Platinum Status Worthwhile?

[Nichokiu]

I have been thinking of doing the platinum status challenge with Marriott for a while now (with 16 nights coming up), and saw the front page of today's AusFrequentFlyer article.

Wondering if anyone else did this challenge, or experience from those who are platinum status please? Is being platinum with Marriott worthwhile? Lots of American sites rant along how bad the program is, but not sure what the Australian experience is like.

Or should I just credit the nights to Hilton? (Currently gold, and aim for diamond?)

Thanks for sharing!

 

[LadyC]

I am also considering doing a Platinum Challenge as I currently have a few bookings with enough nights to satisfy the requirements - so any feedback welcome from those out there who already have it.

 

[lilkid28]

I have been thinking of doing the platinum status challenge with Marriott for a while now (with 16 nights coming up), and saw the front page of today's AusFrequentFlyer article.

Wondering if anyone else did this challenge, or experience from those who are platinum status please? Is being platinum with Marriott worthwhile? Lots of American sites rant along how bad the program is, but not sure what the Australian experience is like.

Or should I just credit the nights to Hilton? (Currently gold, and aim for diamond?)

Thanks for sharing!

Well I did the SPG challenge back in mid 2017 by staying 14 nights in a trip, did a status run of $120x4 nights locally, got Platinum status which expires 28 Feb 2019. Did some travel in 2018, stayed 7 nights (travel package) in Hong Kong, lounge access, 2 nights in standard room, 5 nights in JW Suite after asking for upgrade when checking in. Stayed 5 nights in Prince de Galles Paris over New Years Eve on 240k points (fifth night free), got upgraded to a Suite and reflected on the Marriott app 2 days before checking in, got a beautiful 45 sqm Mosaic Suite which retailed for 1000 euros per night. Breakfast is mediocre in comparison to JW Marriott HK. Only Continental breakfast (no hot food such as eggs, etc and cost 15 or 20 Euros to upgrade to include) but no problem as we had just eaten the standard Hotel breakfast for about 7 days continuously before.

In my case, I would say it was worth it. I would probably time it to do a Marriott status challenge again if the locations and destination fits. I think the T&C is once every three years.

 

[hossein_au]

Well I did the SPG challenge back in mid 2017 by staying 14 nights in a trip, did a status run of $120x4 nights locally, got Platinum status which expires 28 Feb 2019. Did some travel in 2018, stayed 7 nights (travel package) in Hong Kong, lounge access, 2 nights in standard room, 5 nights in JW Suite after asking for upgrade when checking in. Stayed 5 nights in Prince de Galles Paris over New Years Eve on 240k points (fifth night free), got upgraded to a Suite and reflected on the Marriott app 2 days before checking in, got a beautiful 45 sqm Mosaic Suite which retailed for 1000 euros per night. Breakfast is mediocre in comparison to JW Marriott HK. Only Continental breakfast (no hot food such as eggs, etc and cost 15 or 20 Euros to upgrade to include) but no problem as we had just eaten the standard Hotel breakfast for about 7 days continuously before.

In my case, I would say it was worth it. I would probably time it to do a Marriott status challenge again if the locations and destination fits. I think the T&C is once every three years.

But note that the new (Bonvoy) Platinum is VERY different to the old (SPG) Platinum... chalk and cheese really, and not in a good way.

 

[lilkid28]

But note that the new (Bonvoy) Platinum is VERY different to the old (SPG) Platinum... chalk and cheese really, and not in a good way.

Yes, but my stays in JW Marriott HK and Prince de Galles Paris were in Sep 2018 and Dec 2018, when the programs were long merged, except the new Marriott Bonvoy name.

 

[hossein_au]

Yes, but my stays in JW Marriott HK and Prince de Galles Paris were in Sep 2018 and Dec 2018, when the programs were long merged, except the new Marriott Bonvoy name.

I acknowledge that; but you had SPG Plat and as such had access to all the perks that used to come with it (upgrade to suits, for example). The New Plat gets you less perks that even the old Gold. The new Gold is what the old Silver was (does not even get lounge access).

Edit: My bad; looks like Platinum Elite does get "Enhanced Room Upgrade Based on Availability", "Including Select Suites". But Platinum Elite is now 2 tiers down from the top tier (which may affect the "Availability"), and the "In Hotel Welcome Gift" includes "Points, Breakfast offering or Amenity" (note the "or"): Member Benefits & Loyalty Tiers | Marriott Bonvoy

 

[get me outta here]

Just signed up for plat challenge by phoning their 1800 number. Initially on hold for nearly 20 mins, then easy to sign up. My 16 paid nights req't starts today and I have till the end June to complete.