Marriott suite night awards

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

Calling any Marriott elite experts. I've racked up 60 Marriott nights already and this is my first year with Marriott. As such, I can choose my 50 and soon 75 night reward.

Does anyone have any tips on use of suite night awards? In Asia do you need to even use and just rely on upgrades? Any advice welcome.

 

[potm]

It's very much hotel dependent and a lot of factors involved in whether you get upgraded.
The only 2 options worth getting at the 50 night bonus is the 5 SNAs or the 5 night credits. If you need the nights to hit 75 nights or 100 nights plus 20 then take the 5 night credits. If not, take the 5 SNAs.

 

[drron]

SNAs were very good value with SPG-used to get 10 when you hit 60 nights.
This year under Marriott next to useless.Eg tried to apply them to a booking at the Westin South coast mall south of LA.I was in a king room and the only choice given was a 2 bed queen room on a higher floor.
Next tried to add to current stay at Pier one Sydney.Could select suites but when I went to my emails seconds after the SNA request successful email came a second saying SNA request cancelled.Happened twice.

In the past were very good at popular hotels eg SGS in Bangkok.You won't now get a suite upgrade unless you use SNAs as they can have 100+ plats a night.Maybe as a titanium you might.Never going to make that.Due to this year's experience I am not going to try for 60 nights any more as am LTP.Might make it this year as I got a personal double elite night offer earlier.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

Thanks for the insights drron. I can imagine the sheer volume of elites post merger bring less certainty on the upgrade front.

I'll take the 5 SNAs for now, try use them and reevauluate the 75 night reward. My travel patterns really only suit Marriott for now so have to work with what I have.