Originally Posted by
Moriens
(Sometimes it seems like there's a whole lot of computer work happening just to check one person into a standard room.)[/LIST]
Originally Posted by
fdguy
Marriott's property management system is antiquated but still very powerful. That being said, it takes a long time to perform simple actions. The program can automatically assign a room but what you were most likely seeing is the front desk agent trying to find the best room available for you.
I found another possible reason (by shoulder-surfing) recently. The interface for making a key is (at least at some properties) separate from reservations, so the FD agent has to manually input your check-out date.