Time is running out to book a Marriott Travel Package under the current rewards structure. We don’t know yet whether travel packages will be better or worse in the new program, but we do know that there’s a slight chance that redeeming points for a travel package before August will result in a big win (please click through this link for details).
To redeem points for a travel package resulting in a 7 night certificate and 120,000 miles (or 132,000 miles if you choose United miles), you’ll need at least 270,000 Marriott points.
And you’ll need lot’s of patience.
Marriott Travel Packages can’t be booked online. And most Marriott phone agents don’t know how to book them. The trick is to get Marriott Rewards on the phone, not Marriott Customer Service, and definitely not Marriott Reservations.
Unfortunately, the Marriott Rewards phone numbers now route to a central phone menu with voice prompts that will have you shouting in anger within minutes. Here’s the key to navigate the phone prompts with minimal stress…
- Call Marriott at 1-800-321-7396 (or any other Marriott phone number you have)
- Wait for the recording to tell you that you can learn all about the new program online.
- In response to: “How can I help you today?”
Say: “Transfer rewards points.” - Then the computer will ask you more specifics about the transfer.
Interrupt the computer and say “Something else.” - Wait on hold for a long, long time.
If an agent answers with something like “Marriott Rewards, can I have your rewards number?” then you’ve made it to the right place!
Good luck!
UPDATE: Also see this post for details about foreign call centers that may answer much more quickly.
See also:
- Potential huge win with Marriott Travel Packages before August
- Which airlines are best for Marriott Travel Packages?
- Why are Marriott Travel Packages a good deal?
- 12 things you need to know about Marriott Travel Packages
And more info about the Marriott SPG Merger:
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I’ve heard rumors that we’ll no longer be able to upgrade a certificate to a higher level category within the new program. Does anyone know if this true or attempted to upgrade since last week?
True
I just finished speaking with Marriott to purchase a package about 20 minutes ago. My points are still on my account and I’m not seeing any certificate. How can I confirm that the transaction was completed? The rep gave me the certificate # but I’d feel better seeing it in my account.
Try the mobile app. It seems to update quicker than the website
[…] I called 8/17 at 9:30 am PDT. I got connected in 22 minutes by following Greg’s instructions: call 1-800-321-7396. Listen to the new program info then when asked “How can I help you […]
[…] you are trying to redeem for a Travel Package, a while back Frequent Miler shared the best way to get in touch with the right department — call 800.321.7396, and then […]
Used the number – redeemed for several packages. Done in less than 10 minutes, including hold time. Called 1-800-321-7396 Saturday afternoon. Very surprised how fast and painless it was…
Took me 7mins! They’re quick now!
Just adding a data point – called the UK number. Wait time was about 10 minutes. I asked for the 5 night package, but was denied (was told only for Marriott Vacation Club owners). Booked the 7 night package. All done in 15 minutes (including wait time).
[…] Instructions to Book a Marriott Travel Package […]
Got through in 15 minutes, and had it all sorted out in 20 minutes. Called at 2pm EST on July 31st. Previously I’d spent over 10+ hours trying to reach anyone, and kept getting disconnected as I was calling from international. Thanks for much for the guide!!
The customer service rep said that August 18th will be when the new Marriott Travel Package redemption levels goes into effect, not August 1st as I had previously dreaded.
Awesome! Glad it worked out for you.
And the 18th date is accurate — Marriott announced that last week. See this post for more:
https://frequentmiler.com/2018/07/25/travel-packages-bookable-through-august-17th-marriott-spg-to-tie-the-loyalty-knot-on-saturday-august-18th/
Data point – I called Sunday night 7/22 and it took me 2.5 hours to get through to someone. I then had to educate them on booking the package. It was very annoying.
I just did this now. Took me 8 minutes and 21 seconds and on a Sunday when the Marriott Rewards office is supposed to be closed. 🙂
I called the number listed in your post, followed your instructions, and when she answered she greeted me with “Reservations.” I said “oh, is this reservations, I thought I was calling the Membership Rewards department” and she said she could help me with that, too, immediately asking me for my Marriott Rewards number.
She asked me what I’d like to do and she was clearly well versed in how to process the nights & flights travel packages. The whole thing was quick and easy.
Booked a package this morning using these prompts. Got through to a rep and finished the booking in 8 minutes! Thanks!
Wow, was a bit concerned after reading this. Called to book a 7-night Cat 6 and was done and complete in get this…3 minutes! Best call experience ever!!!!!
[…] Navigating Marriott’s phone prompts to book a Travel Package. […]
Did anyone get any confirmation about the miles after getting the package? I received confirmation on the hotel certificate immediately, but nothing about the miles so far.
Thanks for the tricks to get through the prompts quickly. 15 minutes on hold, 90 seconds to book the package.