Originally Posted by
JamesEaston
Sadly, I've grown to expect you to find reasons to argue and disagree with every point I make. So disappointing.
In my 30 year+ experience (plus with my parents before that) the MOD, and if not the GM or their assistant, would have instructed the attendant to not only allow me to bring in my wine, but would have instructed them to open it and serve it to me. I've experienced similar events with low level employees scores of times, not this exactly, but similar issues. The MOD or GM always resolves them to my benefit, as is their job.
Didn't realize that agreeing with you 100% was a requirement when posting on FT
There are times when I agree with you & times I don't. I post in both instances.
If your 30+ years experience was with honor bars in the US exec lounges & all of the properties allowed you to bring your own wine into the exec lounge vs. signing the drink chit (or ordering from an attendant) I might agree with you.
But those of us who reside on this side of the pond who have stayed at Marriotts for many years & who are also aware that liquor laws differ by state & that properties are not prone to allow one's own wine/booze in the exec lounge where they're selling wine/booze won't agree as much.
I would wager $$ that the ATL Marquis GM/MOD would not tell the exec lounge staff to let you bring your own wine into the lounge & open it for you, having stayed at the property previously.
Getting back to the original topic. Given the # of Marriott FS brand hotels in the US I still think it's more the exception than the norm for there to be an attendant vs. signing the honor bar chit, but there might be a move to go that way moving forward. Probably to avoid folk who have 2 drinks but mark only 1 or to cut down on usage. The issue, as noted, is that it's a bit annoying if one has to wait for the attendant to clear tables in order to get a drink.
BTW - even though the wine is free in the London Renaissance, the last time I stayed there they had switched to the wine in the lounge kitchen/the attendant bringing it to you vs. you getting it yourself.
The NY Hilton (which has a good size exec lounge) actually set up a bar in the lounge, so you can wait for the attendant or just go to the bar to order your drink/sign the drink to your room.
Cheers.