Just had my first SPMarriott stay as a lowly Gold (from Platinum) and have to say this stinks! I was staying at a Delta property and checked in, not a greeting or thanks for being a Marriott Rewards member. Room was okay but was not an upgrade in any way (seemed like your average room). Requested a 2 PM check out and was told by the front desk to check back the next morning to see if there's availability. Go down in the morning and after some begging managed to get check out pushed back to 2 PM. More important than Executive Lounge access or upgraded room is the certainty of knowing that you'll have the darned room to 4 PM and don't have to beg for it! Here's to hoping SPMarriott will at least let Golds have guaranteed 2 PM check out!

In the meantime, I'll be staying at whatever chain hotel offers me the cheapest rates, which in my case is a mixture of Premier Inn, HI Express, Hilton, Comfort Inn and Good Nite Inn (yes I know).

Safe Travels,

James