Thursday, September 20, 2012

Why Status Matters

I was scheduled to attend a three day conference in Phoenix flying out this morning.  I still plan to attend the conference but I am going to fly home for Tio Felipe's funeral on Saturday and then fly back to Phoenix after the funeral.  This meant changing my hotel reservation from three nights to two nights.  The host hotel for the conference is the Embassy Suites but I am trying to maintain my platinum status with Marriott so I booked the three nights at the Residence Inn.  

I am allowed to cancel my reservation up until 6 PM so everything seemed fine except the rate had gone up from $89 per night to $129 per night.  Three nights would have cost me $267 now two nights was going to cost me $258.  For eight dollars more I would not have to vacate the room and could return the following day.  But being the frugal person I am I called Marriott and explained the situation.  I mentioned that I was not staying at the host hotel as I am loyal to Marriott.  The reservation specialist stated, "I see your are platinum.  Let me see what I can do."  I now have two separate nights booked at the $89 rate.

Status does matter.

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