Originally Posted by
UKTraveller4Fun
I have my doubts also and have had a lengthy conversation with the hotel manager since my original post. What came of this is that the M Lounges may still offer more as they may have different standards but he was insistent that they would like to offer more like they used to since they lounge was refurbished but Marriott want all lounged to be consistent and must offer the same and thus not create a inconsistency over different hotels.
I specifically asked if it was the hotels choice and was told it is not. It could be the hotel is indeed hiding behind the minimum Marriott require as an excuse to offer a decreased offering compared to previously but this is not what I was told. So either Marriott are doing this or the hotel is very directly lying to me. Either way I am not impressed.
I will say that in the end the manager did offer to cover the cost of breakfast in the restuarant for the 2nd morning of the stay as I clearly booked thinking it would be a full breakfast included as it has been at this property for many years!
It's highly likely the Manchester Marriott is a franchised location. Franchises must meet minimum standards but there is no restriction on exceeding standards. I would be shocked if that was the guidance from Marriott in Europe. Perhaps the corporate headquarters of the franchise ....
Originally Posted by
jtwiz
This is interesting, as most of the FS Marriotts I stay at in London offer the choice for Plats of breakfast in the lounge (great when I am on-the-go to a client meeting) or full English in the restaurant (ideal for a lazy weekend morning). I would be very sorry to see that choice be eliminated. Especially since many UK Marriotts sell rooms with access to the Lounge, so you get a lot of people eating breakfast in there as part of their room rate.
I'm not sure when my next London trip will be, likely end of August/early September and will report back. I typically stay at the Kensington Marriott, as it fits under my corporate hotel cap for London.
My experience at UK Marriotts is the same as yours. Food is far better than in US lounges.