I expect the club lounge to be a relatively quiet place where one can find a free breakfast and read the morning paper. Particularly at top notch properties (i.e. Westin, Renaissance, etc.) as opposed to Courtyards and HI Express where one expects to see families loading up on the free food.

So I was a bit miffed to find a 2 year old running rampant and screaming in the Marriott lounge today (and yesterday). Dad appeared oblivious to his child's behavior and continued sipping his coffee. The poor concierge apparently felt helpless as she did not intervene.

Now admittedly there are numerous children who are well mannered. I have been to many restaurants with my two 3-year old neices and their behavior has always been exemplary. But it is clear that many parents do not give a damn about their children's behavior in public. So perhaps a blanket rule should be imposed so that the rest of us can enjoy the perks which we have earned.