This tells you how consistent Marriott properties really are: we have to nitpick about clock radios to find differences.

My observation is that Marriotts around the world are almost too consistent - far more so than their competitors. Sometimes I wish they'd let in a little more local flavo(u)r here and there...

Maida Vale is a pretty brand-standard property. If that hotel was, say, in the middle of Tulsa...it would fit right in. People ask about it often here since it tends to pop up with decent rates during periods when the Central London hotels are all pushing 300 quid a night. I look at it as a good option if you need to stay in a lower budget and still want decent Tube access to London.

Grosvenor House is one where they actually have retained quite a bit of local flavor, although I think the Renaissance Chancery Court a couple Tube stops away is an even better hotel. Why one wears the JW brand and the other wears Renaissance...I have no idea. The CC is one of the best Marriotts in the system IMHO. Many of the CC staff would fit right in at a Ritz and the physical property isn't too far off either.

No idea about the LHR hotel - never stayed out there. Marriott in general usually has good airport hotels (as airport hotels go...). Hilton has some real dogs for airport hotels... I'm surprised Marriott has a bad one at such a busy airport as LHR...