Elite recognition at Marriott brands is probably the worst and at its lowest point ever.

At most of the discounted Marriott brands, elite recognition is 200 points or a bag of doritos. It is pretty embarrassing.

All Marriott branded hotels outside of the US are far better than their domestic brethren when it comes to elite recognition and benefits. However, international Hiltons, for example are even better than international Marriotts. As a Gold at Hilton, i get benefits and recognition at international Hilton properties that are well beyond Marriott Platinum benefits anywhere in the World. There are some easy (and maybe even free) things Marriott could do to dramatically improve their Platinum benefits.

1.) Don't make me wait in line. When i walk in the door, have someone there to hand my key to me so i can go to my room. You've got my credit card on file, you can charge it. If you want me to call ahead fine. But i don't enjoy idle chatter with the front desk people or waiting for someone to resolve their mini bar charges with the front desk.

2.) Pick me up at the airport and hand me my key. Forget about platinum benefits, I'll PAY you to have a driver pick me up at the airport with my key in his/her hand. Chances are i just flew anywhere between 26 to 8 hours to get here imprisoned in an aluminum tube, waiting in immigration lines and i don't feel like waiting any more.

3.) Give me an early check-in if the room is available. I can't tell you how many times hotel staff fight with me on early check-in. 90% of the time they grant it on arrival, but staring at my Platinum status on the reservation they will say "We can't say or give you early check-in until you arrive here, blah blah blah." If i am within 2 hours of arriving at the hotel, block me a room or waitlist me to grab a room early

4.) Breakfast on the weekends. Not having it free for Plats is a joke. Ask for it and you will be sneered at. Hilton is virtually 100% there for me on breakfast--especially in full service properties--and I am a gold there. Courtyards are a joke. Old crappy cheap rooms and furniture that are priced at a premium and they still charge you for the bowl of cereal you would get for free at the Holiday Inn Express which is half the room rate.

Marriott is not entitled to my business. I started staying at Hiltons because most Marriotts are incredibly arrogant and ignore Platinums. I used to be 100% Marriott. Marriott, you've got to earn my business and you can do a lot more at low to no cost if you just tried harder.