Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
This is what I remember too: the SPG standard was a room for two as a stay using points or certs. I don't consider it unreasonable for Starriott to ask people to pay extra for additional people on "free" stays.
Similarly, it doesn't seem unreasonable to give free breakfast or lounge access for only two occupants per room unless there's an extra payment.
I completely disagree with your first point that they should charge for the additional people on "free stays" in a room. A room is a room. Does it matter if there are two people or one in each bed?
On your second point, I agree, it doesn't seem unreasonable to give free breakfast if there is 1 VS 2 VS 4 in a room. Sure. So perhaps a Platinum should just get free access for 1 in the lounge, and then $50 if they want to bring their spouse into the lounge too, as it costs more money. And then even more then if they want to bring in their kids.
Using your logic, shouldn't they just charge Platinums for the lounge if they use it as it costs them more money then a Platinum not using the lounge. The reason in my view is that is why people chase loyalty programs. The reason I purchase a room on Marriott.com rather then CHEAPER booking websites is that I get Platinum Elite Status perks if I manage to stay 50 or 75+ nights booking through Marriott.com. One of those elite benefits is a free breakfast and or lounge access. If their competition Hyatt/Hilton stopped giving out lounge/free breakfast to elite members, then I can bet you Marriott would too.