Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Design Hotels never offered free breakfast to SPG or Bonvoy elites. Booking through the Design Hotels website (which means no Bonvoy benefits at all) often shows rates with breakfast that are less than the Marriott rates for the same room as well as other discounted rate plans.
IME some Design Hotels do give upgrades and late checkout even though they're not obligated to do so.
The t&cs changed some time ago to confirm that the Design Hotels website counts as a direct Marriott channel for participating hotels (so benefits are provided, and earn points, etc.).
Also, upgrades are a stated benefit for participating Design Hotels, but experiences are varied (even more so than the main brands). Late checkout is also a benefit, but subject to availability rather than guaranteed.