Originally Posted by
hockeyinsider
In addition to the resort properties, the Sheraton in Old Town San Juan, Puerto Rico, (not a resort) charges a housekeeping fee.
Ahhh...the Facilities Fee. Sort of a resort fee for places that aren't really "resorts". Agree with you that's a nasty little scourge, hopefully one that does not proliferate or spread into Marriott-land. There appear to be a handful of Starwoods that do it.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...ities-fee.html
Outside of marquee properties, I never see a concierge desk.
I still see them at a lot of places. As in...the stand and a guy trying to look helpful. Again, not that I ever need to talk to the guy or have found out with the skills/knowledge to outgoogle google.
Very few properties have stationary anymore to write a letter (doesn't cost the hotel anything, but it's free advertising if the guest writes home or someone else on hotel stationary)
Hmmm. My house is full of pens and paper from various Marriott brands. We sometimes joke that Marriott is really a big notepad and pen company that uses hotel rooms to distribute their product.
Don't get me wrong. I like Marriott, but I few the domestic properties as unfortunate and only a commodity to get points for international trips.
Perhaps you'd like Ritz? Most of the things you describe from your original list are things I believe they still do pretty well. In-room service with a luxury feel to it, shoe shining, a nice robe, a professional concierge with deep local knowledge, etc. I book Ritz about twice a year...sometimes they pop up in our corp portal at a Marriott-like rate, so I book it just as a change of pace even though I'm passing up elite benefits. Always an enjoyable stay...