TRAVELING COMPANION
  • Traveling Companion
  • Destinations
  • About
  • Privacy Policy

Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status

12/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Introduction
During our First Class Honeymoon in 2019 we found that Christina's Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status gave us access to amazing benefits including upgrades, free breakfast, and additional Marriott points. Her Platinum status ended up giving us access to experiences we could not have afforded without it. In this post I will discuss how to earn Marriott Platinum elite status, discuss the benefits, and provide tips on ways to maximize the status. 

How do you earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status? 
Normally, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite status is earned by staying at least 50 nights in one calendar year. However, due to COVID-19 Marriott both extended 2019 elites status through February 1, 2022 and provided 50% elite night credits, 25 nights for current Platinum elites, allowing current elites to fast track to the next status level. Also, Platinum status can be earned by spending $75,000 in a calendar year on your Marriott Bonvoy Brillant American Express Card.  
Picture
Marriott Bonvoy Member Sign Al Maha Dubai UAE
What counts toward the elite night credits requirement? 
One  great part of hotel elite programs in general and Marriott's program in particular is that a wide variety of activities help meet the elite nights requirement. Generally, there are four ways to earn elite nights credits. First, any individually billed nights at a participating hotel count towards status, this excludes nights paid for through central billing such as for a convention. Second, unlike airline awards all award nights paid for with Marriott Bonvoy points count toward elite status. Third, holding a Marriott Bonvoy credit card provides an automatic 15 nights towards elite status regardless of spending on the credit card. This can reduce the 50 night requirement by 30 percent. Fourth,  having an event at a Marriott brand hotel can earn 1 elite night for every 20 rooms booked. This was significantly devalued at the start of 2020 but may still be helpful if you are having a large group event. ​
Picture
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Room Key
What are the Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status? 
Complimentary Enhanced In-Room Internet Access- All Marriott Bonvoy members that book directly with Marriott receive access to complimentary in-room internet. However, Platinum members receive access to  enhanced in-room internet which provides faster speeds.
Member Rates- All Marriott Bonvoy members that book directly with Marriott receive access to discounted member rates. 
Mobile Check-In/Services- All Marriott Bonvoy members that book directly with Marriott can utilize mobile check in where available. 
Dedicated Elite Support Line- When Platinum members call Marriott Bonvoy customer service members receive access to dedicated elite support.
Unlimited Reservation Guarantee- If the hotel is unable to honor the reservation then it will provide the Platinum member with compensation ranging from $100 and 90,000 points to $200 and 140,000 points depending on the brand. You can find the complete details here.
Points Bonus- Platinum members receive a 50 % bonus on hotel stays and money spent during stays. This means that Platinum members receive 15 points per dollar spent at the vast majority of brands. 
Late Check-Out- Platinum members receive a guaranteed 4 pm late check-out at non-convention and non-resort hotels. 

Guaranteed Room Type- If a Platinum elite member room type request is not met then the member receives compensation ranging from $25 to $100. 
In-Hotel Welcome Gift- At check-in Platinum members receive a welcome gift ranging from a choice of 500 points per stay and a Food & Beverage item to 1,000 per stay or breakfast in the restaurant. These benefits vary based upon the brand and you can find the full list here. 
Enhanced Room Upgrade- At participating brands Platinum elites receive an upgrade to the best available room including select suites subject to availability.  
Lounge Access- At JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection Hotels, and Renaissance Hotels Platinum members have lounge access.  
Annual Choice Benefits- After 50 elite qualifying nights Platinum members receive annual choice benefit with the choice between 5 Suite Night Awards, 5 elite night credits, a gift of silver elite status to another member, 40% off a mattress, or a $100 charity donation.  
​
Picture
Marriott Elite Benefits
Marriott Platinum Status Tips
1. Book Direct- Elite benefits only apply to stays booked directly with Marriott. In order to utilize platinum elite benefits it is essential to book direct. 
2. Benefits Vary by Brand- To maximize Platinum elite status it is critical to be selective about the brand you book since benefits vary significantly between brands. For example, the In-Hotel Welcome Gift for the Element brand is 500 points or an amenity compared to the option for the The Luxury Collection of 1,000 points, and amenity, or breakfast in the restaurant. The differences are also not limited to value vs. luxury brands. For example, Platinum members don't receive upgrades to suites at Ritz Carltons while they do at St. Regis brand hotels. 
​3. Promotions- Periodically, Marriott offers promotions which can provide a shortcut to Platinum elite status. This is how Christina achieved Platinum elite status in 2018 with less than half the required elite night credits.  Periodically, review your Marriott elite account for promotions. 
4. Elite Benefits Guarantee- Marriott is unique among the major hotel brands in offering cash guarantees if elite members are not provided guaranteed elite benefits.  We have had success getting a hotel to provide $100 in cash for not honoring one of the guarantees. Make sure to ask the hotel to honor the guarantee before check-out if the benefits are not honored. 

5. Lounge Access- One of the most undervalued benefits of Platinum elite status is lounge access and is something which I would recommend maximizing. While the benefit is only available at a limited number of brands depending on the hotel it can be very valuable. For example, in the past we have been able to substitute a pasta dish for dinner and have been offered complimentary happy hours in Marriott hotel lounges.  

Take Away

If you have the ability to earn Marriott Platinum elite status is can be very valuable and make a substantial difference during your Marriott stay. If you follow the tips above you can get access to benefits including complementary restaurant breakfast, lounge access, and suite upgrades. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    June 2024
    February 2024
    December 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    A319
    A320
    A321
    A330-300
    A380
    Abu-dhabi
    Airport-lounge-reviews
    American-airlines
    Amtrak
    Asia
    Auh
    Avianca
    Barcelona
    Bcn
    Boeing-737800
    Boeing-737-800
    Boeing 757
    Boeing-757
    Boeing-767300
    Boeing-777200
    British-airways
    Business-class
    California
    Cancun
    Central Coast
    Charlotte
    Chase
    Clt
    Credit Cards
    CRJ 900
    CRJ-900
    CUN
    DCA
    Delta Airlines
    DFW
    Dining And Activities
    Dubai
    E175
    Economy
    Etihad Airways
    Europe
    First Class
    Flight Reviews
    FRA
    Frankfurt
    Hilton
    Hotel Reviews
    Hyatt
    IAD
    JFK
    JW Marriott
    LAS
    Las Vegas
    LAX
    LGW
    LHR
    London
    Los Angeles
    Luxury Collection
    Marriott
    Mexico
    Mexico City
    MGM Hotels
    MLE
    MSY
    NAS
    Nassau
    Nevada
    New Orleans
    New York
    Opinions
    PHL
    Priority Pass
    Puerto Rico
    Puerto Vallarta
    Renaissance
    Renfe
    Salt Lake City
    San Juan
    Santa Barbara
    SBA
    Seaplane
    SIN
    Singapore
    Singapore Airlines
    SJU
    SLC
    St. Regis
    Suites
    The Bahamas
    The Maldives
    Train Reviews
    Travel Tips
    Trip Reports
    UAE
    Valencia
    Virgin Atlantic
    Washington DC
    Washington Dulles

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Traveling Companion
  • Destinations
  • About
  • Privacy Policy