With Marriott and Starwood programs merged, Marriott as an elite level that provides a dedicated ambassador to address your needs. To reach this level, a rewards member must spend $25,000 and stay 100 nights (or have at least 100 night credits) in a calendar year. One of the main benefits of this tier is the ability to put in Your24 requests in, a legacy benefit offered by Starwood. The Your24 request gives you the option of checking in earlier or later so long as the checkout time is on before your check-in time. For example, if you arrive at the hotel at 10pm on Friday for a two-night stay, you can check out as late as 10pm on Sunday, your check-out day. One downside of Marriott’s Your24 program is that you cannot request in on the phone or their website like how we used to be able to in the SPG program. The Your24 request must be requested through your dedicated ambassador. Another huge benefit is 75% bonus points, the most ever offered by Marriott.
Here is the welcome email I got upon reaching the Marriott Ambassador Status:
Dear xxx,
Hi, my name is xxx and I am your personal Marriott Ambassador.
Congratulations on reaching this fantastic milestone with Marriott and welcome to the ambassador service. This is quite an achievement.
I would love to speak with you and answer any questions you may have and get to know you a little better. Please reply to this email or leave a message with a convenient time to reach you to review the program.
As your single point of contact, you may call on me to arrange transportation, dinner reservations, theater tickets, golf tee times or any special event.
I can assist you with upcoming reservations, Suite Night awards, and Your24requests. I can pass on your preferences to the hotels to ensure a consistent stay every time.
I am also available to assist you even if your travel plans do not include a Marriott hotel. My goal is to ensure a seamless and effortless adventure when you travel.
I am located in the xxxx office and can be reached by telephone or email.
My office hours and contact details are listed below.
Please let me know how I can assist you and again, congratulations!
Let the adventures begin.
Sincerely,
xxx | Ambassador
Marriott International
Upon reaching the status, they gave me a call to introduce themselves. In the conversation, they ask to get to know you better. Some questions they ask are:
- Where do you like to travel to?
- What is your dream vacation destination?
- What is your favorite drink?
- What is your favorite dessert?
- Are you married? If so, when is your anniversary? How long have you been married?
- What is your favorite sport?
- Favorite sports team?
I could see the reason behind some of these questions. It would help hotels for my future stays to send up a dessert to the room, or perhaps to provide welcome amenities tied to your favorite sports team, etc.
Will keep you posted on other ambassador benefits.
Oddly enough, in the image above, Ryan has only stayed 167 nights in his lifetime!
For reference, below is the benefits overview across each Marriott Rewards Tier:
Your Benefits Are Easier to Earn and Redeem
BENEFITS | MEMBER 0-9 nights/year |
SILVER ELITE 10-24 nights/year |
GOLD ELITE 25-49 nights/year |
PLATINUM ELITE 50-74 nights/year |
PLATINUM PREMIER ELITE 75-99 nights/year |
PLATINUM PREMIER ELITE WITH AMBASSADOR 100+ nights/year and $20K in annual qualifying spend |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complimentary In-Room Internet Access *Enhanced Internet |
X | X | X* | X* | X* | X* |
Member Rates | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Mobile Check-In/Services | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Ultimate Reservation Guarantee |
X | X | X | X | X | |
Points Bonus | X 10% Bonus |
X 25% Bonus |
X 50% Bonus |
X 75% Bonus |
X 75% Bonus |
|
Late Checkout *Based on availability |
X | X 2pm* |
X 4pm |
X 4pm |
X 4pm |
|
Dedicated Elite Reservation line |
X | X | X | X | X | |
In Hotel Welcome Gift *Varies by brand |
X Points* |
X Points, Breakfast offering or Amenity* |
X Points, Breakfast offering or Amenity* |
X Points, Breakfast offering or Amenity* |
||
Enhanced Room Upgrade Based on Availability |
X | X Including Select Suites |
X Including Select Suites |
X Including Select Suites |
||
Lounge Access | X | X | X | |||
Guaranteed Room Type | X | X | X | |||
Annual Choice Benefit (5 Suite Night Awards™ or Gift Options) *Awarded with 50 qualifying nights |
X* | |||||
Annual Choice Benefit (5 Suite Night Awards™ or Gift Options) *Awarded with 75 qualifying nights |
X* | |||||
48-Hour Guarantee | X | X | ||||
Ambassador Service | X | |||||
Your24™ | X |
Benefits vary by brand. See Terms & Conditions.