Originally Posted by
hockeyinsider
Except there are multiple reports from multiple elites of multiple properties that previously exceeded brand standards reducing what they provide to the absolute minimum with each of these properties saying Marriott is forcing properties not to exceed brand standards.
IMO it's a convenient excuse which allows the properties to cut back and save money.
Originally Posted by
hockeyinsider
This is especially the case when Marriott manages the property.
Imagine if McDonald's allowed some of the franchisees who own and operate the vast majority of restaurants to give you an extra order of French fries just because they wanted to do so. It's kind of the same thing, I think.
What concerns me is the international properties, which have almost always been better than North America properties, will be forced to reduce their over-and-above offerings to match their North American counterparts. I hope this isn't the case, but since Marriott manages more international properties than it manages North American properties it would be easier to make drastic cutbacks in, for example, lounge offerings.
I agree that the McD's example is right on. But I don't see McD corporate coming in and saying to a franchisee that it
cannot give out extra fries. The competitive environment also has to be considered, among other things.
The hotel I stay in most frequently, SGS in Bangkok, seems to have changed little to nothing. Marriott may have a corporate arrangement with Pepsi, but there's still Coke in the refrigerator in my room when I get there. And if you order a Coke in one of the F&B outlets on property, you still get what you requested. You can still get points as a welcome amenity (although a bit fewer)
and breakfast as PLT. Suite upgrade policy doesn't seem to have changed, same with laundry benefit for PLT members. Come to think of it, I am unable to identify anything which has changed there since Marriott took over other than the website and the availability of email addresses online.