Red Room Chronicles

LodgeNet, the folks who provide TV programming, games and on demand video to Marriott hotels has extended it’s agreement for servicing The Ritz Carlton brand of hotels. In addition to the extension, LodgeNet will be offering Ritz Carlton a new HDTV platform for satellite programming and video on demand entertainment.

I’m not sure how many people realize that Ritz Carlton is wholly owned by Marriott International. They do a very good job of keeping the brands separate. I think that approached has worked well since Ritz Carlton’s ultra premium image and service deserve to be set apart.

Press Release

There’s no doubt that people really love their pets (especially their dogs) and love to travel with them. Betsy Higgison, Marriott’s resident pet expert is offering tips on how to travel with pets at Marriott’s Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites brands.

Press Release

If you get in to the upper regions of points in the Marriott Rewards program there are some very nice rewards that you can take advantage of. To date I’ve only taken advantage of a few free night stays. Those are nice, but I feel like you get more bang for your reward miles with some of these rewards that I covet.

Travel
* 7 nights split between any three Hawaiian properties - 130,000 points
* 7 nights split between any three UK/Ireland properties - 150,000 points
* 10 day Caribbean cruise for two on Holland America cruise line - 265,000 points

Sports & Leisure
* Four day adult park hopper pass at Disney World in Orlando - 55,000 points

Merchandise
* Nikon D70 Digital SLR camera w/lens - 165,000 points
* Philips 23 inch flat screen television - 145,000 points

The shopping rewards are via Sky Mall. There are many more products available for purchase with rewards points. Many people don’t know about this because Marriott doesn’t prominently display information about merchandise rewards on their site, preferring to highlight the gift certificates instead. Check out the merchandise rewards by going to http://www.skymall.com/marriottrewards/.