I stayed at the Fairfield Inn in New Haven a few nights ago. I checked in about 2 AM without a reservation, and used a coupon from a travel coupon book I picked up at a rest area.

The rate was $79. and I was upgraded to a king bedded room with a separate seating (sofa bed) area. And, of course, full breakfast was included.

In the morning, I realized I hadn't been given a Platinum gift. (I remembered when I went to make coffee, and didn't have the bottle of water I usually save from the gift.) Before I checked out, I called the platinum line; I wasn't sure I was entitled to the gift because I hadn't had a reservation. After putting me on hold to check the rule, the res agent informed me I was, indeed, entitled to compensation. I expressed feeling a little hesitant about bringing it up, and she really encouraged me to say something, because the hotel staff needed to know the rules. She asked me to speak directly to the manager.

The manager was surprised the gift hadn't been offered, but without hesitation told me she would deduct $25.00 from my bill.

As I've read the posts here, I've been noticing that compensation for other members has been in cash; if the $25. is deducted from my bill, I may not get the points I bargained for. (Platinum points plus Marriott visa points.)

It may not seem like much to argue about, but getting points is the name of the game... I'll be watching my statement.

I love this forum!