Did You Know? Marriott Guarantees These Benefits to Elite Status Members — If the Hotel Doesn’t Deliver, You Get Points or Cash

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INSIDER SECRET: If you’re owed compensation due to Marriott’s Elite status benefits guarantees, make sure to request your compensation from the hotel before you check out.

If you have status with Marriott, you’re entitled to benefits like a welcome amenity, the same room type you booked (or a better one that you agree to), lounge access and more, depending on your level of status. If you don’t get one or more of the benefits you’re entitled to, you are actually eligible for compensation in the form of points or cash.

And, since the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card offers complimentary Gold status with Marriott, you will automatically be eligible for some of these guarantees just for having this credit card. Enrollment required.

Let’s take a look at the types of benefits that Marriott guarantees, what status you need to get the guarantee and what you’re owed if the hotel doesn’t deliver.

Marriott Benefit Guarantees for All Elite Members

The following benefits are guaranteed to all elite members:

Ultimate Reservation Guarantee

If you book a reservation at a Marriott property and they can not honor it, Marriott will pay for your accommodations at a nearby hotel for that night. And you’ll also be compensated for the inconvenience.

Marriott Benefit Guarantees for Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Elite Members

If you have Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador Elite status with Marriott, you’re eligible for more guarantees in addition to the one listed above. If you’re a little short of the next status level, remember that Marriott cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card offer 15 nights toward status just for having the card.

Guaranteed Platinum/Titanium Elite Welcome Amenity

If you have Platinum or Titanium Elite status with Marriott, you should receive a welcome amenity every time you check into a participating Marriott hotel. This amenity could be bonus points, a drink at the bar or any number of other things. If you aren’t given your amenity, compensation applies depending on the hotel brand.

Guaranteed Room Type

If you book a room with two queen beds, you should get a room with two queen beds — at least in the US and Canada. In fact, Marriott guarantees that you will, or you are owed compensation from the hotel. Now, if you get offered an upgrade from a standard room with two queens to a sweet suite with a king bed and you take it, you will not be owed compensation.

Outside of the US and Canada, smoking/non-smoking preferences are honored based on availability and exact bed sizes may vary. Titanium Elites do have guaranteed priority for their requested type of bed and room, even outside of the US and Canada.

Compensation varies by brand:

Guaranteed Lounge Access

If your hotel has a lounge, and you have Platinum status or higher, both you and one guest are entitled to access the lounge. If the lounge is closed or the hotel doesn’t have a lounge, the hotel is required to offer breakfast in their restaurant. If they don’t, compensation applies, depending on the brand:

Marriott Benefit Guarantees for Titanium, and Ambassador Elite Members

If you have Titanium or Ambassador Elite status with Marriott, there’s one more guarantee that applies to you.

48-Hour Guaranteed Availability

If you need a hotel room at the last minute, Marriott has your back if you’re a Titanium or Ambassador Elite member. They guarantee that they will always have a room available for a paid stay, as long as you book at least 48 hours before arrival.

Note that this guarantee excludes:

• Resorts
• Marriott Vacation Club
• Participating Vistana properties
• Design Hotels
• Other hotels on limited dates (e.g. special events)

How to Actually Claim Your Compensation

Alright, so Marriott has fallen through for you on one of the benefits outlined above. How do you actually get your compensation?

This is key. You have to request the compensation while still a guest at the hotel, prior to checking out. Failure to request the payment before checkout will result in a complete waiver of your right to receive compensation.

This isn’t, as far as I could find, noted anywhere on Marriott’s website, but I spoke with a customer service representative to get this information when I was inquiring about the room type guarantee.

Bottom Line

Marriott has some great status benefits in place for elite members, and the hotels actually are required to honor the benefits. If you’re an elite member with Marriott, and you haven’t had one of your benefits honored, you may be owed compensation from the hotel.

But, you have to make sure to request the compensation before you check out, otherwise, you will waive your right to receive said compensation.

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