Ritz Carlton Approval

[CreditScholar]

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@Dustink wrote:

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@CreditScholar wrote:

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@enharu wrote:
You can have both cards, but u won't qualify for the ritz sign up bonus if you already have the Marriott card.

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+1. Order definitely matters in this case.

If you get the Ritz card first, then the Marriott second, you can collect both signup bonuses.

However if you get the Marriott first, you'll be ineligible for the Ritz signup bonus.

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Odd, but yes...that is how it seems worded in the terms

Marriott wants ritz customers, but ritz doesn't want Marriott churners...

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+1. This is exactly it. They've kept the two programs seperate by name because they don't want Marriott churners (and cheapskates of the like that you often find on flyertalk) infesting the Ritz. There was concern that it would damage the image of the Ritz brand, since traditionally luxury chains have avoided rewards programs in any form.

There is a two-tiered reality operating here even though the programs are supposed to be virtually identical. For example Ritz Rewards members are eligible to signup for both Ritz and Marriott quarerly promotions. Marriott Rewards members can only enrol in Marriott promos. In many ways it's similar to second-class citizens, but there is a very good reason why they've done it this way.

[CreditScholar]

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@dilettante wrote:
I was able to get Marriott first, then 3 weeks later decided Ritz was better suited for me and got that card. I got bonuses for both.

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This might have been because it was only 3 weeks apart. That isn't even enough time for one statement to finish, muchless the signup bonus points to post. I have a feeling that if you waited 3 months you might have gotten a different result.

[enharu]

@dustlink, my guess is that this may be to discourage sign-up bonus chasers.

Due to ritz's limited footprint (similar to number of Conrad's vs. Hilton's). They want customers to stay in the same family of hotels, even in the event that a ritz isn't available in the area.

However, Marriott customers are mostly residing in Marriott because of the cost factor. There aren't as many customers who are willing to pony up that much money for a hotel room. However, Marriott customers who may never spend a single night at ritz, at least in their foreseeable future, may apply for the ritz card simply to chase bonuses for their Marriott stays.

If Hilton, Hyatt or Starwood were to introduce separate programs / cards for different hotel tiers, they probably will run into similar issues as well.

[dilettante]

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@CreditScholar wrote:

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@dilettante wrote:
I was able to get Marriott first, then 3 weeks later decided Ritz was better suited for me and got that card. I got bonuses for both.

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This might have been because it was only 3 weeks apart. That isn't even enough time for one statement to finish, muchless the signup bonus points to post. I have a feeling that if you waited 3 months you might have gotten a different result.

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Actually the CSR knew that I had the Marriott and my bonuses had post so I was mistaken, it was the CSP I got 3 weeks later. The Ritz I got 5 or 6 weeks later. But the CSR specifically told me that I would receive the Ritz bonus as well because they wouldn't let me PC Marriott to Ritz and made me open up another card instead. I wasn't looking to chase bonuses, just wanted to change the card since they had added the chip to the Ritz.

[Stiga9]

Out of curiosity since the package looks massive...

Is it sent by UPS? Left at front door or in mailbox?

[enharu]

Mine was sent via UPS and signature wasn't required. Security desk signed for it nevertheless.