Originally Posted by HNLbasedFlyer

It would appear - post merger, Marriott customer service only acts as a liaison between you and the hotel but has no enforceable powers. In this strong economy, your best recourse is a bad review of the property and don't stay there again.

My recommendation moving forward is to try to work it out with the hotel yourself - use Marriott customer service as a backup - or, don't stay at Marriott properties if this is a dealbreaker for you.