Nobody "trashed" the place. In fact, I posted 2 reviews: one very positive and one listing both pros and cons. They were based on 2 stays and reflect the obvious decline in service/standards since my 1st stay in Sept. '05. If I hated everything about the place, I obviously wouldn't have lauded it and returned. Nobody denied that the property is beautiful. My remarks were very specific and 100% accurate, so readers can judge for themselves.

As I noted, I strongly suspect that some (and only some) of the problems were due to the fact that my second trip was on points. However, other properties provide equivalent or enhanced service when you're staying on points instead of paying cash, despite the fact that reward stays cost them a lot of money when the property is sold out. (For example, I got a fantastic upgrade at the TUS Starr Pass Resort though the place was packed at the time, and an upgrade to a huge suite at the Ren Bay Harbor.) During my last stay at Ross Bridge, the property was practically empty. Apparently, they compensated by reducing the staff to a skeleton crew. The best Marriott resorts don't do that.

The bottom line is that Marriott properties branded "resorts" are not remotely equal in terms of service and amenities. Folks who are smart enough to do a little research are entitled to know what they're going to get before they make a reservation.