Does new Program include upgrades at RC for elites?
Apr 17, 2018 | 10:28 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: AMEX, Ritz LT-Plat Prem, Hyatt Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Delta Plat, United Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 872
That's what we are talking about when we refer to SNAs aka Suite Night Awards. In the new program you get 5 SNAs on your 50th earned night and another 5 (for a total of 10) on your 75th night.
As I said, at this point I haven't read or seen anything that SNAs won't be accepted by Ritz Carlton's but I haven't read or seen anything confirming that that they will either.
My base case assumption based on what has been published to date is that Ritz Carlton's will accept SNAs, but I am assuming they will likely be very difficult to use in practice as a lot of SPG elites claim that redeeming SNAs was difficult to being with and in my experience Ritz Carlton's are very stingy with normal "space available" upgrades as is.
It's interesting to note that according to SPG elites, St. Regis properties generally seem to have pretty good reputations for honoring upgrades and giving higher level elites free upgrades to suites. I am looking forward to trying some of those properties out post 8/1.
As I said, at this point I haven't read or seen anything that SNAs won't be accepted by Ritz Carlton's but I haven't read or seen anything confirming that that they will either.
My base case assumption based on what has been published to date is that Ritz Carlton's will accept SNAs, but I am assuming they will likely be very difficult to use in practice as a lot of SPG elites claim that redeeming SNAs was difficult to being with and in my experience Ritz Carlton's are very stingy with normal "space available" upgrades as is.
It's interesting to note that according to SPG elites, St. Regis properties generally seem to have pretty good reputations for honoring upgrades and giving higher level elites free upgrades to suites. I am looking forward to trying some of those properties out post 8/1.
Apr 19, 2018 | 8:46 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SEA town
Programs: Alaska MM 100k, HHonors-ZERO, IHG AMB-Dia, MR LT Ti
Posts: 686
Let us know what you find out. I’m sure RC will say they offer a “club” room and not a lounge, which excludes them from offering access outside of paying for a club room.
I think MR really missed the boat on RC this time around. Then again, it almost seems that RC has never wanted joe blow MR members staying at their properties. I’ve avoided them due to crap benefits.
I think MR really missed the boat on RC this time around. Then again, it almost seems that RC has never wanted joe blow MR members staying at their properties. I’ve avoided them due to crap benefits.
Apr 19, 2018 | 10:29 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 3,237
Double Elite Night Credit
I wonder if the new program continue to offer this to compensate the reduced benefits at RC hotels ?
I wonder if the new program continue to offer this to compensate the reduced benefits at RC hotels ?
Apr 19, 2018 | 10:52 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AA: EXP, 1MM DL: Gold, 1MM Marriott: Ambassador, LTT
Posts: 469
Double Elite Night Credit
I wonder if the new program continue to offer this to compensate the reduced benefits at RC hotels ?
I wonder if the new program continue to offer this to compensate the reduced benefits at RC hotels ?
Apr 19, 2018 | 10:58 am
#20
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 3,237
50 nights actual stays at Rc might even clock enough spend requirement ($20.000)
Apr 19, 2018 | 7:02 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 962
I'm at 63 nights for the year already through RC with BiB and rewarding events (actual meetings held at the RC's) so I'm already over the spend threshold. I have enough travel to make 75 by the end of June, but when you look at the 76-100 gap, I keep asking myself is it really worth the leap for the Ambassador and Your24 benefit.
I could book numerous low end properties around $100 each but it's still $2500 more for a benefit that hasn't, from what I read really to be something worthwhile.
Thoughts?
Apr 19, 2018 | 9:19 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: AMEX, Ritz LT-Plat Prem, Hyatt Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Delta Plat, United Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 872
Apr 20, 2018 | 1:04 am
#23
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 3,237
That depends on if you're booking Club level or not. The SNA's if allowed probably wouldn't get you into the club.
I'm at 63 nights for the year already through RC with BiB and rewarding events (actual meetings held at the RC's) so I'm already over the spend threshold. I have enough travel to make 75 by the end of June, but when you look at the 76-100 gap, I keep asking myself is it really worth the leap for the Ambassador and Your24 benefit.
I could book numerous low end properties around $100 each but it's still $2500 more for a benefit that hasn't, from what I read really to be something worthwhile.
Thoughts?
I'm at 63 nights for the year already through RC with BiB and rewarding events (actual meetings held at the RC's) so I'm already over the spend threshold. I have enough travel to make 75 by the end of June, but when you look at the 76-100 gap, I keep asking myself is it really worth the leap for the Ambassador and Your24 benefit.
I could book numerous low end properties around $100 each but it's still $2500 more for a benefit that hasn't, from what I read really to be something worthwhile.
Thoughts?
similar situation with me (different numbers though)
my stay average will be around 60-65 nights (actual bib)
i wonder if its worth to go for more trips to reach plt premiere 75 .... personally i find the benefit is not that attractive other than "supposedly" better chance in upgrade
if RC keep their double night promo then i might even reach 100 .... even easier if RC Singapore participate as most of my trips will be in Singapore
Apr 20, 2018 | 4:56 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YXU
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium Elite, AC SE
Posts: 132
similar situation with me (different numbers though)
my stay average will be around 60-65 nights (actual bib)
i wonder if its worth to go for more trips to reach plt premiere 75 .... personally i find the benefit is not that attractive other than "supposedly" better chance in upgrade
if RC keep their double night promo then i might even reach 100 .... even easier if RC Singapore participate as most of my trips will be in Singapore
I'm opposite. 120 nights, but project year end spend to be $16000 or so. So is spending another $4000 worth ambassador? Fo me, as it is right now, no. It would take 10 club level RC certs plus gold airline level for me to make the stretch.
Apr 20, 2018 | 7:22 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 3,237
Apr 20, 2018 | 9:06 am
#26
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YXU
Programs: Marriott LT Titanium Elite, AC SE
Posts: 132
May 1, 2018 | 8:31 am
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
My assumption is that SNAs and complimentary Platinum elite suite upgrades will apply to RC properties (but not Singapore or Reserves) after the August conversion into the new loyalty program.
However, please keep in mind that each hotel assigns the select suites and rooms that are to be included in the upgrade pool. In the case of RC, upgraded rooms and suites will never include Club rooms or Club suites. So you might get upgraded to a better room or even to a suite, but never one with Club privileges. Heck, I was just at the RC Boston where I’d booked an Executive Suite, and I was upgraded to a Luxury Suite—but still without Club access.
Any possible (and likely very rare) upgrade to a Club room or Club suite with Club access would be entirely at the discretion of the hotel and not related to the guaranteed elite benefits.
As for the contrast with St Regis and Luxury Collection, yes—I’ve had tremendous success as an SPG Ambassador level guest getting complimentary Platinum suite upgrades (both with and without SNAs).
The benefit of SPG Ambassador status is that I’m almost always upgraded to a suite (and always to a much better room category in the very rare instance when I don’t get a suite) at any SPG luxury hotels at which I stay. I expect that to continue under the new Marriott Plat Premier with Ambassador service status, as well.
Of course, the biggest reason I love StR and some LC hotels more than RC is entirely due to the butler service that is inherent to all StR properties, with complimentary daily coffee/tea service, complimentary unpacking/packing service, and complimentary limited pressing/shoe shine service.
The breakfast benefit might be nice to most, but if you can afford the StR or RC room rates, chances are good that you’ll be fine paying for breakfast. I prefer room service, so that usually isn’t included in the breakfast benefit at most StR and LC hotels (though even that has been offered in a few less frequent instances).
For those who love lounges/clubs, the RC is certain to be the favorite. I could care less about those. But my husband loves them.
However, please keep in mind that each hotel assigns the select suites and rooms that are to be included in the upgrade pool. In the case of RC, upgraded rooms and suites will never include Club rooms or Club suites. So you might get upgraded to a better room or even to a suite, but never one with Club privileges. Heck, I was just at the RC Boston where I’d booked an Executive Suite, and I was upgraded to a Luxury Suite—but still without Club access.
Any possible (and likely very rare) upgrade to a Club room or Club suite with Club access would be entirely at the discretion of the hotel and not related to the guaranteed elite benefits.
As for the contrast with St Regis and Luxury Collection, yes—I’ve had tremendous success as an SPG Ambassador level guest getting complimentary Platinum suite upgrades (both with and without SNAs).
The benefit of SPG Ambassador status is that I’m almost always upgraded to a suite (and always to a much better room category in the very rare instance when I don’t get a suite) at any SPG luxury hotels at which I stay. I expect that to continue under the new Marriott Plat Premier with Ambassador service status, as well.
Of course, the biggest reason I love StR and some LC hotels more than RC is entirely due to the butler service that is inherent to all StR properties, with complimentary daily coffee/tea service, complimentary unpacking/packing service, and complimentary limited pressing/shoe shine service.
The breakfast benefit might be nice to most, but if you can afford the StR or RC room rates, chances are good that you’ll be fine paying for breakfast. I prefer room service, so that usually isn’t included in the breakfast benefit at most StR and LC hotels (though even that has been offered in a few less frequent instances).
For those who love lounges/clubs, the RC is certain to be the favorite. I could care less about those. But my husband loves them.
Last edited by bhrubin; May 1, 2018 at 8:43 am