The IAD Marriott Suites is built into a shopping area with all kinds of things; dry cleaners, barber shop, etc. There's a huge selection of places to eat, just go out the back door of the lobby, bypass the Friday's on your left, and check out some of the local places ^. I also found a nice grocery store just a few minutes drive away. Had a free breakfast buffet on weekdays; eggs made to order and a nice selection of hot items and fresh fruit.

Not much a Plat can get upgraded to other than a high floor, I guess. It would be nice if they would step up to what Embassy Suites offers with a free breakfast 7 days a week and free drinks in the evening, though maybe with drink coupons so it's not such a free for all zoo.

I haven't stayed at the property by the airport in a long time, so nothing recent to compare to. When we drove by it in the shuttle, I thought to myself "That's probably an okay place, but it was nice to have all that stuff right outside the door at the Suites".