Marriott Bonvoy has rolled out an interesting feature in its app that I’m not sure what to make of…
In this post:
Share your Marriott Bonvoy achievements
Marriott Bonvoy has rolled out a “Share Your Achievements” feature in the app. When you log into your account in the Marriott Bonvoy app, click the “share” button at the top right (with the up arrow).
That will bring you to a page that essentially creates a digital card showing your elite status, your total points, how many nights you’ve stayed this year, how many years you’ve had status, and how many total elite nights you’ve racked up over the course of your account’s lifetime.
There’s then a “Share” button so that you can message people your “stats.” If you try to text someone, it will send the digital card, plus a message saying “Check out my Marriott Bonvoy achievements!”
This is kind of hilarious and brilliant
Here’s the thing — at its core, I find this to be useful and cool. It’s nice to have a single page where you can see the most important lifetime stats about your account. Meanwhile World of Hyatt’s app and website don’t even show you how many points you’ve earned toward lifetime status.
What I find interesting here is that this doesn’t seem to be about just personally having an easy place to reference your stats, but rather it’s quite literally about sharing your “achievements” with others.
I’m trying to think of any circumstance under which I would find it normal or socially acceptable to send someone a digital card that contains my Marriott stats, telling someone to “check out my Marriott Bonvoy achievements.”
But then I remembered that for better or worse, airline and hotel elite status has very much created a bit of a “measuring” contest between people, and bragging has been normalized. Elite status isn’t just about perks, it’s also about showing off your perks. Just look at everything from airline elite bag tags, to invitation only elite members being invited to board ahead of first class, to loyal customers of a brand being named after precious metals.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve overheard people on planes, in airport lounges, or in hotel club lounges, essentially trying to one-up one another. “I’m always on the road, I fly American Airlines 100,000 miles per year.” “Oh, that’s nice, but I fly American 200,000 miles per year.”
Oddly travel elite status is one of the only areas where this kind of bragging seems to be acceptable. I mean, you don’t really hear people in casual conversation saying “well my house costs X amount” or “my net worth is X amount.” I guess in a way it’s a badge of honor for road warriors. And heck, this very concept was even featured in “Up in the Air.”
Bottom line
The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app now has a feature that encourages you to share your Marriott Bonvoy “achievements” with others. While it’s cool to have these stats in one place for personal reflection, personally I find the concept of sharing this to be strange. But that’s just me…
What do you make of this Marriott Bonvoy feature? Would you ever share your “stats” with others?
It's my understanding that the points total is just your current available points, not your lifetime points.
I want a share sheet to show how many SNAs and Your24s I’ve had shot down that year. That’s the real brag.
“I’m trying to think of any circumstance under which I would find it normal or socially acceptable to send someone a digital card that contains my Marriott stats, telling someone to ‘check out my Marriott Bonvoy achievements.’”
Tell me you’re not a consultant without telling me you’re not a consultant.
Can I brag about all the suite night awards that expired because they’re constantly denied, the lounges that are closed or improperly stocked, or the confusion with breakfast at properties… because I’d really like to talk about that
The level of social media idiocy only increases exponentially. There will be enough of these "useful idiots" to plug for Marriott, and Marriott knows it.
I think it's silly to post one's Marriott stats, but I don't have any social media either. However, that's what social media for, right? To brag. Filtered photos, quick pics taken in a first class seat on your way to your actual seat 34B, and counting likes and "friends". Shoot, even OMAT Ben does it with every article he writes, he posts his travel stats just below the comments. Maybe Marriott took his idea and made it accessible. ;)
Agree with the comment about the staffs in the hotel. The only people that I care would see, notice, and do something appropriate with my status is the staff at the hotel. Marriott on the APP makes it easy to check your status and how it compares to lifetime statuses, etc. There is a difference between bragging and discussing some benefit.
Brag that you swim in shit?
Priceless!
Try Hyatt, they really treat you well as Globalist. You get upgraded without asking, you get late checkout without asking, you just charge the breakfast to your room and you can usually order literally anything, and it never even shows up on your bill. Oh and the hotel always responds within minutes to your requests. I never made it beyond Marriott Gold but once in Hawaii at breakfast, they mistakenly thought I was Titanium and...
Try Hyatt, they really treat you well as Globalist. You get upgraded without asking, you get late checkout without asking, you just charge the breakfast to your room and you can usually order literally anything, and it never even shows up on your bill. Oh and the hotel always responds within minutes to your requests. I never made it beyond Marriott Gold but once in Hawaii at breakfast, they mistakenly thought I was Titanium and offered me "free breakfast". Well, from the entire menu, for the 4 of us, we were offered a choice of either oatmeal or yogurt, but only for 2 people. I thought that was hilarious, I immediately realized that chasing status with Marriott is pointless. And the gold status, yes, I know it's not much, never ever got me anything, not even a slightly better view. All you get is the checkin clerk thanking me for being a Gold member. Now that's really worth it!!!
If you are a high status member with one brand you can't fairly compare it with the lower status of another brand. Also, you are comparing one specific hotel to the benefits or service you got in general throughout hotels at another brand. Even within Hyatt, I would think that your experience between hotels will differ.
This is great, let people know how many points you have, so some unscrupulous hackers and thieves can target those people with huge number of points to steal. Great way to do their work for them.
Speaking as a long term AA stats flyer and Marriott lifetime BS level, only the tackiest of people would ever consider using the ridiculous tags they give elite flyers… much less consider sharing how many nights you’ve had to be away from family as a “bragging” right…
I think Santos might be on to something. Let's try sending it as a text to the front desk ahead of check-in. I have three stays at different properties next week and will report back with results.
Santos, you might be a kindred spirit with John Ruskin. As for sharing: I'm officially a peasant. I do appreciate Vera Farmiga's very nice booty.
Kinda cool - but as an Ambassador (100 nights) level I can count on the fingers of one foot when I have had a "thank you for being an Ambassador" Airlines like Delta and AA do all the time. I get that the franchise versus own - but can they train their people to recognize their best customers. Don't get many upgrades and sometimes realize I missed my gift (arrive late and just want a bed)
One thing I learned in advertising is that the more you think an idea is silly and tacky, there is a direct proportion to how successful it will be with the American public.
'look at how much money I wasted at Marriott this year!'
Other than sharing with Mrs. DLPTATL once I hit a milestone and vice versa I don't see the appeal in the bragging feature. Agree that it's nice to be able to see status stats all in one place compared to Hyatt or Hilton.
What a foolish thing to BRAG about. These are silly achievements in that most frequent business travelers are not paying for their stay. Otherwise, who cares! The service standards need to be improved first. That's what people care about.
I used four suite night awards then the hotel upgraded me again. 1668 sq ft corner suite with wraparound balcony, hot tub and ocean view in Cabo. Low season and they are below 40% occupancy
"I haven't seen my kids in two months because my boss keeps sending me on work trips! In fact, I'm pretty sure my wife has a new boyfriend! But man, you should see my stats from all the nights I've racked up staying at Fairfield Inns in New Jersey!"
The line between simply talking about oneself and bragging is a lot blurrier these days. Not to mention that one person might view something as bragging while the next person won't.
Is it bragging to post that you've stayed 100 nights in a forum where people regularly stay 100 nights?
Is it bragging to post about an experience on The Residence?
Or about a private jet charter from Indonesia?
This guy who "bragged" about getting...
The line between simply talking about oneself and bragging is a lot blurrier these days. Not to mention that one person might view something as bragging while the next person won't.
Is it bragging to post that you've stayed 100 nights in a forum where people regularly stay 100 nights?
Is it bragging to post about an experience on The Residence?
Or about a private jet charter from Indonesia?
This guy who "bragged" about getting a $20K flight on points inspired me to figure out how to do the same. Others probably didn't take it the same way.
Cool! Mine shows 0 nights this year. Probably because I got tired of being Bonvoyed.
So Marriott needs another "double nights" promo or something. Literally everyone I know will end up at least 1 level down from what they were the previous year. Crazy.
This is like bragging about how many times you've seen "Plan 9 from Outer Space."
The ONLY people I care to see such data are the idiot check-in people and hotel managers - they should get a daily ranking of in-house visitors based on loyalty/spend. I for one am sick and tired of the disdainful treatment at front desk.
Yeah, so far this year, oy the European properties have been happy to thank me for my Titanium loyalty. All the US ones are like, we have 5 Ambassadors here this weekend, no upgrade for you. Bye!
Yes and when you remind them in the US that you are a Titanium member and their lounge is closed their idea for a substitute is worthless!
It's for Marriott's Facebook group page. Every day since I joined it two years ago people are posting their stats there for others to see. I can never quite figure out why. Same people must wear a GoPro when they go grocery shopping.
Not part of the Android version, only the IOS version.
It showed up for me on Android, though the app is rendering very weirdly for me otherwise.
I'd love to hear about other people's achievements.
Like being upgraded without fighting about it, getting late checkout without having to read to the front desk from the Marriott website, and I'd truly love to hear from people who have ever gotten a chat response from the hotel in the app.
Bring it on.
Actually......this last stay at the AC Denver kinda shocked me. I asked the day of check-in on the app to confirm my room type, upgrade, and view location. They actually responded within a few hours too! Then I got the highest floor, corner suite, and they gave me 4pm last check out on the last day of my stay. Although I did figure out that the hotel was kinda over compensating because of the MASSIVE...
Actually......this last stay at the AC Denver kinda shocked me. I asked the day of check-in on the app to confirm my room type, upgrade, and view location. They actually responded within a few hours too! Then I got the highest floor, corner suite, and they gave me 4pm last check out on the last day of my stay. Although I did figure out that the hotel was kinda over compensating because of the MASSIVE homeless problem around the hotel. It's really bad, don't think I'll ever go back to Denver unless I'm required to. Plus, it's not mentioned ANYWHERE that the ALOFT Hotel next door is now (and has been for over 2 years now) a full time homeless shelter. Drug deals, brawls, aggressive yelling and throwing things, uncomfortable situations, all kinds of craziness happening at the Le Meridian/AC Hotel Denver because of this.
Woah - I stayed at the Aloft Denver around 5 years ago. It wasn't my favorite - great location but questionable clientele and little soundproofing. I had absolutely no idea it was an actual homeless shelter now. I just checked the Marriott app - it is still listed as an active property but you cannot reserve a room.
Yeah, the city had had it for 2 years now and the current contract is through the end of December (but will most likely be extended as they just canceled a Quality Inn that was being used the same way, so those residents are trying to get in there. Google even had it "available" for $279 a night while I was there too! And there was giant "BE KIND" banners put over the ALOFT signs....
Yeah, the city had had it for 2 years now and the current contract is through the end of December (but will most likely be extended as they just canceled a Quality Inn that was being used the same way, so those residents are trying to get in there. Google even had it "available" for $279 a night while I was there too! And there was giant "BE KIND" banners put over the ALOFT signs. The Lobby area and office area looks like a pack rats dream right now. I walked past it several times and was shocked. Like I can't imagine them turning it around quickly, plus, I'm "sorry", but unless all the mattresses are replaced and a MAJOR renovation happens, I would never pay to stay there, ever. 2.5 years plus of homeless residents (during a pandemic, so extra long use of the rooms) can't be kind on a room. Drug deals and fighting was all around that place, 1 block from the Convention Center, 1 block from the Hyatt Regency, 1 block from the tallest condo tower in CO, 1 block from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 1 block form a brand new Le Meridian/AC Hotel tower. It's insanity if you ask me.
Charter Hotel in Seattle belonging to the Curio Collection. They may not respond right away but they did reply to the messages on the hotel messaging app.
Best Western Premier Herald Square. Quick response as well.
Home2Suites, Long Island City. They had a text message service and they reply with courtesy proactively to make sure you are enjoying your stay.
So, from lower end to higher end properties with responses to the hotel...
Charter Hotel in Seattle belonging to the Curio Collection. They may not respond right away but they did reply to the messages on the hotel messaging app.
Best Western Premier Herald Square. Quick response as well.
Home2Suites, Long Island City. They had a text message service and they reply with courtesy proactively to make sure you are enjoying your stay.
So, from lower end to higher end properties with responses to the hotel messaging app. It may just be certain properties that do not respond at all. Are you staying at Marriott hotels? That may be it.