They never check. They just don't want bums off the street to walk in and ask for their free toaster, coffee maker, points, etc. This way they can say it's a targeted offer, but it's really targeted at anyone who can afford such an offer.

As noted above, Marriott takes "NO!" for an answer rather more easily than other timeshare purveyors. Also, if you take the time to sit down and do the math the timeshare things are almost always a bad deal.

[****ed typos!]

[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited 11-01-2002).]

Points Galore,

Sorry, but not having stayed with Starwood in the last two years, I don't feel qualified to comment on their "Starwood Nights and Flights" awards. Perhaps someone else who's familiar with it can comment.

As to attaining elite status, here's the requirements for the 3 programs:
Starwood Preferred Guest
-Gold 10 stays or 25 nights
-Platinum 20 stays or 40 nights ****
HHonors
-Silver 4 stays or 10 nights
-Gold 16 stays or 36 nights
-Diamond 28 stays or 60 nights
Marriott Rewards
-Silver 15 nights
-Gold 50 nights
-Platinum 75 nights!!
As you can see, it is possible to achieve top tier elite status with Starwood in as little as 20 nights (thru 20 different stays). I know of FlyerTalkers, who if in NYC for 3 nights will stay at a different Starwood property each night to keep on them on track to maintain Platinum status.

Here's a link to a Starwood page that compares different hotel affinity programs - just a bit slanted in Starwood's favor

Some other thoughts:
1. Here on FlyerTalk, Starwood generally has the best reputation for success of upgrades for its top tier elites. This is followed by HHonors and finally Marriott. What keeps a lot of people coming back to Marriott is it's general consistency of quality product.
2. One of HHonors nice perks is their 'Double Dip' program. Personally, I send my Double Dip points to the Amtrak program (do this also with Hertz points/miles). If you stay within one zone, you can get a free ticket (coach) rather easily.
3. If you plan on much travel outside of the US, take a look at Intercontinental's Six Continents Club. It is both within and separate from the Priority Club program. Although it costs $135 to join (and $50/year to renew); it is worth the money if you travel internationally. For your fee, you are always upgraded at least 1 room category and you also receive, annually, a 1 free weekend night with a paid night certificate. The best 'value' stay I have ever had anywhere was using one of those certificates at the Willard in DC. I got an upgrade to a corner suite that was gorgeous on a cheap weekend rate. Note that if you join the 6C program, you also automatically become top tier elite in the Priority Club program. I'm not generally a fan of Priority Club properties in the US.
4 There is one disadvantage (in my mind) to the Starwood program. You must have the points available in your account at the time you make an award reservation. With HHonors and Marriott, you can make the award reservation and still continue to accrue the needed points for the award. This is somewhat mitigated by Starwood's true no blackouts (for all members, not just elite), but doesn't do you a lot of good if the hotel sells out for a special event before you've accrued enough points for an award at that property.

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 11-01-2002).]

I'd like to point out that the "Double-Double" promotion of last fall and winter (all Visa-paid stays, starting with the second, earn double points and double nights credit) made Marriott Platinum easier to earn than most other chains' mid-level elite status. I myself earned 2003 MR Plat before Valentine's Day of 2002. Others can probably tell similar stories.

Just because Marriott's promotions don't involve big numbers like Hilton's do, don't automatically discount them. The devil is in the details -- or the Platinum is, I forget which. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

HHonors has the Hampton Inn brand. In the rural/suburban areas, I find them to be pretty good, and in the same general price ballpark as a Fairfield Inn. Hampton also has more-expensive and larger urban hotels in a few places, and I'm less impressed with those. But if you need cheap HH stays, the Hampton is usually a reliable choice.

I've also done a few Hilton Garden Inn stays on $49 or $59 rates. HGI is usually higher than this, but I always make sure to look them up because the properties are newer as a general rule.

Starwood and Hilton are the players right now. Marriott is not even in the running in terms of earning points, stay requirements and outdated properties. It will be interesting to see what effect the "Great Gold Give-Away " at Hilton will have on Starwood and distant # 3 Marriott. I sure hope they continue to one up each other, as we all win!

Or maybe I should say Hilton's terrible and hope they improve their program??? Thoughts on employing negative posts in order to try influencing positive program changes? Let me take it another step further, Since the Airlines and the Hotels chains love to play the targeted promotion game, Let's fight fire with fire. Let's target a particular chain and let the Power of the Internet works it's magic!