Originally Posted by
EdofFX
Yes, your description is more accurate. There was a bed in a small area on a higher level that was reachable through some interior stairs. I did not consider that a second floor because it was so small. I don't even remember whether it had space for anything else other than one bed. It did overlook the living room. There was no door between the two level, nor between the bedroom and living room, and therefore no privacy.
The upstairs loft has a king bed (sometimes two single or double beds), a closet, and a full bathroom. Yes, the loft overlooks the living room, and the interior stairs do not have a door.
The downstairs bedroom sometimes has a real bed and french doors for more privacy. Sometimes, it's furnished with a desk and a murphy bed, so it's more of an office that converts to bedroom when necessary.
When we used to vacation with our kids, the Penthouse Suites were wonderful — much better than traditional hotel rooms.
The percentage of Residence Inns with the old format has been decreasing since the format changed in the mid-1990s and the brand has continued to expand its footprint. Also, as owners of these older properties choose to rebrand, the number of them decreases. But I disagree with the OP's assertion that "they no longer meet brand standards and guest expectations." They continue to be part of the brand. Marriott is not kicking them out. And the Marriott website clearly shows which properties have the old Penthouse Suites. The standards changed for new new-builds, but the older properties still meet Marriott's brand standards if they properly maintained.