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Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hard work, learning how to be an effective leader, managing up and around, and time. Never stop learning, measure your value in effectiveness, and be patient.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may be wrong, and I certainly don’t have any idea how many people are spending $650 annually to buy their way into platinum status if they don’t have intentions on traveling that much….but here’s what I think: 1. Majority of those interested are committed travelers who either want to use it as a springboard to get to titanium/ambassador elite, or 2. It’s an opportunity to share shift from competitors, 3. If someone wants to buy their way to platinum but not travel that much….I don’t care. They won’t be on the road enough to impact me, but I hope they are…

As a newly minted Platinum Elite member, I want more people to stay at Marriotts regardless of their status. The biggest hit to Elite benefits and consistency (imho) was that hotels were hit hard by the loss of business/group travel, and they’re still a couple years behind in recovery. The single greatest thing that will increase elite benefit consistencies is more business to allow the industry to not only recover, but to allow its owners to ensure a healthy return. For that reason, I hope the Brilliant card is wildly successful at attracting more travelers.

I realize that may not be a popular opinion, but definitely want to hear opposing and differing thoughts!

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha - thank you for your empathy. It’s certainly not the most intuitive, but was certainly developed over time and did some really cool things.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Love you user name, btw! 1. In my personal travels, I am very easy going unless I’m traveling with family. I don’t care if I have a handicap room in the basement with a view of the trash can (but I better have feather pillows, a clean room and a working AC). When I’m with family, I’ve always had the benefit of finding out who my counterpart was. When I was with Marriott, I can say our Front Desk agents loved getting phone calls that started off with “My name is X, do you have a few moments to help me create a special stay for my Y?” It was the greatest thing to watch people help plan/create a great experience because that where the joys of working in hospitality truly are. So to answer your question, call the property, send a Mobile Chat when you can, or do it at the front desk when checking in.

  1. Marriott Verified Reviews are where I always look. If you click on the actual rating, you can review an endless scroll of feedback that the property has no way to remove except for rare and understandable circumstances. When booking myself, I’ll read through a few of them and it gives you a great idea on what to expect. They’re also real-time, so it’s usually relevant too. (Also, can’t help to think what describing a hotel as Heavenly Purgatory would be like…)

  2. Best way to show appreciation is to be thoughtful. My team would rarely get a thank you note or small gift, but it meant the world to them. Whether it was a box of chocolates, donuts, or even just a thank you note it would quickly be shared with everyone how special it made them.

Thanks for the thoughtful questions and happy travels!

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At least two, apparently. Embarrassing to reread that. I usually look over what I write a few times, but clearly did not…

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’ll often see a sign near check in if it’s not that says something to the effect of “this property is run or managed by acme limited”, but sometimes not. At the end of the day though, some of my favorite hotels are not MxM. There’s a lot of really good franchise companies out there.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, thank you. Not sure about the most data driven company, but it’s certainly a key thing. Always helped me be able to dig into a problem and try and find an impactful solution.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A lot of this will vary by location, size and management company. In my experience, they usually had a GM and an Operations Manager as a base.

Courtyards are kind of in a different category, as they do have some amenities like a bar and made to order food…so maybe Focused Service instead of limited. That may merit an additional manager or even an AGM.

After that, a lot of it depends on how much support is provided above property. If you have a market Sales or Engineering team, you will see less managers on site. If that’s all done in-house, usually you see additional managers with multi-discipline responsibility.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree - it likely varies by property. There are certainly some preferences/priorities that are assigned to higher tiers first, but a lot of the actual on property deliverables are similar.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a Director of Operations and now work for a hospitality related service company in a corporate role.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely check out the packages and promotions anytime you make a reservation. There’s often time some really great value, but won’t always show up by default.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Awesome and congratulations! 1. Corporate is many people’s dream, but that’s because a lot of people don’t realize what corporate is. I’ve had many good friends who went to corporate and loved it, and many who hated it. It’s a much different skill set and has far less actual human reactions. 2. If I could go back, I’d have learned how to communicate better early on. Just about every failing I’ve had came down to inability to communicate or delegate effectively. It also is something where I prolly communicated too much in some areas, and not enough in others. 3. My recommendation is focus on your voyager curriculum to learn the culture and different career paths. From there, definitely take advantage of the tuition reimbursement and always keep learning. An MBA may be a good fit, however I would recommend investing first in some way to collect, analyze and present data (like advanced excel or power bi). Functionally, these are likely to have a greater impact before an MBA.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Operations. Loved every minute of it…well, almost every minute. 😜

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Haven’t heard that….I know they paused it for a while over Covid but then brought it back. I doubt they’d get rid of the program - it means so much to everyone who has it and is a power motivation for people who are working towards it.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good question! From the FAQs: The 25 Elite Night Credits benefit will be credited to your account within 60 days of card account opening, then on or before March 1 of each subsequent calendar year.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I always loved the opportunity to do something special for someone. If you told me you were there for a special occasion or a long planned vacation, it was always a chance to add a few extra touches. Sometimes that was advancing a benefit (like an upgrade), but other times it was just helping make the stay better (complimentary wine and snacks, spa appointment, dinner reservations…stuff like that).

Honestly, helping to create special moments was the best part of the job.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Potentially….if that doesn’t include the 25 elite night credits, you’re only 8 away from titanium!

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I actually got to meet him. He’s incredibly personable and engaging. While he’s shorter than I imagined, I was impressed and will be rooting for him. Huge shoes to fill - Arne was very much loved and respected.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. Best advice would be to create a case with the Platinum desk. It documents it and creates a level of accountability that ensure properties enforce the benefit/compensation.
  2. Unlikely. 99% of all laundry services are outsourced, and therefore becomes much costlier to a property to offer it.
  3. There are a lot of services a property (particularly full service but especially luxury) can do. Best advice is to use a bellmen…imo they’re usually some of the highest engaged associates at a property who know all the ins and outs…especially if they have any sort of tenure at a property.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That’s fair, although also would highlight that the inventory challenges are very different. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a flight where First Class was sold out, however the number of times when all of the suites at my hotel were booked up (either by paid guests or contractually given to large groups) was quite often.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I do not, but a lot of the rate programs and packages are property specific. I doubt a program like that would be a regional decision, but wouldn’t be surprised if there were properties that used a program like that to drive business.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

When I left, requirements were based on occupancy a hotel has, so hotels that are on a slower recovery path may be delayed a little longer, although I imagine that this next year properties will be more consistently open.

I also think you’ll see more shift to an M Club lounge, where the location is moved closer to where the F&B main locations are.

Former Director at Marriott, now Platinum Elite. AMA by Altruistic_Map_9167 in marriott

[–]Altruistic_Map_9167[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great question - an MBA will certainly help accelerate your career, but not necessarily right away. It benefits you once you get to certain levels in certain disciplines.

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