Marriott Platinum Challenge General Discussion Thread
Sep 4, 2018, 4:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: PDX
Posts: 11
Marriott Platinum Challenge General Discussion Thread
Hi! Just learned today from FlyerTea (apparently a Chinese version FlyerTalk) that Marriott has platinum challenge available again. The requirement is 16 nights before 12/31 for platinum elite or 8 nights for gold. The information is posted by the Starwood Lurker there. I called Marriott a few minutes ago and the CSR confirmed that the platinum challenge does exist now (after initially saying there's no such challenge). The original post on FlyerTea says award stays also count, but the Marriott CSR says they have to be qualified paid stays, therefore I didn't sign up. (Was hoping to get platinum by using two 7-night TP certificates later this year but apparently not possible.)
Sep 5, 2018, 11:22 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,689
Now reported on BA via GSTP blog. He claims he got his info from Marriott. Some further details to what was posted above;
Can do once every 3yrs
Do not need any elite status to enroll.
https://www.godsavethepoints.com/201...num-challenge/
Can do once every 3yrs
Do not need any elite status to enroll.
https://www.godsavethepoints.com/201...num-challenge/
Sep 5, 2018, 2:52 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 561
The confusing part is whether award stays count. According to FlyerTea, Marriott CSRs in China are explicitly saying they do, while CSRs in the US insisting that only paid stays count. For people using their 7-night certificates, this challenge could be really easy.
Last edited by ezak; Sep 5, 2018 at 2:52 pm Reason: typo
Sep 5, 2018, 5:34 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,517
Curious if status is granted during the challenge period, or only after the challenge has been met?
Sep 5, 2018, 7:24 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 561
Fresh DP here: Marriott CSR confirmed that 1) award stays do count; 2) no status during the challenge; 3) 90 days to complete (though I've read somewhere the actual deadline is 12/31). Asked for a confirmation email and was told it would come in 24 hours. Will share if that email entails further info such as official T&C.
Sep 5, 2018, 9:30 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 27
Sep 5, 2018, 9:36 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,570
Fresh DP here: Marriott CSR confirmed that 1) award stays do count; 2) no status during the challenge; 3) 90 days to complete (though I've read somewhere the actual deadline is 12/31). Asked for a confirmation email and was told it would come in 24 hours. Will share if that email entails further info such as official T&C.
Sep 5, 2018, 10:04 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 561
Just call the 801 number and HUCA if necessary. Some agents know this program well while some may have no idea what you're talking about. Luckily I got one today who's really on top of it and immediately located the clause about award stays.
Sep 5, 2018, 10:04 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 27
I just called in and was registered within 20 minutes, including wait time. The CSR was not aware of the challenge but managed to find information on it. The end date is 12/31/2018 and they gave me the option of stays or nights. When I inquired about how many stays were needed, the CSR did not know so I opted for nights. I will probably call back in a day or two to confirm everything.
Last edited by bearsdidit; Sep 5, 2018 at 10:14 pm