Originally Posted by camachinist
I noted the elite keycards and jackets at both Laguna and at the RI in La Mirada, which we also stayed at this past weekend. Other than the usual courteous and professional Marriott service, I noted no other real extras from Silver status.
I received an elite keycard and jacket for my Marriott Silver Elite status at the Marriott Freemont near SJC this week. Inside the jacket, it lists a "perk" of the WSJ in addition to the regular USA Today, but the small print says if you don't want this, the front desk will apply a $0.50 credit per day against your stay.
No big deal, a paid-for perk. Ok, I have stayed three nights there so far. First morning, no WSJ. mentioned to front desk on the way out, they credited me for the lack of paper. Second morning, no WSJ. complained to the front desk on the way out, they credited me $0.50 again. Came back in in the evening, and stopped by to make sure that I'd get my WSJ. No problem, a note was added against my room. Guess what happened this morning ? No WSJ. Didn't say a word on the way out. Checking out early and moving to the Hilton.
You might think thats overkill, however, if more people voted with their feet, hotels would be forced to make sure they got their act together.
As an aside, I was already miffed, when I checked in, I asked to pay an upgrade to a deluxe room. I was told this wasn't possible since rooms were blocked from Sunday night for Monday and Tuesday checkins and upgrades. Serves me right for not reserving the better room.
Front desk staff there are not too great. Despite staying there ~30 nights last year (not much, but at least regular) there's not even a note on my account saying that I'm a regular guest. No greeting "Hi there Mr. BritBen, nice to see you staying with us again."
Meh.
Ben.
(grouching for the hell of it)