Abandon Ship! Many posting here have suggested that it might be a good idea to jump ship to Starwood or Fairfield Inns where the vitals might make be better. As recent postings at the Starwood site suggests, many full service Westins and Starwoods don't have lounges or offer breakfast coupons.

I'm currently at a Fairfield Inn and - woe is me - they've removed the french toast from the food offerings. But, gee, last night they had a 35 per cent occupancy rate - in the past, 65 percent would be the norm. Think there's any connection between the removal of the french toast and the drop off? Could people be staying away in protest? If you got a meeting with a Marriot VP, I trust you would learn what should be self evident: business isn't so good and cuts have to be made.

Most of you are arguing that it would be better in the long run if Marriott kept the lounge and things designed to make you "feel special" at the status quo. I suspect that any money spent restoring these things would come at the expense - in part - from Marriott hotel staff. Just a guess.

If "feeling special" is so important, I guess a "careful shopper" would have to call every full sevice Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and Starwood in an area and find out, in fact, what exactly is being offered to you as an elite. Aren't there more important things to do in life?

I may not be swaying anyone, but I figure if I keep sending this message in various ways, I might, at least, generate some thought and get a few folk to acknowledge that there are different ways to approach this issue.