Does anyone get value out of having an SPG ambassador? If so, what’s the best way to leverage having one?

Free cakes in the room, bday gifts, bathroom robes

No value. I’ve discussed this with the head of the program when I felt I was getting zero value out of my current amb. I literally had not heard from them in 5 months. They reassigned me to the “best” amb and same story. I haven’t heard from the new one in 3 months.

Only advantage is that you know who will answer the phone when you call SPG/Marriott

http://www.alttraveladventures.com/2018/07/22/spg-ambassador/

I got a lot of value. Helped resolve hotel issues, helped waive late cancellation fees, got into oversold hotels, helped get upgraded for a family vacation, timely gifts, make complex reservations (multiple people add, multi city etc...) at the lower of hotel rate vs negotiated rates all with a quick email.

It’s always very interesting the polarizing views on the amb service. Flyertalk has a dedicated thread to this and you hear either very over the top or that their ambassador is worthless. In the 6 years I’ve had the service I’ve never once received a gift or had an upgrade on behalf of my ambassador. I’ve only asked once, where I had a complex reservation with some nights on points and some on cash, to see if my ambassador could upgrade me and merge the stays (my wife’s bday). Neither were done and after that I gave up. I really think it’s up to the guest to establish the relationship. Ambassadors are not going to do anything proactively and will also not come through on certain asks. I generally find it easier to manage most things myself: refunds, lodging complaints, asking for upgrades, booking stays.

Also a lot of value for me. In reponse to C1: you would typically have to approach the ambassador to get something done. It’s more like a butler who does something upon request than a significant other who likes to talk to you and surprise you every now and then. My ambassador basically arranged my vacation is Italy: Booking all the hotels; getting my suite night awards realized into some of the best possible upgrades, and getting me a customized overview of the tourism highlights in the regions I was going to visit. Just remember to also be nice to your ambassador. :)

ATK1 hit it spot on. If you’re NICE & FRIENDLY, rather than annoyed & complaining about all your issues, often times they will work to surprise you on birthday’s, special occasions you’ve mentioned in the past, and even pre-arrange upgrades if they know you’re on vacation, etc. Remember, they’re humans too - treat them as your friend & they will do the same

Mine was pretty useless, several times when I tried to have them book the room the rates in their system was higher than what I was pulling from the website.