Same path taken by Circuit City.

Personally, I don't think that the moves Marriott has been making are anywhere near in the category of Circuit City (or Home Depot). That said, some of what I'm seeing disturbs me.

They can make "rate integrity" a centerpiece of their business model all they want, as long as "product integrity" goes with it. But doing away with things ranging from lotion to breakfasts, to CL offerings/hours, etc. etc. along with a possibly devalued loyalty program all adds up to a lesser product.

I speak from the standpoint of one who pretty much went along with the rate increases that were totally detached from the rate of inflation....as long as they kept giving me better beds, TVs, in-room amenities, and so on.

I can only speak for myself, but in my business when customers are tougher to come by, we respond by offering them more, not less. That way we can justify maintaining revenue levels while at the same time giving clients a recognizable "thank-you" for their continuing patronage and loyalty.

In over 30 years in business, I can personally vouch for the fact that recessions are prime time for "flipping" customers. Being aggressive in going after new customers as a response to a downturn has paid off handsomely for me several times in the past, and the current slump is proving to be no exception.

I have no plans at the moment to revisit any of my preferred travel vendors. But in the past, I've switched my airline, car rental, and hotel providers...in most cases after ten years or more of loyalty. And once I've switched, I've "stayed switched".

Lets just say I'm keeping an eye out for what unfolds here. and paying a little
closer attention to the overtures I get from elsewhere. The first mistake would be in assuming I haven't or wouldn't notice some of the nickel-dime stuff.

Nope....instead what they've done is gotten my attention.