I think most lounges are set up OK - usually a mix of tables and the couch/chairs. I agree that I rarely see people using the lounge to "lounge" in the evening. It's usually mostly empty except at breakfast. Even places that have a very nice evening appetizer spread don't draw much of a crowd.

To me, it seems that Marriott is gradually but steadily moving away from the lounge concept in general. They are closed more often than they were years ago, and I seem to encounter more and more Marriott branded properties that don't have them at all. The places that have lounges are adequate and appreciated - but not outstanding. From the food/bev selections, it's clear that Marriott isn't seriously investing a huge amount of effort/cost into the lounges. To me, it seems like they are headed to a point where they'll just convert the lounge space into additional hotel rooms - or perhaps a very desirable meeting room in some hotels.

Perhaps Marriott sees them as a slightly "downmarket" feature - just a half-step above the breakfast free-for-all at Residence Inn or Fairfield. I called the JW Tucson a couple of weeks ago and asked if they had a lounge (it wasn't clear from this board), and the lady responded "This is a JW - we don't have lounges like regular Marriotts do." Of course that's not entirely accurate - there are JW's in the world that have excellent lounges. I didn't argue that point though: clearly the tone was "We're above that. You want a lounge, stay at a lesser hotel."