Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,712
I had a poor stay, riddled with problems, at the Manhattan Beach Marriott. I filled out an honest post-stay survey and they put some points in my account; I replied that I wasn't looking for points but rather to help them improve by pointing out several guest service failures with suggestions on how to better handle things. I never heard from them again, so apparently they think throwing points at problems makes them go away. In this case it did, because I'll never stay there again!
Also, to add my two cents to a few of Sharon's points, there are actually MANY more restaurants within walking distance of the Torrance Marriott, and it offers similar freeway access. Proximity to downtown Manhattan Beach isn't a big selling point, and the distance to the actual beach is close enough between the two that it's not a differentiator.