IAmA Marriott STARS/Luminous Luxury Travel Agent - Ask me anything!
I see now and then that the subject of STARS/Luminous programmes are brought up here and as a STARS and Luminous agent, I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the programme!
For those that don't know what this is, Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous are Marriott's own programme for luxury travel agents (similar to Virtuoso and Amex FHR), which offers unique benefits and discounts at select Marriott properties worldwide, while still offering all benefits of booking direct (as the programme is Marriott-ran).
The exact benefits vary from hotel to hotel but in general usually include:
- Free breakfast for two
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Hotel credits of up to $200 USD
- Welcome amenities
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
- Room discounts, such as third, fourth or fifth night free at select hotels
All bookings made on STARS/Luminous rates allow you to utilise your Elite benefits in the same way as a direct booking; you earn points as a direct booking and can also apply NUAs to the bookings. Marriott offers these unique benefits to customers that come from luxury travel advisors because those customers have historically proven to deliver higher ancillary spend to the properties; outweighing the cost of providing the above benefits.