Marriott "Fresh Bites" Room Service
Dec 12, 2017, 7:52 pm
#226
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
I am not a fan of the Fresh Bites program. I don't believe you can call yourself a Full Service hotel if you don't offer true room service.
2017 Fresh Bites roll call *I didn't order FB at all of these locations, but I did see the menu in my room at each one:
JW Marriott, Washington DC
Marriott Marquis, Washington DC
Marriott Metro Center, Washington DC
Marriott, Santa Clara, CA
Marriott Beach Club, Lihue, Kauai, HI
LAX Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
Now - the bag is not your traditional paper bag. It is a large sturdy bag with rope like handles. The containers are sturdy plastic held closed with a paper/tape wrap. There are decent plastic utensils and a condiment box. So - this is a much nicer set up than I've had via other private delivery services.
The not so good - food doesn't always stay hot. Or, it can get soggy. The containers don't vent steam well, so things that are supposed to be crispy - don't stay crispy (aka French Fries). I had breakfast delivered once and the toast was room temp and butter frozen so no hope of anything melting (lounge was closed) - they comped the whole breakfast (due to the lounge being closed) but still annoying.
And the delivery charge - I've considered ordering FB at the M Lounge - but they still want to charge the fee. Seriously...if I'm in your lounge and you are offering the service, waive the fee. I'm happy to tip, but it just seemed obsessive to also charge the fee at the lounge.
The menu is fairly limited. While not advertised, when I've called the "At Your Service" rep has told me over the phone about the kids menu options.
If I'm going to get "drive by" food delivery, then the private options through apps etc... can certainly provide more variety and won't really take more time. It usually means you have to go down to the lobby to pick up, but with FB, I'll do that too to avoid the fee and to go over my order to make sure it is right while I'm close to the kitchen. It just makes me sad that there is really no food difference between a SHS/TPS/FI and a JW/M...the lounge is still the reason I would go to a JW or Marriott, but the differences are getting smaller for me.
2017 Fresh Bites roll call *I didn't order FB at all of these locations, but I did see the menu in my room at each one:
JW Marriott, Washington DC
Marriott Marquis, Washington DC
Marriott Metro Center, Washington DC
Marriott, Santa Clara, CA
Marriott Beach Club, Lihue, Kauai, HI
LAX Marriott, Los Angeles, CA
Now - the bag is not your traditional paper bag. It is a large sturdy bag with rope like handles. The containers are sturdy plastic held closed with a paper/tape wrap. There are decent plastic utensils and a condiment box. So - this is a much nicer set up than I've had via other private delivery services.
The not so good - food doesn't always stay hot. Or, it can get soggy. The containers don't vent steam well, so things that are supposed to be crispy - don't stay crispy (aka French Fries). I had breakfast delivered once and the toast was room temp and butter frozen so no hope of anything melting (lounge was closed) - they comped the whole breakfast (due to the lounge being closed) but still annoying.
And the delivery charge - I've considered ordering FB at the M Lounge - but they still want to charge the fee. Seriously...if I'm in your lounge and you are offering the service, waive the fee. I'm happy to tip, but it just seemed obsessive to also charge the fee at the lounge.
The menu is fairly limited. While not advertised, when I've called the "At Your Service" rep has told me over the phone about the kids menu options.
If I'm going to get "drive by" food delivery, then the private options through apps etc... can certainly provide more variety and won't really take more time. It usually means you have to go down to the lobby to pick up, but with FB, I'll do that too to avoid the fee and to go over my order to make sure it is right while I'm close to the kitchen. It just makes me sad that there is really no food difference between a SHS/TPS/FI and a JW/M...the lounge is still the reason I would go to a JW or Marriott, but the differences are getting smaller for me.
Sep 4, 2018, 10:44 am
#227
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 4,329
I guess I am in the minority or I was just really hungry last night. I saw the order ahead and have it delivered but wasn't sure on timing from the airport. Arrived at the Marriott Dallas City Centre and decided I was hungry and wanted something more substantial then snacks. Ordered a turkey BLT with fries and it was delivered in less than 15 minutes. The delivery fee on the check was $5 and there was nowhere to add a tip so I just said "thank you" when she brought it to the door. I could have order DoorDash or the like but it would have easily taken 30-45 minutes and I wasn't interested in staying dressed so that I could meet the delivery driver in the lobby. It was $17 with tax and delivery fee which I didn't think was bad. I also didn't mind the plastic cartons as I didn't eat it all and put the other half of the sandwich in the fridge.
Sep 7, 2018, 12:19 am
#228
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,622
To give credit where credit is due, the Marriott Village in Orlando does this. They have a food court which is slow but isn't bad and is reasonably priced, even before the discount they give elite members. Interestingly, the "room service" menu at each of the hotels on the property (FI/CY/SHS) is the same menu & prices as at the food court.
Sep 7, 2018, 8:46 pm
#229
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
I'm still in the if I'm at a full-service property I want & expect true full-service offerings camp - aka room service vs fresh bites. I tried fresh bites once on a 'real' meal (vs. a sandwich). It sucked & was an insult given the pricing.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Sep 8, 2018, 4:21 pm
#230
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tampa Bay
Programs: AA ConciergeKey, Hertz PC , Marriott Ambassador, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 73
The worst Fresh Bites experience I ever had consisted of them not bringing me utensils or a bottle opener for my San Pellegrino. I was hungry & thirsty - had to call down for utensils & the bottle opener. The best part was the gal delivering it definitely thought she deserved a tip.
Sep 8, 2018, 8:29 pm
#231
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
The worst Fresh Bites experience I ever had consisted of them not bringing me utensils or a bottle opener for my San Pellegrino. I was hungry & thirsty - had to call down for utensils & the bottle opener. The best part was the gal delivering it definitely thought she deserved a tip.
Sep 25, 2018, 1:51 pm
#233
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AA EP 4+ million miles, Ambassador+ Elite
Posts: 267
SPG person...First Stay at a Marriott
Seriously, I am spoiled. I have over 1000 nights in SPG and made the mistake of ordering room service in a $400 a night hotel room, to have a BOXED meal delivered with plastic ware. I asked for an unsweetened iced tea and received a bottle of tea. I pray Starwood hotels are not devalued like this. Seriously Marriott.I could have stayed at the Four Seasons, across the street,for $100 more a night. (it was sold out or I would have moved). Very disappointing.
Sep 25, 2018, 1:58 pm
#234
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 31,010
I suggest reading the details on the room service menu before ordering room service, so you know what to expect.
I suspect there are a lot of places where an extra $100 per night would receive improved service.
I suspect there are a lot of places where an extra $100 per night would receive improved service.
Sep 25, 2018, 1:58 pm
#235
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,051
The point isn't really whether Marriott hotels are any good. The point is whether the SPG hotels we've come to love are crushed by Marriott corporate mediocrity over time.
Sep 25, 2018, 5:41 pm
#236
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Not all MAR hotels have gone to the 'fresh bites' program (yes, there's a thread re: it way before SPG came into the pic & MAR FTers not happy w/ it either). Having said that, there are a lot of MAR hotels that still offer true room service. The OP got unlucky.
For the record OP - please post which property you encountered this at, so others will know what to expect.
Cheers.
For the record OP - please post which property you encountered this at, so others will know what to expect.
Cheers.
Sep 25, 2018, 6:03 pm
#237
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AA EP 4+ million miles, Ambassador+ Elite
Posts: 267
SPG person-First Stay at a Marriott
This was Baltimore Waterfront. Yes, shame on me for not being familiar with the boxed meal program at Marriott. It is the stupidest thing I have heard of in a while. If this is what happens to the SPG hotels, i will burn my millions of points and go elsewhere. It just makes me sad to think that a great brand will become inferior. I have been very loyal and had Ambassador service for years and now no one knows what is going on, through no fault of theirs. I am not sure how in this day and age that more than 1 month later the tech switch over has not been successful...and now boxed meals...UGH.
Sep 25, 2018, 6:40 pm
#238
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Not all MARs are going to fresh bites. In fact right now the majority aren't. One shouldn't have to, but if you're expecting to do room service you can always call & ask - or stay at a SPG property where it's not in place.
While I appreciate the this sucks aspect, if it were me I'd check on properties before abandoning millions of points & stays at properties that meet my needs. But that's just me.
FWIW - I am one of the most anti-fresh bites person you'll meet & have said I will not stay at those properties that have it in place. That still leaves me plenty of MAR properties that don't do fresh bites. After investing enough nights/points to get to LTPP I'm not abandoning a chain that meets my needs in the greater picture.
Cheers.
While I appreciate the this sucks aspect, if it were me I'd check on properties before abandoning millions of points & stays at properties that meet my needs. But that's just me.
FWIW - I am one of the most anti-fresh bites person you'll meet & have said I will not stay at those properties that have it in place. That still leaves me plenty of MAR properties that don't do fresh bites. After investing enough nights/points to get to LTPP I'm not abandoning a chain that meets my needs in the greater picture.
Cheers.
Sep 25, 2018, 7:21 pm
#239
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Oh dear. What the heck are Fresh Bites? And how does one avoid such a “box lunch” sounding room service hotel?
Sep 25, 2018, 8:03 pm
#240
Join Date: May 2017
Location: BCN/STL
Programs: Marriott Titanium, United Silver, SW A List Preferred
Posts: 42
Short answer, some Marriotts have replaced "traditional" room service with something closer to a carry-out order. Without getting into the merits of whether this is passable, a little disappointing, or the end of service as we know it, the important thing to look out for is if the room service menu carries a "Fresh Bites" logo on it. If so, that's what you're going to get. In exchange for getting your food in plastic containers, with plastic utensils, in a sturdy paper bag, they also offer the option of picking it up yourself, to avoid a delivery fee. While it's definitely not "room service" at that point, it does make it seem less overpriced, assuming the pick up point is convenient.