rln is still missing the bigger picture in my mind.

Marriott's competitors are facing the same economic issues that Marriott is, yet are keeping the lounges open amongst other things. So biz travelers who have the option of choosing where they choose to stay are starting to stay more with the competitors whose room rates are the same as Marriotts, but still offer more items such as open lounges. The competitors are getting the revenue and Marriott is not. So, Marriott is saving some $$ and losing more $$.

And what's troubling is Marriott's directive to not 'over-achieve'. rln's beloved Ren Stamford Court could be told to discontinue all the items it offered to be 'consistent' with the rest of Marriott, for example.

My feeling is, if a GM of a hotel can keep a lounge open or offer some bennies and still stay within his budget, then s/he should be allowed to do so.

OVMV. Cheers.