That's not what the new benefit is at all - not by a long shot. In the old program (and for Marriott Platinums now) you had 4 PM Guaranteed late check-out. For us lowly Golds it's 2 PM late checkout subject to availability. There's a huge difference between having late checkout guaranteed versus subject to availability!


Agreed with you here. Half the time I was staying at a SPMarriott property I wouldn't even qualify for that benefit (i.e. Courtyard). Add one point to Hilton Gold where you're guaranteed breakfast across their properties with you elite status.

Which is a benefit you get for free with the $129 CAD Bonvoy AE card and that comes with a 1 free night cert for hotels up to 35,000 points in value.

I think I'll be sticking with Hilton whenever possible. The only thing SPMarriott has going for themselves here is that some customers will stay at least once more to see what the difference is between old Gold and new Gold. There's no doubt the new Gold has lost some lustre, the only question is how much!

-James

Downgraded to Gold from Plat right before a 5 night stay at the Westin in Maui...at least the stay was completely booked with CSR points.

Should've requested they send me a physical Platinum card. Should've requested they send me a physical Platinum card. Why didn't I ask for one :mad:?! At least then when I checked in I could flash the card at the agent and act all surprised in the odd chance they notice I'm Gold.

-James

Me too. But since I was expecting it and I don't like uncertainty I had already booked my next 2 hotel stays in April at Hiltons. But, I did enjoy a last stay in a Bonvoy on February 25 to 28.

Aye.
That's what I mean with "time will tell".
Say, if I stay a few nights at Marriott properties this year and get denied a late 2pm checkout because of no availability, I will re-evaluate.
It's rare that I stay past breakfast. For the times when I needed a late checkout it was VERY welcome.
And yeah, I agree that the peace-of-mind of having a guaranteed late check-out available was at least comforting.

Marriott miracle!
 

I logged in (twice!) this morning, expecting the worst. This is what I saw both times:


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f7127f7e92.png

^^

Your "Program Affiliations" below your username begs to differ!
:)

Do they still send physical cards? For any status? Or is it by request only?

What does the App say?

Mine still Plat on the website -- thought I got lucky for a minute!
Nope. App says Gold : (
And I have a reservation at a beach resort this week-- too late to cancel. Damn.

I'm still showing Plat on the App too!
And I updated my profile for Narvik.

My Apple Wallet card still shows I am Plat!

Everything says Gold as of today.
Cancelled the Renaissance room... LOL

Same. now to go back to just searching on costs and amenities. I don't blame Marriott for this downgrade, this is going to affect my spending but, honestly probably not enough to impact them