FWIW, during my last FS Marriott stay in July 09, I had a discussion with the CL attendant about the recent cut backs. He mentioned that most guests did not notice, or did not say anything to him or the hotel. But there were some who were unhappy about the changes.

He also stated that there would be some additional changes in the CL offerings. One of those mentioned was beverages. He stated that beverages make up 65% - 75% of the CL costs and most properties were looking to cut back any way they can. Accordingly, Marriott HQ approved the use of a water cooler versus bottled water and a soft drink dispenser offering Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Sierra Mist in lieu of the individual cans or small bottles offered now. It was felt that this would prevent the hording of water and soft drinks by guests and therefore reduce the costs. He told of one guest who came into the lounge and filled a cooler with 12 bottles of water and 12 soft drinks for her family's 150 mile drive home!

In addition, he stated that many FS Marriotts and Renaissance hotels would be authorized to switch from the 1 liter bottles of booze to the individual mini bottles. This would prevent the generous overpours that happen so frequently in the CL and also reduce costs. The CL attendant indicated this would be implemented at most FS Marriotts and Renaissance hotels by the end of the year. He also mentioned that the JW Marriotts would not have any beverage changes immediately, as there are plans to take those lounges in a different direction. Unfortunately, he did not elaborate on what was meant be that and he then got tied up on a phone call.



Regards,

RIP...