I had a similar good response to a bad experience, but then it turned bad again!

On January 4, 2005, I checked into the Del Mar Marriott (near San Diego) for 3 nights. I asked if I was on the Concierge floor. The answer was yes, however, the lounge was closed "due to low occupancy." So I asked if I could get free continental breakfast and evening snacks at the restaurant. Yes, no problem! They even gave me nicely printed certificates.

That evening, I went to use one of the snack certificates. It gave me $15 credit toward items off the bar's snack menu. OK, I ordered a salad that cost $9 or so and an iced tea, which was $3, I later learned. When the bill came, I gave the waitress my certificate and wrote "free" across the total line. She took it and walked away.

Before I left, she returned in a big panic. She said that the certificate was good only toward snacks and not toward beverages. Now, I can understand not applying it to alcohol, because a lot of places have laws about free drinks. But I drank iced tea and stayed well within my $15 allowance. I protested that I could certainly get free soft drinks in the lounge, if it were open (!) and that the certificate was supposed to be a reasonable substitute. She wouldn't budge. Neither would I. I suggested that she call a manager. She went off to get one.

She returned a few minutes later, alone, and told me that the manager was waiving the cost of the iced tea -- but only THIS ONE TIME! In the future, I could get snacks only, no drinks.

When I went back the next day, I drank water. The battle had become a matter of principle, and I simply wasn't going to give them any money. It left a bad taste in my mouth, that's for sure (pun intended!). Really, the food there was delicious. Too bad the staff was so stubborn. And closing the lounge? What's that all about?

Bruce