In today’s podcast episode Greg and Nick will talk about the things they wish Marriott would add to their program to make it a really great program. They argue these things shouldn’t even have to cost Marriott that much to implement.
Our Marriott Bonvoy Wishlist
Listen here…
Or watch here…
Read more about our Marriott Bonvoy Wishlist here.
(00:58) – Fix the Platinum Elite free breakfast benefit
Find our resource for figuring out whether or not you get free breakfast here.
(04:34) – Clear Nightly Upgrade Awards from the time of booking
(07:55) – Remove the 15K limit on free night certificate top-offs
(10:45) – Waive resort fees on free night stays
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Music Credit – Beach Walk by Unicorn Heads
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I’m Platinum for life and had less than 10 stays at Marriott last year and plan the same this year. I just hate feeling put upon by there program. I have these expectations and they never meet them. Just not worth it. Meanwhile I got 150 at Hyatt last year and had great experiences throughout even if the hotel wasn’t as nice as a Marriott branded property down the street
Marriott revenue is at an all-time high. Unless and until elite members’ dissatisfaction translates into moving the revenue needle, Marriott has no reason to take any action its actual customers (the property owners) oppose. Indeed, Marriott has every reason to continue its trend of enhanced value to property owners via reduced elite member benefits. We might not like it but that’s just the way it is.
This is so spot on! Same with Delta. As long as Amex keeps sending billions to Delta there is no incentive for Delta to improve the value of Skypesos or elite benefits.
Indeed. Marriott has been very clear that hotel owners are their customers first – the elite members that the loyalty program brings to properties are the product. If anything I expect that things will move more in the property operators’ favor, with looser brand standards and less required benefits, as Marriott wants to avoid properties leaving the program to form their own like Sonesta or going independent.
I say that as someone who primarily stays at Marriotts – I’ve still gotten good value from them despite the inconsistent benefits and they often have specific properties or locations I want to stay at. They live off their market size in both directions – business and leisure travelers continue to choose them because there are so many Marriott properties, and hotel owners are interested in choosing them because they have such a large number of loyalty program members. To make major changes they will need to see a noticeable drop in market share on one side or the other.