Just wanted to post a quick thread on the awesome experience I had.

I only have Marriott Silver (fell from previous years where I had been a Platinum, so haven't even stayed at Marriott in a while).

Booked an award room for one night at the Eden Roc - a partial ocean view room (all that was available). Friend wanted to do a birthday pre-game party in two connecting rooms - he planned to book a room and pay. Called, they said partial view rooms don't have connecting options.

Birthday boy called the hotel, asked if anything could be done to get a connecting room to ours to celebrate his birthday. Hotel said sure, we'll upgrade you all to ocean views. Sweet... but reading some of the reviews here, I just thought, "Empty lies, just like they said on FT..."

We check in and yup, no problem... we got an amaaaaaaaazing ocean view room! No issues, no hassle, nothing. Got the welcome gift of two champagne certificates (don't know if points would have been option, didn't offer but it didn't bother me).

And, they let us check out a little late (we had a great time partying early into the AM... rough morning ;-)).

It was a great experience overall. Seems like the earlier issues were addressed.