Well it sounds like I am not alone in my thinking Yeah, only saving $19 really wouldn't be worth it in my book, but hey.. that's a personal call.

I'm a Platinum too for three years now. I'm always treated pretty good; a couple of times I've gotten free breakfast (not just what I get for being Platinum, but a full free breakfast) and a couple of times they've waved no-show charges -- in these cases I knew the hotel wasn't sold out at any rate so they didn't 'lose' any business because of me.

Marriott is the chain of consistency.. they are consistantly good -- sometimes great, but most often just good and dependable.