How does Marriott treat you as an elite?

[drross]

Status. None anymore
ritz-Carlton Perth
currently here
got what we booked
amazing staff. Hearth bar is great. Pool area busy and delightful. Doesn’t feel like 38 degrees!
happy to come back here!

 

[Daver6]

Status: Gold Elite
Property: JW Marriott Singapore
Date: April 2024
Booked: Base
Received: Base but.....see below
Late Check Out: paid 50% extra to 6pm

Was there for 5 nights for work. Having stayed at this hotel, I really didn't love the room layout previously. At check-in I asked about a room upgrade, specifically asking for a room with a little more space. Was told the hotel was very busy but I've been upgraded to a higher floor. Was given a room on level 8 (of 20). Not sure in what world that is a higher floor and in all honesty, not sure how that's even an upgrade.

Anyway, room layout is better than what I had previously, so I'm pleased. There's actually a comfy desk chair (not the silly metal rocking chair) and some space between the chair and the foot of the bed.

View from my "high floor" is to the building opposite which has a giant TV on. Well this was an issue at night. Even with the curtains closed (really not complete block outs plus a little gap on the side) meant the room kept flashing with the TV. This resulted in a horrible sleep.

Next morning I requested they move me as this was unacceptable. After a bit of faffing I was told the room is the layout I dislike with barely any room to move. The lady insisted there was nothing else. I showered her on the app that I could book various other rooms including suites. I asked what would happen if I booked a suite and turned up to check-in since the hotel was allegedly full. I mentioned I'll go to breakfast and drop by after for a resolution.

After breakfast I was told they found me a family room and would move my belongings for me during the day. New room was much better and now on the 15th floor.



This hotel just doesn't do it for me. View from the pool is lovely though. I also just don't get Bonvoy Gold Elite. There are bugger all tangible benefits. Not once have I received a room upgrade. Other than a higher points earn, it's meaningless.

 

[marks]

I have to agree with you on the TV screen. Twice I've asked to be moved because I got a room facing it.

 

[dajop]

I also just don't get Bonvoy Gold Elite. There are bugger all tangible benefits. Not once have I received a room upgrade. Other than a higher points earn, it's meaningless.

Agree room upgrades are rare. And I think the 250-500 pts welcome gift is ... well that $2.5-$5 AUD, so whatever. I have used the 2pm checkout a couple of times, but mine was a LTG status grandfathered from SPG, which used to have 4pm checkouts for golds as well.

I think my one and only upgrade was at a Moxy last year to a balcony room, which was nice, but as with many programs if you have the low tier status, it's really the low end properties (that probably have a lower proportion guests with status, at least outside the US) that seem to be more generous with upgrades.

 

[Daver6]

Agree room upgrades are rare. And I think the 250-500 pts welcome gift is ... well that $2.5-$5 AUD, so whatever. I have used the 2pm checkout a couple of times, but mine was a LTG status grandfathered from SPG, which used to have 4pm checkouts for golds as well.

I think my one and only upgrade was at a Moxy last year to a balcony room, which was nice, but as with many programs if you have the low tier status, it's really the low end properties (that probably have a lower proportion guests with status, at least outside the US) that seem to be more generous with upgrades.

That's another thing. Marriott are incredibly stingy with late checkouts. Totally get it if the hotel is booked out and don't expect it. However, many other chains and hotels either at gold or even no status will let you stay on if they can. Marriott just follow the rules and that's it.

 

[dajop]

That's another thing. Marriott are incredibly stingy with late checkouts. Totally get it if the hotel is booked out and don't expect it. However, many other chains and hotels either at gold or even no status will let you stay on if they can. Marriott just follow the rules and that's it.

I have that exalted uber-status with Accor, of Silver ( ), during recent stay in London - admittedly at an Ibis - we received a room upgrade and requested late checkout - and without prompting they offered 5pm .

We also enjoyed some nice welcome drinks from the bar we chose a cider each ( 500 ml) which would have been about 6 GBP each. Worth a bit more than Marriott's welcome gift of 250 pts.

 

[fly2earth]

Status: Gold Elite
Property: JW Marriott Singapore
Date: April 2024
Booked: Base
Received: Base but.....see below
Late Check Out: paid 50% extra to 6pm

Was there for 5 nights for work. Having stayed at this hotel, I really didn't love the room layout previously. At check-in I asked about a room upgrade, specifically asking for a room with a little more space. Was told the hotel was very busy but I've been upgraded to a higher floor. Was given a room on level 8 (of 20). Not sure in what world that is a higher floor and in all honesty, not sure how that's even an upgrade.

Anyway, room layout is better than what I had previously, so I'm pleased. There's actually a comfy desk chair (not the silly metal rocking chair) and some space between the chair and the foot of the bed.View attachment 382292View attachment 382293View attachment 382294View attachment 382295

View from my "high floor" is to the building opposite which has a giant TV on. Well this was an issue at night. Even with the curtains closed (really not complete block outs plus a little gap on the side) meant the room kept flashing with the TV. This resulted in a horrible sleep.

Next morning I requested they move me as this was unacceptable. After a bit of faffing I was told the room is the layout I dislike with barely any room to move. The lady insisted there was nothing else. I showered her on the app that I could book various other rooms including suites. I asked what would happen if I booked a suite and turned up to check-in since the hotel was allegedly full. I mentioned I'll go to breakfast and drop by after for a resolution.

After breakfast I was told they found me a family room and would move my belongings for me during the day. New room was much better and now on the 15th floor.

View attachment 382295View attachment 382296View attachment 382297View attachment 382298View attachment 382299

This hotel just doesn't do it for me. View from the pool is lovely though. I also just don't get Bonvoy Gold Elite. There are bugger all tangible benefits. Not once have I received a room upgrade. Other than a higher points earn, it's meaningless.

Same. No love for gold members. The Four Points Melbourne Docklands didn't even give me any type of upgrade even though the rooms are basically empty. So mad I didn't choose the Marriott Docklands as that was only $40 more and is right by the Docklands (not my city view room with a view of the Costco warehouse no harbour in sight whatsoever). Too generous for me to assume that they are a 5* hotel (tbh I enjoyed the room layout better than the HI expresses or HI's I've stayed in plus it got a nice pool but the customer service plain sucks). Felt I was even treated better as an Accor member becuase I still get 2 welcome drinks
Muxi is the only hotel to upgrade me (to an airport view on the top floor) but then can't really see anything since the windows are half blocked but sure beats staying at the lower floor levels. But at that price range I'd rather be staying at a YMCA in the city (only booked during a bonus points offer where the room works out to be $150AUD or less and includes free breakfast for my booking even though I had zoo access at the VA lounge afterwards still better than no breakfast I guess).

 

[fly2earth]

Next morning I requested they move me as this was unacceptable. After a bit of faffing I was told the room is the layout I dislike with barely any room to move. The lady insisted there was nothing else. I showered her on the app that I could book various other rooms including suites. I asked what would happen if I booked a suite and turned up to check-in since the hotel was allegedly full.

Well nothing would happen that would just lead to an awkward conversation With her on the receiving end of the awkwardness. However she will still stand by her words. Which makes it more awkward (100 times more for her than for you)

 

[dajop]

Status: Gold Elite
Property: JW Marriott Singapore
Date: April 2024
Booked: Base
Received: Base but.....see below
Late Check Out: paid 50% extra to 6pm

Was there for 5 nights for work. Having stayed at this hotel, I really didn't love the room layout previously. At check-in I asked about a room upgrade, specifically asking for a room with a little more space. Was told the hotel was very busy but I've been upgraded to a higher floor. Was given a room on level 8 (of 20). Not sure in what world that is a higher floor and in all honesty, not sure how that's even an upgrade.

Ah, I forgot to mention, if you go back a dozen or so posts, you will see our experience at the hotel , and it seems you did get an upgrade... you were allowed to keep your originally booked room. We were downgraded last time we stayed there (but that was booked under my partner's name, he was just a lowly Titanium at the time) .

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

That's another thing. Marriott are incredibly stingy with late checkouts. Totally get it if the hotel is booked out and don't expect it. However, many other chains and hotels either at gold or even no status will let you stay on if they can. Marriott just follow the rules and that's it.

I have to vehemently disagree here…I’m ambassador and mid tier with many other programs and Marriott are so so so much more consistent than others. It’s so rare to get knocked back for a 4pm yet Hilton will barely budge and Accor are the worst.

Regarding the JW, I agree…sadly it’s usually the one I have to cop in SIN where I far prefer the Westin which is much closer and within walking distance to the office.

 

[drron]

I have to vehemently disagree here…I’m ambassador and mid tier with many other programs and Marriott are so so so much more consistent than others. It’s so rare to get knocked back for a 4pm yet Hilton will barely budge and Accor are the worst.

Regarding the JW, I agree…sadly it’s usually the one I have to cop in SIN where I far prefer the Westin which is much closer and within walking distance to the office.

Though if you are LTP and not staying as regularly the upgrades are less and late checkout harder. But as Ambassador with IHG I usually don't have to ask and automatically are given 4pm. Even better sometimes I am asked in the pre visit email if I would like an early checkin.

 

[Daver6]

I have to vehemently disagree here…I’m ambassador and mid tier with many other programs and Marriott are so so so much more consistent than others. It’s so rare to get knocked back for a 4pm yet Hilton will barely budge and Accor are the worst.

Regarding the JW, I agree…sadly it’s usually the one I have to cop in SIN where I far prefer the Westin which is much closer and within walking distance to the office.

Marriott are consistent...just consistently stingy

I'd also prefer the Westin. Closer to our office too. Personally, I'd go the Sofitel in Singapore. Sadly, when it's group travel, those with the gold, make the rules lol

 

[fly2earth]

I have to vehemently disagree here…I’m ambassador and mid tier with many other programs and Marriott are so so so much more consistent than others. It’s so rare to get knocked back for a 4pm yet Hilton will barely budge and Accor are the worst.

Regarding the JW, I agree…sadly it’s usually the one I have to cop in SIN where I far prefer the Westin which is much closer and within walking distance to the office.

Though if you are LTP and not staying as regularly the upgrades are less and late checkout harder. But as Ambassador with IHG I usually don't have to ask and automatically are given 4pm. Even better sometimes I am asked in the pre visit email if I would like an early checkin.

I am IHG platinum but never stay there after reaching plat (not that it's bad just doesn't have the appeal just an overall "clean" and basic dorm and i find the green decor they have in the HI expresses make the room feel very basic. Marriott is where it's at for me (even the courtyards i feel are better than the HI expresses). Accor is fine as long as it's not any of the Ibises. However any Marriott is better. Too bad they suck at retaining loyal customers. And their fares are just outrageous the reasonable ones I can find in Australia over a novotel/mercure stay is Courtyard, and occasionally Four Points and AC. Of course booked during promotional points offers (making effective cost less than $200) Love redeeming a particular Westin for 24,000 marriott points and got to enjoy the riverview room and the pool (and gave me a better preference as a silver member versus what i received from other marriotts as a gold member ironic ey?)

never tried Intercontinental or crowne (the "GOOD" IHG hotels) wanting to redeem the Changi Crowne with points 56,000 points next time i land in S'pore.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I guess hotels are always YMMV but from someone who’s spends about 150 nights a year in hotels and have done the hard yards I would recommend Marriott over any hands down.

No love lost though as that’s a spare room someone else can take so I get an upgrade

 

[fly2earth]

I guess hotels are always YMMV but from someone who’s spends about 150 nights a year in hotels and have done the hard yards I would recommend Marriott over any hands down.

No love lost though as that’s a spare room someone else can take so I get an upgrade

I stayed 30 nights but split between four accounts so 2 no status, 1 silver, and 1 gold due to it being given to me Only stayed there in the beginning because the courtyard was the cheapest 4 star hotel i can find that isn't cough (plus 20k points/day for first five stays for new members and referrer so 40k pts/day total) and same price range as HI express so no brainer since marriott is the "superior" brand. Would pick it over HI express any day of the year. Glad that none if it mattered and the courtyard was stingy in not letting me check out past noon even though I lived there 20 times so almost as good as gold. ironic how muxy treates me better and upgraded me to a airport view room on the highest floor given my "new" gold membership account only shows 2 stays.

 

[http_x92]

Decided to hop on Marriott during the promo period. Now the promotion is finished (double night promo, what a great one btw), here are the two notable stays. Gold status throughout this time.

Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection (April)
Booked: Junior Suite - only one that could fit 3 people.
Received: Junior Suite
Rate: Senior Discount

Breakfast not included but I know that the breakfast is now cooked to order instead of a buffet and this is also what Platinums and above get these days (Breakfast dish + coffee + juice). Basically no more buffet breakfast here. However the minibar was free with a selection of drinks. Pleasantly surprised to have a sauna and a tub, which was good considering it was cold that day. Definitely need a car if you are going to Canberra.

Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park (April)
Booked: City Side Room
Received: Hyde Park View Room, 2pm checkout
Rate: Luminous Rate

Realised that the Sheraton Grand Sydney has a Luminous Rate which was the same as the Flexible Rate but includes daily breakfast + 130 AUD F&B credit + a welcome gift. Have to make this request to an eligible travel agent to book this. No access to the Lounge as a gold but ate at the Gallery anyway which was enough. Food was good. Breakfast buffet very extensive with an omelette and juice station. Room is definitely renovated and modernised. Very close to St James station and buses that take you to Circular Quay.

 

[Daver6]

Status: Gold Elite
Property: Westin Grande Sukhumvit
Date: May 2024
Booked: Base
Received: Base?
Late Check Out: 3pm (Requested)

Another work trip and another group hotel. Rooms are decent size but showing their age a bit. Breakfast was excellent for a buffer. Quality items. Gym is very good for a hotel room. Was told renovations to it were completed just two days prior to my arrival.

Once again, gold with Bonvoy gets you nothing. At check-in was told I'd been upgrade to a higher floor (level 20 or 25). Asked for a 3pm checkout and given after a bit of "checking". Two pieces of fruit to welcome me in my room. Colleagues with no status were given level 19 and 22 respectively and some late checkout and same fruit in room.

 

[drron]

If you go there again tell them you are a friend of the GM Robert Wittebrood. We have known him for many years when he was Asst GM at the SGS across the road. A very nice guy.
He did tell us in January theplace is nearly always full especially on weekends as the Government subsidises local hotel stays. Most of the suites are booked by them so elites no longer get suite upgrades.

 

[Daver6]

If you go there again tell them you are a friend of the GM Robert Wittebrood. We have known him for many years when he was Asst GM at the SGS across the road. A very nice guy.
He did tell us in January theplace is nearly always full especially on weekends as the Government subsidises local hotel stays. Most of the suites are booked by them so elites no longer get suite upgrades.

Turns out I actually met him. I didn't realise who he was at the time, but he walked through the gym while I was there and we had a chat. Seemed like a really nice guy.

 

[drron]

Turns out I actually met him. I didn't realise who he was at the time, but he walked through the gym while I was there and we had a chat. Seemed like a really nice guy.

Yes he was schooled in the old art of being a GM. Always walks around the restaurants,lounge etc and talks to guests the days he is on.