As most of you know, Marriott is my hotel brand of choice. The merger with Ritz Carlton and Starwood Preferred Guest only increased my loyalty. I did have some minor heartache when using a Marriott free night at The Aloft in Downtown Fort Worth. That situation is the only instance coming to mind, so Marriott must have treated me well last year. 🙂
Speaking of treating me well, earlier today, Marriott sent me an e-mail stating that I earned an Annual Choice Benefit. This benefit is a direct result of staying at Marriott properties at least 50 times in 2018. I have seven days to choose a benefit through Marriott Rewards. Here is the list of options:
- Five Suite Night Awards
- The gift of Silver Elite status for a friend or family member
- Five Elite Night Credits
- $100 (USD) donation to UNICEF
- 40% off your favorite hotel bed
That is quite a selection, but only two of these options intrigue me. The five suite night awards and the gifting of elite status to a friend or family member. The suite nights are appealing because I can use them when I visit international properties, like the Marriott Costa Rica or Sortis Hotel and Casino Panama. The Silver Elite Status for a friend or relative could jumpstart them to more earnings with Marriott, depending on traveling habits, of course.
The five elite night credits, UNICEF donation, nor the bed purchase discount interest me. I mean, I like Marriott beds, just not enough to purchase one.
Final Word
I will give this a few days before I make a decision. I could possibly do something fun, like a giveaway on here, for the Silver Elite Status.
