Hi, a new user and like the pro board. Was at (SYD) Hilton(class of industry) and walked in to Marriott to see the resturants to spend some certificates later for dinner. Saw 1 alright place for us guys to eat later, nothing special though, and by lucky chance, asked front desk if I could buy a Marriott shirt from their lobby gift store. I was told. "if I was a guest, yes", "maybe I should have booked there". Glad I didn't take friends for dinner! Called Marriott, answer yes your right, Marriott owns lobby gift shop, give me all the serial numbers on the checks you want to use, we'll call and record all serial numers with hotel, and then you can enter with desk and give serial numbers. Are you joking! Do I get to call the desk cleck a Lyer, I asked. Also at HKG rest. had to explain myself why I way not a guest and using a gift certificate. Is this the norm. I don't really use Marriott as I don't find them anywhere as good as Hilton or others. My opinion, this obserd attidute at desk comes from upper management and is reminiscent of backstreet cot flops. My guess is I have to use these gift certificates (paid with US greenbacks) to stay there, or give away to people I don't like and enjoy them trying to use.