Originally Posted by mecabq

I think olouie's comments are quite valid when it comes to Dubai. Marriott has expanded rapidly -- off of the top of my head, I can think of six Alofts (Dubai South, Me'aisem, Al Mina, Deira City Center, Airport, Palm Jumeirah) and three Courtyards (Trade Center, Al Barsha, Jaddaf) that can't be more than a couple years old. I have stayed at almost all of these (aside from the Palm Jumeirah Aloft, which is in a somewhat higher class), and have been very underwhelmed, most specifically with the lack of professionalism of the front office/front desk. Some of the hardware at these hotels is good as you'd expect, though inconsistent within each brand. There is nothing that the Courtyards have in common aside from the refreshed logo. These mid-range core brands should bring solid Marriott standards, but they have none and apparently this is not really a priority for the operator or for Marriott. I have had smallish problems on every stay, e.g., points not posting, no elite recognition, and inept front desks. These are minor, but indicate a lack of attention to any training or brand standards, much less appreciation of Bonvoy elites.

One trend I have noticed at many of these hotels is that you can't charge to the room at one or all of the F&B outlets. The waiter shrugs and say it's "independent" or "operated by a third-party." Of course they could allow room charges if they really wanted to. I am not sure if they are trying to cheapen out of awarding Bonvoy points, or if they are just incapable and/or uninterested in building the business process for this. I kind of think it's the latter. When I ask at the front desk why I can't charge, they often express surprise or don't even really understand the question. But, if anyone at Marriott is listening, I would encourage them to consider this an important part of brand loyalty among high-status guests, not just for the points, but for guest convenience. I can go to any cookie-cutter bar for a beer on my way home from work, but at the margin would definitely be more likely to do so where I can charge my room and earn a couple of points. (Ironically, they, like some other chains, are pushing the concept of dining on-property and earning points when one is not staying, though I suppose this applies more to their five-star portfolio.)