Did you know that a few minutes of your time will net you top tier status in the Marriott Rewards program? Marriott provides an instant status match to their top tier Platinum Elite status. The best part is you can re-qualify for next year with only 9 stays at a participating property.

The Frequent Miler is in the midst of his Marriott Platinum Elite status challenge. Earlier this week, Gary pointed out that you can simply call and ask for the status challenge. So that I did.

Marriott Platinum Status Challenge

After a quick call, I was upgraded to Marriott’s top tier status, Platinum. The best part is after only 9 stays, I’ll re-qualify for the top tier status again next year.

• Call Marriott Rewards Customer Service and ask for a Platinum Elite Status Challenge
• Complete 9 stays at any qualifying property between now and December 31, 2012

Marriott Platinum Status Benefits

In the past, I’ve been upgraded on an award stay at Marriott hotels and even the Ritz Carlton Maui. The benefits are outlined on the Marriott Rewards website. The best benefits from Marriott Rewards Platinum status are:

1) Room upgrades (also with Gold)

• This is the best benefit in my opinion
• I received a suite upgrade on an award stay at the Ritz Carlton Maui and Ritz Barcelona
• Although you also get this with only Gold status, it is better to be Platinum when they are giving out upgraded rooms

2) 50% bonus on points for stays

• The bonus points with Marriott can add us fast

3) Free Internet Access (also with Gold)

• Free internet access is great
• Gold status also gets this benefit

4) Guaranteed room type (also with Gold)

• Always receive your preferred room type
• If they don’t have it, you’ll receive compensation
• Gold status also gets this benefit

5) Guaranteed lounge access/breakfast (also with Gold)

• Marriott lounges usually have consistent offerings in the morning
• Gold status also gets this benefit

Related Hotel Status Articles

• I’m sticking with my Marriott Gold Status
• Hyatt Diamond status after only 12 stays
• Hilton Diamond challenge
• Hilton Gold status after only 4 stays
• Instant Hilton Gold status
• Hilton Gold Challenge
• Instant Aclub Gold status
• Priority Club Platinum status match
• Starwood Preferred Guest Gold status match

Bottom Line

Even though I think the Marriott Rewards Gold status benefits are good enough, I think the Marriott Rewards Platinum benefits for free with a re-qualification for only 9 stays is even better. I’m on my way to Marriott Platinum status for the next ~17 months for only 9 nights stays in a Marriott hotel.

The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with a 7 night free Marriot nights bonus (50,000 Marriott points) and no annual fee the first year, $85 value. The card also comes with 15 Nights Credit toward your next Elite membership level every year upon account anniversary. You’ll also earn 1 Elite Night Credit for every $3,000 spent. In addition, you’ll get a free night in a category 1-4 hotel after approval and a free night in a category 1-5 every year at your account anniversary. The 15 nights and free category 5 night easily cover the $85 annual which doesn’t start until year two anyway.

The Marriott Rewards Credit Card comes with a 30,000 point signup bonus and no annual fee the first year, $45 value. You can also earn a quick 10 Marriott nights every year on your account anniversary. Then you can also earn an elite night for every $3,000 in spend you put on the card. You’ll also get two free nights in a category 1-4 hotel after approval.

Apply for the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card

• Enjoy up to 7 Free Nights To Start!
• No Expiration and No Limit on Points
• New! Smart Chip Technology and No Foreign Transaction Fees!
• Earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on airline tickets purchased directly with the airline, and at car rental agencies & restaurants
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
• Receive 1 free night stay after account approval and each year upon account anniversary
• Cardmembers achieve Silver Elite status with 15 nights credit toward Elite status
• Apply for the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card

Apply for the Marriott Rewards Credit Card

• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 in your first 3 months after account opening, redeemable for up to 4 free nights
• Plus receive 2 free night say e-certificates upon account approval
• $0 Introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $45
• Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
• Cardmembers achieve Silver Elite status with 10 nights credit toward Elite status
• Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Apply for the Marriott Rewards Credit Card

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