Originally Posted by
Armani
I recall a time when the Courtyard chain was second to Marriott (prior to JW and Renaissance) for the business traveler. Prices were higher than Springhill, Residence Inn, and Fairfield. The decline of the brand and the recent fiascos with the 'upgrades' of the lobby and bistro breakfast (in addition to no significant benefits for Gold/platinum members) options appear to not be helping. In my recent searches for rooms in an area, the Courtyards are usally priced lower than all other Marriott brands. Something isn't working!
It is really a shame that they have screwed up this brand because the original business traveller concept was well ahead of its time.
I agree completely. My initial loyalty to the Marriott brands started with the Courtyard Hotels nealry 20 years ago. I started to become dissapointed in several of my stays when the brand started to become inconsistent about 2005. Although I try to be loyal to Marriott due to Marriott Rewards, I have found my myslef being more satified with the improved Hilton Garden Inns; this is particularly the case when I bench-mark Hilton Garden Inn full breakfast options versus Courtyard Bistro breakfast; I also found the old lobbies to be more comofrtable, even though the decor as getting quote dated.
I am pleased to say that I the Marriott Hotel brand has not lost its luster, and is possibly better than it was 10 years ago; I am also deligehtd with the J.W. Marriotts, but my budget only allows for the JW's on an infrequent basis.