Last week I stayed at the Mariott Courtyard in downtown Chicago and the stay was probably one of the best I've ever had at ANY hotel, much less any Mariott. For example:

-During check in the desk clerk was incredibly curteous and took time to explain to me where everything was in the hotel (especially the all-important Starbucks!)
-The restaraunt staff were stupendous.
-The doorman was just incredible. By the 2nd day, he remembered my name (not sure how he found out to begin with!) and where I needed a cab to. Each night he greeted me by name when I returned and welcomed me back.
-When I checked out the desk clerk (different one than the one who checked me in) was at least as curteous, nice and friendly as during check in.

All, in all a memorable stay and one that I will look forward to repeating in the future!

Now on the flip side. This week I am staying at the Mariott Residence Inn Tysons Corner, VA and it has been a disaster from the beginning:

-No Platinum welcome gift. When I inquired at the front desk, I was told "we don't honor that here, besides you are on a discounted holiday rate, so you shouldn't expect any extras anyway!".
-Newspaper at my door one out of three days
-No bill under the door today when I checked out
-No one at the front desk when I tried to check out. Had to go hunt them down.
-I asked when I checked out about the lack of newspaper and bill and was told "we are short staffed during the holiday's and you shouldn't expect anything extra during this time anyway".

All in all an incredibly poor experience. Marriott should be thanking their lucky stars (and the incredible staff at their property in Chicago) that I am not starting off the new year with staying at a different hotel chain!