Lifetime Status [Marriott Rewards]

[SMB1]

For once, something got easier. No "time in program" requirement any more. Here's the rest. I am Plat. now. But have just earned Lifetime Gold.

Lifetime Milestones

• Platinum Elite: 750 nights + 2 million points
• Gold Elite: 500 nights + 1.6 million points
• Silver Elite: 250 nights + 1.2 million points

Thread on Marriott Insiders:
http://www.rewards-insiders.marriott...ge/67585#67585

The above is taken from an old thread started by Mr Vker. Posts in this thread seem to say that all points, regardless of where they came from count. I seem to remember reading somewhere on TUG that only points earned for paid nights stayed are eligible for lifetime status.

The nights credited is simple enough. The MRP points...

• Is this the total number of MRP points one has ever had/used?
• Are points given when purchasing a timeshare or received when trading a week for MRP counted when calculating the points??? Or are these strictly the points earned when staying on a paid stay?

Thanks

 

[FlyerBobcat]

The above is taken from an old thread started by Mr Vker.

For those interested, that thread is HERE

 

[BocaBoy]

The MRP points...

• Is this how many points one currently has in his/her account when he/she reaches the 500 nights?
• Is this the total number of MRP points one has ever had/used?
• Are points given when purchasing a timeshare or received when trading a week for MRP counted when calculating the points??? Or are these strictly the points earned when staying on a paid stay?

Thanks

The MR points are all the MR points you have earned in your account over your lifetime, with no exceptions. It is not limited to paid stays.

 

[SMB1]

The MR points are all the MR points you have earned in your account over your lifetime, with no exceptions. It is not limited to paid stays.

Interesting. Thank you.

 

[Safti]

I am a plat elite. I have enough points/nights to be a lifetime gold. Is this a downgrade?

 

[pwrshift]

I am a plat elite. I have enough points/nights to be a lifetime gold. Is this a downgrade?

Depends on how you look at it. Marriott is working hard to cut back on the meager benefits that come from being a platinum elite, but basically gold and platinum are much the same.

See thread: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194317

Lifetime gold means if you don't stay in a Marriott all year you are still a gold elite. Gives you a great chance to build status with Starwood, which will probably give you gold status just to entice you away from Marriott...and really, what do you have to lose now by going to Starwood?

 

[Steve A]

I just came back from 12 nights in Edinburgh and London using MRPs at the Residence Inn and the Park Lane. These nights did not count towards the total nights earned for the year. On the other hand, a great vacation. The Residence Inn, A five-star when we booked, is right next to the University of Edinburgh. It does not appear to have air-conditioning. The Park Lane in London is right across from Hyde Park and one block off of Oxford St. It was fabulous. This is the first time that being a platinum really meant anything. Upgraded room and lots and lots of food all day long.

 

[SueDonJ]

I am a plat elite. I have enough points/nights to be a lifetime gold. Is this a downgrade?

I think once you earn lifetime status you'll never be downgraded below that level. But you can be upgraded on a temporary basis during the years in which you earn a higher level, or, upgraded permanently to a higher lifetime level if/when you attain those requirements.

 

[pwrshift]

I just came back from 12 nights in Edinburgh and London using MRPs at the Residence Inn and the Park Lane. These nights did not count towards the total nights earned for the year. On the other hand, a great vacation. The Residence Inn, A five-star when we booked, is right next to the University of Edinburgh. It does not appear to have air-conditioning. The Park Lane in London is right across from Hyde Park and one block off of Oxford St. It was fabulous. This is the first time that being a platinum really meant anything. Upgraded room and lots and lots of food all day long.

Glad to her you liked Park Lane as i just booked it for my 5th trip to London Marriotts (all different) next May...7 nites on MR points (package).

I really don't see the appeal of anything less than full service Marriotts when using MR because of the upgrades and possible concierge room or breakfasts. Same goes for the RI NYC which is now a category 9...I'll stay full service instead.

Because the MR stays don't count for elite status, I always do a 'rate vs MR' comparison based on the $0.0125 price you can buy points from Marriott. Often, these days a cat9 hotel costs less than the 'value' of what those points would cost...plus what you would not 'earn' in MR pts and stays when just using MR pts. Sometimes I've recently seen the value of the points used is double what you'd pay with cash and earn stays and points for some nights of the week.

Brian

 

[Steve A]

Park Lane=breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner with wine. Two nights we just stuffed ourselves in the lounge and called it an evening. We can't tour like we did in our 30s. We used a travel package that included airfare. I like the Park Lane better than the two others in Mayfair.

 

[rpgriego]

Because the MR stays don't count for elite status, I always do a 'rate vs MR' comparison based on the $0.0125 price you can buy points from Marriott. Often, these days a cat9 hotel costs less than the 'value' of what those points would cost...plus what you would not 'earn' in MR pts and stays when just using MR pts. Sometimes I've recently seen the value of the points used is double what you'd pay with cash and earn stays and points for some nights of the week.

GREAT idea!

When you did your "'rate vs MR' comparison" for the Marriott Park Lane what did the results show?

And why the Park Lane over the JW Grosvenor House?

 

[BocaBoy]

Park Lane=breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner with wine. Two nights we just stuffed ourselves in the lounge and called it an evening. We can't tour like we did in our 30s. We used a travel package that included airfare. I like the Park Lane better than the two others in Mayfair.

Park Lane is nice, but we much prefer Grosvenor Square.

 

[Safti]

Depends on how you look at it. Marriott is working hard to cut back on the meager benefits that come from being a platinum elite, but basically gold and platinum are much the same.

See thread: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194317

Lifetime gold means if you don't stay in a Marriott all year you are still a gold elite. Gives you a great chance to build status with Starwood, which will probably give you gold status just to entice you away from Marriott...and really, what do you have to lose now by going to Starwood?

Well, I wouldn't mind trying out Starwood but I believe as a lifetime gold I get 25% bonus reward points but as a plat elite I get 50%. That's what I mean by a downgrade.

 

[pwrshift]

GREAT idea!

When you did your "'rate vs MR' comparison" for the Marriott Park Lane what did the results show?

And why the Park Lane over the JW Grosvenor House?

Based on pound conversion and the Park Lane's higher room rates, it was a better deal than the other Marriott's, but not nearly as good a deal as in the past. Plus I've got so many MR points now I need to spend them rather than earn more.

I've already stayed at County Hall, Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Square, and the Renaissance that left Marriott about a year ago. I really picked Park Lane because I haven't been there before and love the area.

 

[LilMsFoodie]

In 2004, while at the JW Marriott in Orlando, my husband died while we were evacuated for a hurricane. He had just been given lifetime Platinum status with Marriott. The hotel manager transferred that status to me which I was very happy for.

Two years ago I suddenly was a gold status and now am silver. They would not tell me why they decided to stop but I use Marriotts much less now that he is gone, preferring other brands like Mandarin and Waldorf. I do wish I still had it as in regard to the Vacation Club.

 

[kds4]

I think once you earn lifetime status you'll never be downgraded below that level. But you can be upgraded on a temporary basis during the years in which you earn a higher level, or, upgraded permanently to a higher lifetime level if/when you attain those requirements.

That is correct. Of course, for a truly meaningless status you could shoot for 'Platinum Premier' status. This invitation only status reflects your being in the top 3% of 'Platinum Elites' based on the number of nights stayed during the previous calendar year. I would describe what the additional perks for this status are ... except there aren't any.

 

[Steve A]

Why the Park Lane? It's a block from the Marble Arch tube stop and right off Oxford and across from Hyde Park. Huge number of buses stop right around the corner. It seems smaller too and easier to navigate than the two others. I did not do any analysis. We just wanted to stay there.

 

[rthib]

That is correct. Of course, for a truly meaningless status you could shoot for 'Platinum Premier' status. This invitation only status reflects your being in the top 3% of 'Platinum Elites' based on the number of nights stayed during the previous calendar year. I would describe what the additional perks for this status are ... except there aren't any.

That's not true.

I am Platinum Premier and we received a gift that showed our importance and value to Marriott ...

a cheap Marriott Toiletry bag worth about $5.00.

And don't forget you also get the privileged of having front desk people not thinking you are even Platinum

 

[jme]

Why the Park Lane? It's a block from the Marble Arch tube stop and right off Oxford and across from Hyde Park. Huge number of buses stop right around the corner. It seems smaller too and easier to navigate than the two others. I did not do any analysis. We just wanted to stay there.

best of all, it's walkable to THE original Hard Rock Cafe.......THE best place to get a real cheeseburger and fries... or for me, a great steak!!!

Believe me, after a few days in UK, you'll want some real food. Somehow, they do it right...must be a few American cooks in the kitchen. We thought we were in heaven.

 

[kds4]

That's not true.

I am Platinum Premier and we received a gift that showed our importance and value to Marriott ...

a cheap Marriott Toiletry bag worth about $5.00.

And don't forget you also get the privileged of having front desk people not thinking you are even Platinum

Hmmm. Sounds like I should write a letter to the toiletry department at Marriott Corporate. In the 3 years I was Platinum Premier, I didn't receive a single toiletry bag. Seems I wasn't as premier as I was led to believe, and with all the stays I made they certainly were flush with green from me.

Oh, I couldn't resist.

 

[jimf41]

Just made it! I finally hit 760 nights. That was the last obstacle in my path for lifetime platinum.

As others have suggested I don't think I'll switch brands though. It took me 20 years to get here so I think I'll just enjoy it for a while.

 

[kmij]

Congratulations, jim. I always enjoy your informational posts.
Maybe we will run into you one year at ocean pointe. We will be there this feb and march.
I doubt we will ever make it to life-time platinum level!
Jean

 

[jimf41]

Congratulations, jim. I always enjoy your informational posts.
Maybe we will run into you one year at ocean pointe. We will be there this feb and march.
I doubt we will ever make it to life-time platinum level!
Jean

Well I used to go to Ocean Pointe in the FEB-MAR timeframe but now I turn in all my OP weeks for DC points. I spend 4-5 weeks at Frenchmans Cove and EOY a week in July at OP with 4 units at one time so all the kids and grandkids can go together. FYI they give you 4325 points for an OS 2bdrm plat at OP but they only get 4125 points for the same 2bdrm at MFC with an ocean view.

It's worked pretty well so far except this year the wife is a little upset that I got all the kids OF units but since we only need a 1bdrm they only had OS 1bdrms left. I'll try again at 12 months and see if I can switch it.

 

[rpgriego]

Why the Park Lane? It's a block from the Marble Arch tube stop and right off Oxford and across from Hyde Park. Huge number of buses stop right around the corner. It seems smaller too and easier to navigate than the two others. I did not do any analysis. We just wanted to stay there.

How does the Park Lane's room and facilities compare to the Grosvenor?

 

[SMHarman]

The Residence Inn, A five-star when we booked, is right next to the University of Edinburgh. It does not appear to have air-conditioning.

It's Edinburgh. You may need air conditioning once every decade or so...
The July average maximum is 65f
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2650225