Originally Posted by
bhrubin
Got it. Thanks. Somehow missed that point.
So the OP has to look elsewhere or pay for the stay on a cash rate. That's not Marriott's fault any more than it's the OP's fault. It's just the way the ball bounces, unfortunate as it may be.
bhrubin, I normally enjoy your posts - but I totally disagree with you on the above.
First, I've already made alternate arrangements on my own and do not want -nor am seeking- compensation from Marriott. I posted the OP to see if this is normal (dis)service with Marriott because in my two experiences with a short-notice deflag with SPG I had alternate reservations made by SPG at the same price in points or $$$ and had a direct contact to talk to - not a referral to the main 1-800 number.
Second, I made the reservation 6-9 months ago for points at a golf hotel - thru Marriott, not thru some hotel ownership group. By finding out only 3-4 weeks before my stay in the height of tourist season that my reservation could not be honored I was left with few choices in the area and all were high cost given the season and late booking. I do believe it was on Marriott to offer some resolution - not a simple mention of the closest Marriott (but that I'd have to pay the current $$$/points needed at that hotel and that it was up to me to check availability). My reservation is with Marriott, using Marriott currency, I expect customer service.
Third, I just got the same form email as another English hotel is leaving at the end of the month (Sunderland Oceanfront). Now, I'm pissed. It is only 3 weeks before my reservation and given its oceanfront, 4 night stay over a weekend, in August, there are NO other hotels/inns in the area, that are of the quality I am willing to stay at, and at anything resembling a reasonable rate (I appear to be finding rack rates if I'm being shown any availability at all). I am going to contact Marriott on this one, but am not expecting much....
I miss the SPG service where I was contacted personally, offered other options at the same price in cash or points - and not necessarily SPG hotels, and given a personal contact to fix the issue.