[QUOTE=SkiAdcock]I think the service issue she mentioned was when the manager told her at check-in that, while a suite was not available (and then suddenly did became available), that she had upgraded her to a room w/ a view - of the parking lot & a small room at that. Not everyone considers the parking lot a view

Since the OP had mentioned both in the reservation and at check-in that this weekend was a special event, getting a small regular room (after having her expectations raised by the manager at check-in re: room w/ a view) was a let-down as the OP mentioned in her post. Hence, the call-back to the manager.

Was she guaranteed a suite - no, that's not Marriott's policy. But given she was told one wasn't available & then it was, her guess that they were holding it back for revenue purposes was probably accurate. OP didn't mention if the other rooms she was shown besides the suite were acceptable/better than what she had originally been assigned, or whether she was charged for the suite (or the manager just gave in at that point).

Free booze at international Marriotts varies. Toronto Marriott City Centre has an honor bar. Grosvenor House in London doesn't charge. Marriott Park Lane in London does. Amsterdam Marriott doesn't.
Cheers.

Thanks, that sums it up exactly right - it is all about managing expectations. It was odd how when I first called they offered to sell me a suite, but then if I did not want to pay, the suites were all sold out

I have never asked for upgrades in the 5+ years I have been Platinum and so the first time I asked I was hoping Marriott would proactively recognise the special occassion. Pipe dreams, I guess Regardless, all is well that ends well.