JTE458

What else could I have done? I wasn't happy with it and I asked why it wasn't the full breakfast and they said that's not what they give, even to Titanium.

hockeyinsider

You could have asked for the operations manager or front office manager, complained and, if necessary, read the applicable provision of the terms and conditions, which differentiate between "continental breakfast" at non-resort properties without a lounge or without an open lounge and resort-designated properties, the latter of which are required to provide a "breakfast in restaurant" if chosen at check-in.

You could have invoked the guarantee. If they still didn't budge then you could have filed a complaint with Marriott so at least the record is preserved. Unfortunately, I suspect most of the guests experiencing noncompliant breakfasts aren't registering a complaint with Marriott. I would also make it known on Trip Advisor that the property is playing games on the breakfast.

By the way, did you get an alternative amenity from this property charging a resort fee that included internet access?

CruiserCLE

Is this now true for all resort properties, regardless of legacy affiliation? I'm still having trouble after reading the various threads about what is required a resort and have stays in the next couple months at this property and the JW in Orlando. For example - the Westin Punta Cana only gave continental breakfast during my stay in 2018 and wanted an up-charge for full buffet - does that mean it's a violation of the new terms for all resort properties?

I'll also report my experience from this property later this year.

hockeyinsider

At all resort-designated properties, both legacy Marriott and legacy Starwood, excluding Gaylord and Ritz-Carlton, guests with platinum, titanium or ambassador status are guaranteed an "elite welcome gift" that includes the choice at check-in of breakfast in the restaurant. This breakfast is for the guest and one other person. It should be noted that the "elite welcome gift" falls under a completely different provision of the terms and conditions than lounge access. Compensation for noncompliant properties is $100. In practice, the restaurant breakfast should include the tax and tip.

CruiserCLE

Gotcha - thanks for clarifying! I'll report back on this resort and my other resort stays in the coming months. Should be interesting to say the least - and I, similar to you, have no trouble getting the front office manager to escalate if they aren't following the rules.

hockeyinsider

Don't forget to ask for the alternative or replacement amenity at a property with a resort fee that includes internet access.

See here: Replacement Benefit when Wi-Fi is included in resort fee

estedman

The W Vieques was destroyed in the hurricane and am not sure they are rebuilding. Maybe someone else has some info.

platbrownguy

Unfortunately, the new terms do not define "breakfast" like SPG's terms did, so I am not hopeful that a challenge to "continental breakfast" arrangements will be successful at stubborn properties. Here are the terms applicable to Renaissance, from marriott.com:

Clearly, for La Concha (regardless of whether it's "United States" or "Caribbean" -- presumably it's "Caribbean") is supposed to provide "breakfast in restaurant."

But without a definition, there's nothing really to stop it from offering pastries and coffee.

The only argument you could make is that "continental breakfast" is used elsewhere, and if the terms meant for properties to be able to give "continental breakfast" instead of "breakfast," then they would have said that in the quoted rule above. But that's the sort of argument that a stubborn property will simply dismiss regardless of its validity. (For example, the terms say "Lounge offers light snacks and daily continental breakfast." Why specify "continental breakfast" instead of "breakfast" unless the terms are defined differently, etc., etc., -- but the failure of Marriott's terms to define breakfast is the real problem.)

I am staying here on Thursday and will decide whether to escalate or ignore. Suite upgrade cleared and I used a 35k free night award before the category change so I'm pretty happy with the situation either way. Sucks paying $55 for resort fee + parking after getting spoiled on Hyatt where those are free on awards.

hockeyinsider

I look at resort-designated properties differently because breakfast doesn't fall under the lounge provision of the terms and conditions, which admittedly says a hotel with an open lounge only has to provide a "continental breakfast." It's debatable whether non-resort hotels without a lounge can claim a "continental breakfast" in the restaurant is in compliance. I would argue it isn't compliant, but there is no question that Marriott deliberately chose not to define the welcome gift breakfast benefit as a "continental breakfast." As such, the properties in Hawaii that only give you a coupon for Starbucks are not compliant. Coffee and sweet bread also isn't compliant.

I would have no problem invoking the $100 compensation guarantee and, if necessary, escalating both to on-property management and to corporate management.

In the couple cases I've had to do this at Autograph Collection properties the property's manager has quickly relented and provided a compliant breakfast.

JTE458

Resort fee was $30 for the points night. Didn't park so didn't pay the $27/night (I think).

hockeyinsider

And you're supposed to get a replacement or alternative amenity since the resort fee includes internet, which is required to be complimentary.

JTE458

I just learned about that today from the linked thread above. Nothing was offered so will be interested to see what you get when you point this out to them.

hockeyinsider

My guess would be 99% of guests don't know this.

platbrownguy

Stayed here Thursday. Cool place, nice vibe and lobby.

Delayed flight caused late (10pm) arrival so didn't want to fuss with front desk about Bonvoy benefits, was offered "1000 points or breakfast," and after choosing breakfast was told "ok, it's continental breakfast in the Delicias restaurant."

Ended up going out late, sleeping through breakfast, and getting the choice easily changed back to points, which already posted. Didn't ask about alt amenity in resort fee (is it even stated anywhere that the fee at this place includes Internet?).

Anyhow, would definitely return again. After checking in and getting settled, we went out for a wonderful late meal at Cocina Abierta (try the ricotta gnocchi, $12), won a bit at the hotel's nonsmoking casino, and then went to the Stop N Go bar across the street for knockout (literally) drinks from and with the bartender (very local sort of place despite being right there in Condado). Hotel location was excellent.

Suite Night Award cleared into Ocean Suite in the Suite Tower, decent hard product with great balcony and full ocean view. A/C ran cold.

Great use of 35k-level award night + $55.

hockeyinsider

So you arrived late and didn't want to "fuss" about benefits. I could understand if you went right to bed, but you went out for dinner. Ugh.

Well, the property doesn't disclose anywhere in booking what the resort fee covers but I've never seen a resort fee that doesn't include internet.