Downgrades to Platinum Elite Gift program?

[chunkygal]

does this mean that when we check in to KoOlina for MVC we will still be entitled to a welcome gift and can use the lounge at the JW Marriott? We usually eat in our room, but could we eat at the concierge lounge?

I thought these perks only applied if you were checked in to a regular room at a hotel brand.

 

[jeepie]

whew...lots of time and energy over $5.00!?

 

[LAX Mom]

does this mean that when we check in to KoOlina for MVC we will still be entitled to a welcome gift and can use the lounge at the JW Marriott? We usually eat in our room, but could we eat at the concierge lounge?

I thought these perks only applied if you were checked in to a regular room at a hotel brand.

I don't think the JW Marriott has a concierge lounge and since it's a resort they also don't offer breakfast. Even if they did have a concierge lounge it would only be available to guests staying at the JW Marriott. The Ko'Olina vacation club is a separate property.

I'm not sure where you got the idea that the concierge lounge would be available to timeshare guests? Could you clarify why you thought this perk is now available to gold & plats that are staying at an adjacent property?

 

[Superchief]

For those of us who appreciated the welcome gift of a split of wine (over $15 cost in bar or restaurant) plus a fruit tray ($10+), not including the delivery charge and std. 17.5% gratuity, the $10 F&B credit is a major devaluation. The glass of wine that used to be complimentary in most CL is now $10 + per glass for a 4 oz. glass, and is priced similar to the restaurant and bar prices that are also exhorbitant. 500 MR points aren't very compelling to many platinum members who already have over 500k MR points (that have recently devalued by 25% with recent category changes).

To me, the bigger issue is that MR has lost touch with what makes us feel appreciated and respected. The welcome amenity gave hotels an opportunity to go above and beyond in showing their appreciation to get us to come back. I have received fruit baskets, bottles of good wine, personal notes and snack baskets to welcome me to the hotel. This created a memorable experience and sealed my loyalty to Marriott for over 25 years. This has come to an end. Now I am a number/ revenue opportunity and Marriott is a commodity.

 

[pwrshift]

Excellent post. Based on Marriott pricing...500 MR points are worth $6.25. Will that even buy a Coke in the hotel? Ooopps....it's a Marriott....Coke is banned.

For those of us who appreciated the welcome gift of a split of wine (over $15 cost in bar or restaurant) plus a fruit tray ($10+), not including the delivery charge and std. 17.5% gratuity, the $10 F&B credit is a major devaluation. The glass of wine that used to be complimentary in most CL is now $10 + per glass for a 4 oz. glass, and is priced similar to the restaurant and bar prices that are also exhorbitant. 500 MR points aren't very compelling to many platinum members who already have over 500k MR points (that have recently devalued by 25% with recent category changes).

To me, the bigger issue is that MR has lost touch with what makes us feel appreciated and respected. The welcome amenity gave hotels an opportunity to go above and beyond in showing their appreciation to get us to come back. I have received fruit baskets, bottles of good wine, personal notes and snack baskets to welcome me to the hotel. This created a memorable experience and sealed my loyalty to Marriott for over 25 years. This has come to an end. Now I am a number/ revenue opportunity and Marriott is a commodity.

 

[pwrshift]

Even if you were platinum elite and upgraded to concierge floor...it's very unlikely you'd get much to eat, other than perhaps at breakfast which is pretty basic at most Marriott's. Nothing for lunch, and at dinner time maybe some small meatballs....and a small piece of cake at 7:30p.m. Mixed drinks and cheap wine are expensive in Concierge Room.

On the other hand, the Orlando Bohemian Concierge room is well stocked and open on weekends...or it was last February.

Brian

does this mean that when we check in to KoOlina for MVC we will still be entitled to a welcome gift and can use the lounge at the JW Marriott? We usually eat in our room, but could we eat at the concierge lounge?

I thought these perks only applied if you were checked in to a regular room at a hotel brand.

 

[rpgriego]

This has come to an end. Now I am a number/ revenue opportunity and Marriott is a commodity.

Honestly, we've NEVER been more than a revenue opportunity to Marriott. Every single board member of Marriott Hotels & Resorts will testify to the potential RevPar MRewards members offer. And MVW is hoping to continue selling us more weeks and/or DClub points. For any of us to think differently are being unrealistic. Marriott is a business. As customers it's our job to work the ever changing system to our advantage!

I'm curious, what hotel loyalty program have you found superior to Marriott Rewards?

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Honestly, we've NEVER been more than a revenue opportunity to Marriott. Every single board member of Marriott Hotels & Resorts will testify to the potential RevPar MRewards members offer. And MVW is hoping to continue selling us more weeks and/or DClub points. For any of us to think differently are being unrealistic. Marriott is a business. As customers it's our job to work the ever changing system to our advantage!

I'm curious, what hotel loyalty program have you found superior to Marriott Rewards?

I find the Fairmont's President Club to be superior to Marriott. Here are the benefits: https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/benefits/

I'm Lifetime Platinum at Marriott so no need to continue with hotel stays.

 

[rpgriego]

I find the Fairmont's President Club to be superior to Marriott. Here are the benefits: https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/benefits/

I'm Lifetime Platinum at Marriott so no need to continue with hotel stays.

I'm Platinum as well, but I've never based my decision on a loyalty program. What smart businessman would?!?!? For me, it's all about acquiring the most luxury at the best location for the best price.

I maximize my MRP TPs, but those come from MVC weeks. Best EOY investment!!!

 

[mav]

I find the Fairmont's President Club to be superior to Marriott. Here are the benefits: https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/benefits/

I'm Lifetime Platinum at Marriott so no need to continue with hotel stays.

Looks nice!

 

[SueDonJ]

does this mean that when we check in to KoOlina for MVC we will still be entitled to a welcome gift and can use the lounge at the JW Marriott? We usually eat in our room, but could we eat at the concierge lounge?

I thought these perks only applied if you were checked in to a regular room at a hotel brand.

Even if you were platinum elite and upgraded to concierge floor...

Brian

Concierge levels aren't available at any of the timeshare resorts, and the Concierge benefits at any of the hotels adjacent to a timeshare are not extended to the timeshare guests. During a timeshare stay you'll accumulate Elite Nights and MRP/bonuses for incidental spending, plus, with MR Platinum status you'll get the Plat Arrival Gift. It's usually 500 MRP but Ko 'Olina and Maui Ocean Club have begun offering a choice - see this recent thread.

 

[jdunn1]

I just became gold. If you bring kids and have four or five in the room
Does everyone get breakfast on the weekends.

 

[LAX Mom]

I just became gold. If you bring kids and have four or five in the room
Does everyone get breakfast on the weekends.

It depends on the property. Some only allow free breakfast for the gold or platinum member and one guest. We've stayed at some properties that allowed all family members, even those staying in a different room.

 

[Werner Weiss]

I just became gold. If you bring kids and have four or five in the room
Does everyone get breakfast on the weekends.

Not according to the rules (as of June 22, 2013):

Lounge Access/Free Breakfast

Free daily continental breakfast, light snacks and beverages for members and one guest in the Executive Lounge*. In the U.S. and Canada, choose between 750 bonus points or breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant if the lounge is closed. Select hotels will provide 1,000 points in lieu of breakfast in the event the lounge is closed. Learn more.

* At JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection®, Renaissance® and Marriott Hotels® (resorts excluded)​

It's likely that some properties will enforce this rule to the letter. Others probably will allow children, at least up to a certain age. And still others will look the other way, even if a Gold or Platinum member brings two or three business associates who are staying at the hotel (but don't have such status) into the concierge lounge for breakfast.

For weekend mornings, when the lounge is usually closed, it's likely that many properties will provide two paper (or electronic) coupons; some will be more generous, especially for families with young children. For weekday mornings, when the lounge is usually open, it will probably be easier to swipe the lounge door and walk in with a family without being asked to leave.

However, nobody should stay at a hotel branded with one of Marriott's full-service brands with the absolute expectation that more than two people will get breakfast, unless that property has a proven record of welcoming more than two.

 

[jdunn1]

Thanks. Thinking about using a couple free certificates to visit an amusement park or the Ohio State fair and am debating verses staying at a full service Marriott or one that gives free breakfast to everyone, like a Residence Inn or Springhill, etc... We would have four of five in a room so maybe I would need to call the hotel first to see what their policy is.

It depends on the property. Some only allow free breakfast for the gold or platinum member and one guest. We've stayed at some properties that allowed all family members, even those staying in a different room.