Thanks for the info. I created a wiki mentioning it.

Cheers.

Just completing my first stay here. Comparison point is Manchester Grand Hyatt, where I stayed probably 10x last year.

Upgraded at check-in (as a Gold) to an executive suite on the 18th floor. I never got a free suite upgrade at the GH as a Hyatt Diamond. So big win for Marriott there.

Room is pleasant, with a balcony, lots of windows, nice view of the bay toward Coronado and the pools. Very comfortable sectional sofa. Bathroom is a little awkward, but the shower has a water view. Bed was comfortable. Room is at the end of the hallway, so very little noise from the corridor. By comparison, GH has slightly better views and lacks the garish Marriott color schemes (seriously, who thinks a blue and yellow carpet is a good idea?).

Checked out the lounge for happy hour and breakfast. Yes it's a bit small (and definitely not as cool as the Grand Club at GH). But the food options were pretty good. Breakfast this morning offered multiple hot options (eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, potatoes, and oatmeal), which is a big win over GH where there is just a single hot dish.

Internet is smoking fast (nearly 50 mbs up/down). Asked for a 1 pm check-out and that was no problem at all (convention hotel, so I wasn't sure how that would go over). Overall, a super pleasant stay and I will happily shift my 2017 stays here from Hyatt.

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

Nice report. I have stayed there a couple times and always enjoyable property...no issues.

Has anyone had any additional recent experiences at this hotel after getting status via the merger? I stayed at this hotel one time last year, but I had no status with Marriott. I'm returning in May of this year as a Gold thanks to the match from SPG Gold. Curious what the "elite" experience is here.

Thanks in advance!

Exceptional, based upon three 4 or 5 night stays although my last was 2012 or so

Varies. If you're there during a convention w/ a gazillion elites or companies booking suites, etc, good luck. Other times might be better.

One thing you will get as a status match from SPG Gold is exec lounge access when the lounge is open.

Cheers.

But the lounge is an absolute zoo anytime they put food out.

This property has been really good to me with upgrades/room assignments. I'm a big fan.

Going May 11-16, so it doesn't look like there are any "huge" conventions that would impact it. There is the University of Phoenix graduation that Saturday at the CC with estimated attendance of 11,500 -- but I doubt that will be a lot of elites.

I've booked a bay view balcony room (with points) but am hoping to score a suite upgrade. Do they upgrade on rewards stays? (As stated, I'm new to the MR program.)

Many stays at this location through the years, one of my favorites!

Just completed my fifth stay here this year. Upgraded to a deluxe suite on 24th floor. Love the balconies and bay view, as well as the friendly staff. It's become my San Diego go-to location.

With the lounge closed for the weekend, I had breakfast in Marina Kitchen this morning. Full buffet was only $23 and it was excellent. There was an omelette bar with two chefs, plus a third making pancakes to order. Very good value.

Does anyone know about the $25 amenity fee now being added to reservations? Is it waived for Platinums?

No idea, but if it's not, this hotel has gone on my do not stay list.

OK - why?

David

Because I don't get what they've added that's worth $25/day. There are plenty of good Marriott hotels in the area that don't charge a daily non-avoidable fee to stay at.