The lobby is now all shiny and new. The lounge is no longer open on the weekends for free wine & evening nibbles (although you can still pop in for a biscuit or soft drink).
Rooms continue to be a little shabby/chic, but as a Platinum, I always get upgraded to a suite. They are planning a total refurb of the hotel in the near future.
There is a separate Marriott Rewards check-in desk and as a Plat, they normally offer bubbles or water while you wait.
I always take the free bus in the Heathrow "free zone".