Originally Posted by bdschobel
I agree that Marriott-family hotels are becoming less consistent. While I almost always get the minimum benefits promised to Platinum members, I used to get little extras most of the time. Now it's hit or miss. And some things that had been standard for everybody are going away without any announcement. For instance, 800-number calls used to be free at all Marriott-family hotels. Not any more! I made one "free" call at the NY Marriott Marquis and found a charge for $2 on my bill! It was not waived.
Better get used to it as this is what happens when hotel occupancies are high. 2001-2004 they were begging us to travel, low rates, great benefits, double points, etc. You won't find the deals, or the extra benefits, like you used to. It is a fact of life unfortunately (or more specifically supply and demand). Also the painfully obvious fact of life: Full hotels (usually) result in NO upgrade. I did get upgraded from a Mountain View to a Partial Ocean View when I stayed at the fully booked JW Ihilani once.