Has anyone stayed in a Marriott during the holidays?

pooker · Nov 10, 12, 6:38 pm

I am curious if anyone has stayed in a Marriott during major holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. I know it says that lounges can be closed in holidays, but what was your experience? Also, did you notice any limited availability of anything such as food, room service, housekeeping, etc?

fredlisancnc · Nov 10, 12, 6:45 pm

have stayed at both times...lounge certainly closed...no change in housekeeping, room service...

aaupgrade · Nov 10, 12, 6:58 pm

Garmisch Ren over Thanksgiving. Is no longer under Marriott flag. No difference in service.

Vail Marriott Resort over new years week. Both Christmas and NY weeks are peak season for them. No change in service. Hotel was full and decorated for the holidays. Slopes were busy. I will never do winter holiday week again in Vail but that has nothing to do with the Marriott.

Bangkok Marriott over Christmas. No change in services offered other than huge Christmas eve buffet with tons of ice sculptures (literally tons).

Sydney Harbour Marriott over NY. No change in service except better spread NYE in lounge including Morton Bay Bugs. Lounge did close at 9 PM on NYE. Hotel was full and lounge was packed.

sophiegirl · Nov 10, 12, 7:32 pm

The only difference I have noticed is the lounge being closed...

MSPeconomist · Nov 10, 12, 8:17 pm

IME USA Marriotts have Christmas decorations, including trees, in the public areas. If you stay over Christmas eve, housekeeping might leave a special treat, such as a Christmas cookie or two, or even a little stocking with trinkets. YMMV.

iztok · Nov 10, 12, 11:28 pm

Ren Waverly (ATL) closes one of their restaurants and hotel is rather deserted during holiday time. Food options are limited.

Voodoo Daddy · Nov 11, 12, 6:52 am

For those who have experienced closed lounges on holidays, did you get free breakfast?

sophiegirl · Nov 11, 12, 7:18 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo Daddy

For those who have experienced closed lounges on holidays, did you get free breakfast?

We may be able to help you more if you tell us where you are considering....there are some pretty phenomenal holiday offerings, and some far less so.

Voodoo Daddy · Nov 11, 12, 7:52 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by sophiegirl

We may be able to help you more if you tell us where you are considering....there are some pretty phenomenal holiday offerings, and some far less so.

I already know I will be staying at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan on NYE. I expect the lounge to be closed, but I'm hoping for breakfast.

BruceWG · Nov 11, 12, 9:55 am

It will depend on the hotel. Several years ago our family of four stayed at the NY East Side property over Christmas and they treated us to full breakfast at the restaurant when the lounge was closed. That was a nice treat one reason I still have good feelings for that hotel.

Bruce

scottmlew · Nov 11, 12, 11:46 am

I've stayed in a few properties around various holidays, including Tgiving and Christmas. As others have noted, lounges are usually closed, but properties have generally been great about offering not only bkfst in the restaurant, but also coupons for appetizers and free soft drinks in the restaurant, and sometimes even free alcoholic beverages! I have also had good luck requesting bottles of water at the front desk when the lounge is closed...they are nice to have available after exercise or to bring along to work. I have encountered, at properties with multiple restaurants, that they may not keep them all open during the holiday period. I've also seen the breakfast buffet be closed, with all ordering off of the regular menu.

**SanDiego1K** · Nov 11, 12, 12:36 pm

Top employees tend to be on vacation. I call it the C team working the front desk. It's definitely not as polished.

I was doing a stay at another brand in San Diego (Hyatt). I needed a stay credit. The front desk experience and the room I was given as a top elite was so poor that we left and slept at home.

SkiAdcock · Nov 11, 12, 1:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo Daddy

I already know I will be staying at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan on NYE. I expect the lounge to be closed, but I'm hoping for breakfast.

Call the hotel & ask. Since NYE is on a weekday, if the lounge is closed, I think the hotel is supposed to provide breakfast.

On a dif note, I stayed at the Dearborn Inn last Dec 23-24th & while the lounge was closed, the place was decorated in a very festive manner:

Cheers. Sharon

hhoope01 · Nov 11, 12, 1:21 pm

I was with the family at the Cool Springs Marriott (Nashville area) some years back over Thanksgiving week. They closed the lounge for the week, but gave me breakfast buffet coupons for 2 each day. I do believe they offered either a discount or one free dinner on Thanksgiving evening (which we didn't take as we were visiting family in the area.) They were very nice to us (and even upgraded us to a hugh multi-room suite with a piano. (They said they were pretty empty that week.)

edgewood49 · Nov 11, 12, 6:28 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo Daddy

I already know I will be staying at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan on NYE. I expect the lounge to be closed, but I'm hoping for breakfast.

Last holiday I was there the lounge was closed. I got a breakfast coupon ! Great bar !