Originally Posted by Horace

First, there are actually more than twenty Marriott Bonvoy brands that not provide lounge access. In most cases, hotels of these brands do not even have lounges, but, if they do, there's not complimentary access for Platinum Elite and above.

Next, although St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels do not provide lounge access for Platinum Elite and above, they provide a benefit that's arguably just as good: Daily breakfast in the restaurant for member plus a second guest staying in the same room as a welcome gift choice. My wife and I have had wonderful breakfasts at hotels of these brands.

Finally, the brand standards for The Ritz-Carlton and EDITION call for high quality services, but getting these services means paying for them. Those who have Platinum Elite (and above) status through a combination of credit card EQNs and stays across properties of participating Marriott Bonvoy brands, low-end to high-end, still have to pay for breakfast and other food and beverage offerings. That's how these brands were designed.