residential property to see if Suite Night Awards may be redeemed for a stay at that SPG Participating Hotel or Starwood Vacation Ownership and residential property.
Rooms that are eligible for Suite Night Award upgrades vary by SPG Participating Hotel. In general, a standard suite or select premium room as designated by an SPG Participating Hotel is eligible, depending on availability. Specialty suites, such as presidential, honeymoon or multiple-bedroom suites, are not eligible for Suite Night Awards. In some resort locations where these room types are not available, upgraded rooms are based on preferred view, such as pool or ocean view, or room styles offered.
Oct 17, 2018, 3:35 am
#997
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
Per Lurker:
The last night that an SNA can be applied would be December 30th of the year in which it expires. For example, if your SNA were to expire December 31, 2013, the last possible night to use it would be December 30, 2013.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
So cannot even be used for night of Dec 31-Jan 1.
Last edited by margarita girl; Oct 17, 2018 at 3:57 am
Oct 17, 2018, 11:50 am
#998
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
One thing I have confirmed by chatting with friendly FDCs is that they only see “Platinum” on their screens. At least that is how legacy SPG hotels understand it- I do not think they have a clear understanding of the different levels. I do suspect that upper management is advised someway since we have had the managers introduce themselves and leave us their cards, along with special welcome gifts on this trip.
But if Marriott wants the higher Elite levels to receive special recognition they need to rename. Platinum Premier needs a new name and Ambassador should be “ Ambassador”
They have a perfect opportunity to do this when they introduce the new program in January.
But if Marriott wants the higher Elite levels to receive special recognition they need to rename. Platinum Premier needs a new name and Ambassador should be “ Ambassador”
They have a perfect opportunity to do this when they introduce the new program in January.
I believe you (I could be mistaken) mentioned in an earlier post that SPG properties get a list of recommended upgrades. I've ended up with legacy SPG properties right were I need to be the past couple of weeks and am now on my 5th SPG stay this month. No one is familiar with this and its very apparent they are clicking around at check in -- first come, first served in terms of upgrades.
Legacy Marriotts seem better trained on recognizing Plat Premier since 8/18 ... perhaps because it was always in their system although there were far fewer of us.
I was at the US Grant recently for the first time. It is a nice hotel but if the GM there doesn't take the effort to train people on the new status, which property will? I almost wonder if there is a pushback from GM's at legacy SPG properties regarding the combined program. We certainly know there was in Asia.
Oct 17, 2018, 11:59 am
#999
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
That might have been true in 2013.
But, it is true still that any reservation that carries over to 2019 is going to have to have SNA's that are valid for 2019, even if the stay begins in 2018.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Marriott International
[email protected]
Oct 17, 2018, 4:30 pm
#1000
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,818
That might have been true in 2013.
But, it is true still that any reservation that carries over to 2019 is going to have to have SNA's that are valid for 2019, even if the stay begins in 2018.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Marriott International
[email protected]
Is it the same rule for the award night, expires 31 Dec 2018. Can I use it for a 2019 stay if I book it now?
Last edited by Zol; Oct 17, 2018 at 9:20 pm
Oct 17, 2018, 8:38 pm
#1001
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
I tried to use my SNAs for a reservation in December but wasn't able to online and the Ambassador team could not figure out why. Their theory is the reservation overflows into 2019 but I thought as long as you redeem before 31 December you should be ok or is my interpretation incorrect?
In SPG, the rule always was that the checkout needed to be in the same year, so that an expiring SNA could not even be used for NYE. AFAIK the new Starriott SNAs carry essentially the same T&Cs.
Oct 19, 2018, 3:46 pm
#1002
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Data point for Your24:
Without bothering my Ambassador or the General Ambassador service, I today requested and was confirmed for an earlier 1 pm check in at the SLS Beverly Hills where we arrive tomorrow.
I already had emailed the Guest Relations member (who had sent me the routine welcome email) yesterday to request the early check in. Today when logging into Marriott.com, a pop-up screen offered the chance for advance check in for our stay (and also recognized me as Plat Premier). I requested to check in at 1 pm and was immediately approved for that. The follow up email reply an hour later from the Guest Relations rep also happened to confirm the early check in.
My Ambassador didn’t do this, since she’s away on a well earned holiday. I didn’t involve the General Ambassador team, though I did copy them on the email request. So it was possible to arrange early check in without using my Ambassador, likely because the hotel somehow already knew I had Ambassador status (and/or was a returning guest).
Data point for Ambassador status again:
I’d also been pre-upgraded over a month ago to the SLS Suite without using any SNAs for my 4 night stay. I had asked the hotel directly and didn’t involve my Ambassador at all in this request, but they told me she’d made a request already for some sort of upgrade/VIP treatment.
The take home here is that Ambassador status is actually something, despite assumptions often to the contrary. It isn’t just about an Ambassador doing things for us and on our behalf. It’s also an elevated experience beyond the status of just the regular Plat Premier.
Without bothering my Ambassador or the General Ambassador service, I today requested and was confirmed for an earlier 1 pm check in at the SLS Beverly Hills where we arrive tomorrow.
I already had emailed the Guest Relations member (who had sent me the routine welcome email) yesterday to request the early check in. Today when logging into Marriott.com, a pop-up screen offered the chance for advance check in for our stay (and also recognized me as Plat Premier). I requested to check in at 1 pm and was immediately approved for that. The follow up email reply an hour later from the Guest Relations rep also happened to confirm the early check in.
My Ambassador didn’t do this, since she’s away on a well earned holiday. I didn’t involve the General Ambassador team, though I did copy them on the email request. So it was possible to arrange early check in without using my Ambassador, likely because the hotel somehow already knew I had Ambassador status (and/or was a returning guest).
Data point for Ambassador status again:
I’d also been pre-upgraded over a month ago to the SLS Suite without using any SNAs for my 4 night stay. I had asked the hotel directly and didn’t involve my Ambassador at all in this request, but they told me she’d made a request already for some sort of upgrade/VIP treatment.
The take home here is that Ambassador status is actually something, despite assumptions often to the contrary. It isn’t just about an Ambassador doing things for us and on our behalf. It’s also an elevated experience beyond the status of just the regular Plat Premier.
Oct 19, 2018, 6:55 pm
#1003
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Singapore
Programs: FB PFL, ALL Diamond, Marriott Ambassador, EK PLAT, Air Caraďbes Diam, SQ PPS, ̷IHG Diam
Posts: 98
Still very very long delays in the treatment of mails to research@starwood. In 4 weeks and after 10 mails about errors in the credit of points and nights after a stay at Saint Regis Mauritius, no answer at all from Marriott team. When I call, nobody can help, the only thing is « be patient ». It is frustrating because it prevents me from reaching Ambassador status. It is really Incredible to see how far quality of service has been degraded since Aug 18.
Oct 19, 2018, 8:41 pm
#1005
Join Date: Dec 2013
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Ambassador Elite, Hilton Silver
Posts: 340