A now-closed thread mentioned a theft from a guest's room at a Marriott property. Realizing that this may have been discussed previously, I was still curious what experience other posters might have had with in-room theft.

Down through the years, I've been victimized twice. In each case it was at a full-serve Marriott about ten years ago. Each involved a Sony Walkman The similarities ended there. The outcome of each couldn't have been more different.

The first incident was at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. I went for a quick swim, and when I came back, my walkman was gone. No apparent forced entry to the room. The front desk staff and managment couldn't have cared less. Too bad for you, fella. End of story.

A couple of months later, the exact same thing happened when I returned from dinner in Louisville, KY (Louisville East Marriott). In this case, the manager told me to go out and buy a replacement Walkman and send him the receipt. I did....and he sent me a check right away for the full value to reimburse me. No questions, no hassle.

I haven't had a problem since, but I do take a couple of steps before leaving my room. First of all, I try to make sure if I have anything of value, its in a secure place. Secondly, when I leave the room, I leave a couple of lights on and the TV tuned to ESPN or another sports broadcast. Then I put out the "Do not Disturb" thingy. The idea is to create the impression that the room is occupied....by a male guest. The supposition is that a would-be theif won't chance it, and seek an easier target.

And yes....I'm aware that using electricity while I'm not in the room is not an environmentally sound practice.....but a TV and a couple of lightbulbs for an hour or two while I'm out isn't going to create an undue strain on either the planet's resources or Bill Marriott's bank account!