Consistency in Bonvoy status-based lounge access
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: NYC/DC
Programs: AA,SPG, Delta, Amtrak, JB
Posts: 924
Consistency in Bonvoy status-based lounge access
Due to unexpected business travel and a personal trip earlier in the year, I'm just three nights away from achieving Platinum level status. Fortunately, I have two business trips scheduled for September and October, which will provide the necessary nights to reach Platinum status.
I've reviewed the literature regarding the benefits of Platinum level, and noted that access to the hotel lounge is included if one exists on the property. However, I'm curious about the consistency of this benefit. Do Platinum level holders typically encounter any issues with accessing the lounge? I'm particularly interested in this as I have a trip planned to Tokyo next summer. Given my intention to book at the most economical rate possible, access to the lounge would greatly enhance my stay.
Thanks for any insight.
I've reviewed the literature regarding the benefits of Platinum level, and noted that access to the hotel lounge is included if one exists on the property. However, I'm curious about the consistency of this benefit. Do Platinum level holders typically encounter any issues with accessing the lounge? I'm particularly interested in this as I have a trip planned to Tokyo next summer. Given my intention to book at the most economical rate possible, access to the lounge would greatly enhance my stay.
Thanks for any insight.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: NYC/DC
Programs: AA,SPG, Delta, Amtrak, JB
Posts: 924
#4
If there is one thing that Marriott is good at, it is always providing lounge access at the appropriate properties to Plat+. I've never had an issue with it. The most I've ever had to do is to ask how to get to it and the hours.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
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#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,800
They occasionally forgot to program the room keys. We had to return to FD when that happened. FD always apologized and reprogrammed the keys.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hold it down for The Bay, reppin' Oakland
Programs: Lowly UA silver, Marriott Ambassador/Tit4Lyf, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,788
There are limited exceptions to this rule. At the St. Pancras Renaissance, only Titaniums and Ambassadors get lounge (Chambers Club) access. Platinums will be offered breakfast elsewhere, plus a bar snack (I think).
#8
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,278
There are more than 30 brands in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Nine of them provide lounge access to Platinum Elite and above.
At five brands (non-resort properties only) -- JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels -- guaranteed lounge access is how the breakfast benefit if provided. If there's no lounge or the lounge is closed, the elite member can pick breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points daily.
At one brand -- Courtyard (only outside the United States and Canada, and only if there's a lounge) -- guaranteed lounge access provides a breakfast benefit (at a brand where that's a rarity).
At three brands (resorts included) -- Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin -- guaranteed lounge access means access to the lounge if there is one and it's open, but there's no alternative otherwise. Breakfast in the restaurant is a Platinum welcome gift choice, not a function of guaranteed lounge access.
The front desk agent at participating properties will normally mention the lounge and its hours at check-in, but sometimes it's necessary to ask.
For all the details, exclusions, limitations, etc., go to Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions and search for GUARANTEED LOUNGE ACCESS
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: NYC/DC
Programs: AA,SPG, Delta, Amtrak, JB
Posts: 924
#10
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: FB LTPE, BAEC GGL, EK Blue, SK Gold, Marriott Amb+LTT, IHG Diamond Amb, Accorhotels Silver
Posts: 1,999
Be extremely careful, especially in Tokyo. Lounge access is guaranteed only in certain brands, and while this might be extended in some properties elsewhere, some Tokyo properties who have a lounge (Luxury Collection or Autograph Collection) will not grant you access unless you book a room that gives you access.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: NYC/DC
Programs: AA,SPG, Delta, Amtrak, JB
Posts: 924
It's more complicated than that.
There are more than 30 brands in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Nine of them provide lounge access to Platinum Elite and above.
At five brands (non-resort properties only) -- JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels -- guaranteed lounge access is how the breakfast benefit if provided. If there's no lounge or the lounge is closed, the elite member can pick breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points daily.
At one brand -- Courtyard (only outside the United States and Canada, and only if there's a lounge) -- guaranteed lounge access provides a breakfast benefit (at a brand where that's a rarity).
At three brands (resorts included) -- Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin -- guaranteed lounge access means access to the lounge if there is one and it's open, but there's no alternative otherwise. Breakfast in the restaurant is a Platinum welcome gift choice, not a function of guaranteed lounge access.
The front desk agent at participating properties will normally mention the lounge and its hours at check-in, but sometimes it's necessary to ask.
For all the details, exclusions, limitations, etc., go to Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions and search for GUARANTEED LOUNGE ACCESS
There are more than 30 brands in the Marriott Bonvoy program. Nine of them provide lounge access to Platinum Elite and above.
At five brands (non-resort properties only) -- JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels -- guaranteed lounge access is how the breakfast benefit if provided. If there's no lounge or the lounge is closed, the elite member can pick breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points daily.
At one brand -- Courtyard (only outside the United States and Canada, and only if there's a lounge) -- guaranteed lounge access provides a breakfast benefit (at a brand where that's a rarity).
At three brands (resorts included) -- Sheraton, Le Méridien, Westin -- guaranteed lounge access means access to the lounge if there is one and it's open, but there's no alternative otherwise. Breakfast in the restaurant is a Platinum welcome gift choice, not a function of guaranteed lounge access.
The front desk agent at participating properties will normally mention the lounge and its hours at check-in, but sometimes it's necessary to ask.
For all the details, exclusions, limitations, etc., go to Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions and search for GUARANTEED LOUNGE ACCESS
The Ritz-Carlton
St. Regis
EDITION
The Luxury Collection
W Hotels
Son of a gun.... . Well that sorta sucks... I mean what's left? Coz I stayed at the Sheraton in Basel in December and the "Lounge" left much to be desired.
And here I was planning to stay at the Ritz in Tokyo... Well I obviously have to rethink plans...
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: NYC/DC
Programs: AA,SPG, Delta, Amtrak, JB
Posts: 924
Be extremely careful, especially in Tokyo. Lounge access is guaranteed only in certain brands, and while this might be extended in some properties elsewhere, some Tokyo properties who have a lounge (Luxury Collection or Autograph Collection) will not grant you access unless you book a room that gives you access.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,229
The LC in Tokyo used to give lounge access but not anymore. It used to be my favorite hotel to stay at in Tokyo but Marriott got rid of club access for most LCs (though the ones in BKK still offer). Marriott destroyed lc for me which was my favorite brand actually. RCs never get.
Now i go to PH Tokyo.
But generally Marriott is excellent about giving cl access when it's due. No worries there. Cls can save a lot of money
Now i go to PH Tokyo.
But generally Marriott is excellent about giving cl access when it's due. No worries there. Cls can save a lot of money
#14
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,587
Haven’t been denied access to a lounge when entitled, but at least one property (Sheraton Grand Salzburg) has a lower quality lounge for Plats.
#15
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
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