The Marriott Melbourne
So thanks to this forum I made Gold through the taste of gold promotion… And based on my stays I will make gold easily in my own right… Why Marriott? No reason really, I just happened to make silver with them first and I can usually find one of their brands where I travel (they have a Residence inn in a place called Ponca City in OK, which is close to a field site we have).

Nice touch! by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr

Ok.. Back to the Melbourne Marriott.. The hotel is on the North East side of the city and is a full service property, check in was a little slow but the staff were nice and I got a lovely box of chocolates as a welcome gift (remember I am not Platinum!) and a nice note thanking me for my stay and giving the location and hours of the executive lounge (more on this money saving masterpiece later!)

My Marriott room by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr

Room was spacious, TV was very nice (although obviously missing some favorite US cable channels…) and a very nice touch is that the powerpoint next to the table had a US adaptor already plugged in and ready to roll! Internet was free but sluggish (tried to Skype a few times, worked ok in the wee hours but got impossible if too many others were using the connection..).. On my fifth day there they even left a bottle of wine! Nice touch!

Fifth night gift! by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr

Ok, the Executive lounge… This is far better than anything I have experienced in the states… Food was plentiful, so plentiful in fact on many nights I just ate there and saved $$ on eating out… the hot choices varied from green curries to pasta and Bolognese! Cheeses and small meats were all yummy and booze was plentiful and free… Oh and the staff were all very nice…

Drink spread in the Marriott lounge by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr


Buffet at the Executive lounge at the Marriott by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr


Marriott lounge by Cyclogenesis_au, on Flickr