How to use my Free Marriott Night Cert?

[Bill4728]

I, like many of you, got the new Marriott Visa with the annual free night stay certificate. I can't figure out how to use it via the internet. It appears the only way is to call Marriott reservations.

Any insight?

 

[Carlsbadguy]

To book a reservation online make sure you have you marriot rewards number in and check off the use marriott points. Hotels that have rooms open for those dates will show and the category will also show. Just make sure you book a standard reward in a 1-4 category.

 

[dmharris]

I used mine for the Marriott in the financial district in NYC; had a great room with a view of the statue of Liberty! Awesome! I think I called reservations as there was no way to do it via their website; if I remember correctly.

 

[Dave M]

As I read the terms, you can't book this particular certificate online. The only reference to Marriott.com is in paragraph #1, which suggests looking online or calling to find category 1-4 properties. However, paragraph #4 makes it clear that you are supposed to call the number listed in that paragraph to confirm reservations.

I called the number and had the reservation completed in less than a minute.

 

[DebbieF]

Real glad I saw this post, as I booked on line and then called
reservations and they said it was fine. Called again after seeing this
thread, and it wasn't fine; they would have taken out reward pts., so I just cancelled the old one and they rebooked me! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[bobbornstein]

Just book a category 1-4 online using points (check off the box "Use Marriott Rewards Points"), when it asks if you already have a certificate just say yes. It will not deduct the points and you can present the certificate upon arrival. It real does work and is simple.

Sorry just realized my post is duplicate instructions as post #2

YMMV

 

[Kazakie]

I used mine for the Marriott in the financial district in NYC; had a great room with a view of the statue of Liberty! Awesome! I think I called reservations as there was no way to do it via their website; if I remember correctly.

Last I checked the Marriott in the financial district is a Marriott Rewards category: 6.....

 

[taffy19]

As I read the terms, you can't book this particular certificate online. The only reference to Marriott.com is in paragraph #1, which suggests looking online or calling to find category 1-4 properties. However, paragraph #4 makes it clear that you are supposed to call the number listed in that paragraph to confirm reservations.

I called the number and had the reservation completed in less than a minute.

Same here. My DH booked one night in Seattle and he canceled the other reservation we had made somewhere else. He did it over the phone. We got more than our yearly fee back for this card so that's not bad.

 

[Dave M]

You can try to book online as has been suggested here, but you're living dangerously if you do.

The cert has specific instructions, including a specific phone number to call (not the regular reservations number), and then adds, "If you fail to do this, you will not be able to use your Marriott Rewards certificate and you will be responsible for the full rate of the room charge."

 

[dmharris]

Hi Kazakie,

I just checked the website and you're right, it is a 6. Now how did I manage that? Got lucky?

 

[vlapinta]

You can try to book online as has been suggested here, but you're living dangerously if you do.

The cert has specific instructions, including a specific phone number to call (not the regular reservations number), and then adds, "If you fail to do this, you will not be able to use your Marriott Rewards certificate and you will be responsible for the full rate of the room charge."

I agree because I originally made a reservation and didn't have the certificate in my hand. It was posted in my Marriott Rewards account. I was told just to bring the cert. with me at check in. With all the miscommunication with Marriott I decided to call back when they mailed me the cert. I originally had a reservation for a room with 2 Queen beds. On my second phone call I was told the cert. had very specific stipulations and I couldn't use it for the room I had booked even though it was a cat. 3 hotel. Something about the hotel being booked too full to use the cert with this type of room. I had to book another room with a King bed and sofa bed. I didn't understand this and argued with the rep and her manager for a long time. If I had taken the cert. with me, and not called back, I would have had to pay cash for the room when I checked in!
Vicki

 

[GrayFal]

You can try to book online as has been suggested here, but you're living dangerously if you do.

The cert has specific instructions, including a specific phone number to call (not the regular reservations number), and then adds, "If you fail to do this, you will not be able to use your Marriott Rewards certificate and you will be responsible for the full rate of the room charge."

I was going to use this for a pre-existing reservation - will call the number on the back when I get home - thanks for the heads up!

 

[tim]

Can some one tell me how long is the free certificate good for? Does it have an expiration date? Thanks.

 

[Dave M]

I was going to use this for a pre-existing reservation....

That's what I did with my certificate. I called and made reservations with the certificate before canceling the existing one at the same hotel for the same date.

 

[Dave M]

Can some one tell me how long is the free certificate good for? Does it have an expiration date? Thanks.

Six months from the date of issue.

 

[ann824]

I used mine at the JW Marriott in Houston. I made the reservation online, checked the box that I already had certificate. When I saw info. on certificate I called and they said my reservation was fine. Just took certificate with us. Does anyone know if there will be a 6 mo. expiration on future certificates we get each year or if it will be good for one year.

 

[Dave M]

Subsequent certs will be valid for 6 months. From the offer footnote which applies to "Receive a Free Night stay ... each year upon account anniversary":

Certificate must be redeemed within 6 months from date of issue.

There is a separate footnote that applies to the one we have already received (also limiting use to 6 months).

 

[dmharris]

I now recall that my certificate was for category 6 or lower.

 

[spottie]

I used mine at the JW Marriott in Houston. I made the reservation online, checked the box that I already had certificate. When I saw info. on certificate I called and they said my reservation was fine. Just took certificate with us. Does anyone know if there will be a 6 mo. expiration on future certificates we get each year or if it will be good for one year.

I did exactly the same thing for our stay at Marriott Wardman Hotel in D.C. I called the day before our arrival and they noted that we are using the certificate.