Originally Posted by
flyerwife
Most Marriotts in the locations you mention are considered resorts and therefore do not have lounges, unlike Hilton. Additionally, they will not offer you a free breakfast in lieu of lounge access.
In my experience (and I'm Plat with Marriott and currently hold no status with Hilton), Hiltons treat you far better than Marriott in Hawaii. With no status we got many more perks from Hilton at the HHV than we did from Marriott at the JW Ihilani (same trip) and many more from Hilton at the HWV than from Marriott at the Marriott Waikoloa (same trip).
HWV offered us an upgrade to oceanview room and Executive Lounge access under their NOR1 program for $35/nt. I'm not sure if they still offer it but it was definitely worth it (although since you are Diamond you would seem not to need to pay for it). We were also able to combine the NOR1 with award nights.
In Mexico, neither the Marriott CasaMagna nor JW Marriott offers any kind of lounge for status, nor were we offered breakfast at the CasaMagna (though they did give us a very nice upgrade). I have an upcoming stay at the JW Cancun and expect to get little even as a Platinum.
If I were you, I'd stick with Hilton if you are looking for Exec Lounge perks in the islands.
Thank you. I kind of had a feeling that was the response I was going to get. I hadn't even planned to "jump ship" from the Hilton to the Marriott until it seemed virtually impossible to get state rates at the Hiltons in California.
It is much, much easier to maintain status w/Hilton that the Marriott and obtaining Platnium with Marriott is nearly unattainable. I can get Gold w/Marriott, but the cost may be to close my staus with Hilton and I'm thinking I will just stay at the Marriott as my 2nd choice, regardless and always try Hilton first, even if that means making a phone call or two to see if I can get state rate (don't have to make any phone calls with the Marriott).
Thanks!
Dawn