Staying at my second Design Hotel. Currently at Hospes Palacio de San Esteban in Salamanca, Spain (as a Titanium). Previous stay was Mykonan Kyma (Mykonos, Greece) as a Platinum.

At the Kyma, the experience was basically the same as any other Luxury/Autograph Collection: greeted as an elite member, benefits fully explained. Received breakfast, a nice upgrade, and a late checkout with no pushback despite a full hotel.

At the Hospes, the complete opposite. Person checking me in seemed completely unaware of Bonvoy Program, but added that they are in training. Hotel did not even honor my standing room type requests (one bed, away from elevator). Emailed a manager later and was able to get a 2pm checkout, but that was it. "This is not a Marriott." Never said it was.

The Marriott T&C do exempt the Design Hotels from pretty much everything, especially if hotels just claim upgrades, late checkouts, etc. are "unavailable." A bottle of water, wifi, and 1000 point welcome gift are the only firm entitlements.

Curious which experience is the more common one at this brand. If the Hospes is more common, will definitely take that into account in future booking decisions.