Dec 29, 2018, 7:57 pm
Last edit by: applesauce
Updating for post-covid
STATE, City
STATE, City
Hotel name; Operator: Dates
Details (offered, asked, invoked?)
United States
CA, San Diego
Guild Hotel, Tribute Portfolio: ; 11/21
GA, Atlanta
United States
CA, San Diego
Guild Hotel, Tribute Portfolio: ; 11/21
GA, Atlanta
The Burgess, Tribute Portfolio; ; 07/23
No lounge. No breakfast. Claims exempt as a "boutique" hotel. Did not invoke.
TX, San Antonio
St Anthony Hotel; Operated by BC Lynd (?); 11/22
$15pp but does not include tax or tip. Only found out at checkout.
Mexico
Full Service Properties that Don't Comply with the Breakfast Benefit
Jan 2, 2019, 3:13 pm
#106
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
The part about having choose points or breakfast is fine -- just not the qualifier "continental."
It's what the Terms & Conditions -- https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi -- now specify for RESORTS branded as JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, or Renaissance. For such resorts in Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, Middle East, and Africa, the Platinum Elite Welcome Gift options are "1,000 Points per Stay or F&B amenity per Stay to breakfast in restaurant per day of Stay for Member +1."
Hotels and resorts of these brands provide Platinum Elite breakfast under different parts of the Terms & Conditions. Since August 18, 2018, hotels continue to offer breakfast through the elite lounge/breakfast benefit carried over from the old Marriott Rewards program. Resorts, previously excluded from this benefit, now offer breakfast as a Welcome Gift option, similar to hotels and resorts of most SPG legacy brands.
That part is not fine.
A reasonable person would read "breakfast in restaurant" at a 4-star, 4 1/2-star, or 5-star hotel to mean the kind of breakfast that guests at such a hotel would typically order in the hotel's breakfast restaurant. It could be breakfast from the menu. It could be a breakfast buffet. It could be a choice of either. Reasonably, the elite breakfast could exclude a few luxury items that very few guests buy, but that the hotel chooses to offer (such as steak & eggs or lobster omelettes).
If the JW Marriott Cancun only offers "yogurt, cereal, bread and coffee or tea" as its Platinum Elite breakfast, that's pitiful.
Last edited by Horace; Jan 2, 2019 at 4:05 pm
Jan 2, 2019, 4:24 pm
#107
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,120
Didn’t get a picture. People seated next to me got that option and one person clearly stated they were platinum and they were supposed to get free breakfast. Bit of a shock to them to hear about the upgrade. I learned about it on the JW Marriott Cancun thread.
You can sit in the restaurant and they bring everything to you in one shot.
You can sit in the restaurant and they bring everything to you in one shot.
Jan 2, 2019, 4:42 pm
#108
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: DL GM,Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriott Titanium, NEXUS
Posts: 281
Westin Cape Coral Resort
Continental Breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, croissants, fruit, etc) for 2 per room per day is allowed per the welcome gift.
$8 per person upcharge to a hot buffet
$3 per person upcharge to get a fixed 2 eggs and one side plus toast (normally $15 on menu)
No credit for any other meals on menu.
Continental Breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, croissants, fruit, etc) for 2 per room per day is allowed per the welcome gift.
$8 per person upcharge to a hot buffet
$3 per person upcharge to get a fixed 2 eggs and one side plus toast (normally $15 on menu)
No credit for any other meals on menu.
Jan 2, 2019, 6:01 pm
#110
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Westin Cape Coral Resort
Continental Breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, croissants, fruit, etc) for 2 per room per day is allowed per the welcome gift.
$8 per person upcharge to a hot buffet
$3 per person upcharge to get a fixed 2 eggs and one side plus toast (normally $15 on menu)
No credit for any other meals on menu.
Continental Breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, croissants, fruit, etc) for 2 per room per day is allowed per the welcome gift.
$8 per person upcharge to a hot buffet
$3 per person upcharge to get a fixed 2 eggs and one side plus toast (normally $15 on menu)
No credit for any other meals on menu.
Jan 2, 2019, 8:30 pm
#111
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Note to self - never stay at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown, esp. when there are plentiful good legacy SPG options nearby
Jan 3, 2019, 10:40 am
#112
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
Interestingly, there are fewer than 10 properties we've identified as cheating ...
Although, I suspect all the resorts in Mexico are cheating -- just don't have enough info to post. As a general rule, it seems properties in Europe, Asia, and South America are complying and the vast majority are complying in North America. So ... its maybes for Hawaii and Mexico -- I'd guess the Caribbean and the isolated US property.
This also highlights it may be at the hotel GM level. For example, both the Waikiki Marriott and the Wailea Marriott are managed by Marriott. Both GM's report to a District Manager in Honolulu. Yet ... the Waikiki Marriott offers the full breakfast buffet and the Wailea Marriott offers something that doesn't comply. Setting aside whether one likes the buffet at the Waikiki Marriott, it certainly complies with the program. And I haven't been to the Grand Bohemian in Orlando in 2018 but the lounge there exceeded Marriott standards and is operated by Kessler.
Although, I suspect all the resorts in Mexico are cheating -- just don't have enough info to post. As a general rule, it seems properties in Europe, Asia, and South America are complying and the vast majority are complying in North America. So ... its maybes for Hawaii and Mexico -- I'd guess the Caribbean and the isolated US property.
This also highlights it may be at the hotel GM level. For example, both the Waikiki Marriott and the Wailea Marriott are managed by Marriott. Both GM's report to a District Manager in Honolulu. Yet ... the Waikiki Marriott offers the full breakfast buffet and the Wailea Marriott offers something that doesn't comply. Setting aside whether one likes the buffet at the Waikiki Marriott, it certainly complies with the program. And I haven't been to the Grand Bohemian in Orlando in 2018 but the lounge there exceeded Marriott standards and is operated by Kessler.
Jan 3, 2019, 2:35 pm
#113
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I must also disagree.
I’m with the latter two posts: the Prince de Galles offers a complimentary continental breakfast benefit suitable to any luxury property in Europe.
The key here is that European breakfast is inherently a bit different (appropriately Continental...as if the name isn’t self-explanatory!) than American breakfast. Even at luxury hotels. Eggs are not considered a breakfast staple in Europe as they are in America, just as “deli” meats and cheeses are not considered a breakfast staple in America as they are in many parts of Europe or fish, sushi, and soups are not in America as in many parts of Asia. Context matters.
I do also agree that some look the gift horse breakfast benefit in the mouth.
I don't consider the PdG to be in non-compliance...the menu clearly lists the 38 EUR option as the continental one IIRC (might be a pic of it in the property thread). I remember it being of very high quality and sufficient for a meal, even if there wasn't an egg or meat component.
Save this thread for the "coffee and a muffin" properties.
Save this thread for the "coffee and a muffin" properties.
I’m with the latter two posts: the Prince de Galles offers a complimentary continental breakfast benefit suitable to any luxury property in Europe.
The key here is that European breakfast is inherently a bit different (appropriately Continental...as if the name isn’t self-explanatory!) than American breakfast. Even at luxury hotels. Eggs are not considered a breakfast staple in Europe as they are in America, just as “deli” meats and cheeses are not considered a breakfast staple in America as they are in many parts of Europe or fish, sushi, and soups are not in America as in many parts of Asia. Context matters.
I do also agree that some look the gift horse breakfast benefit in the mouth.
Jan 3, 2019, 3:54 pm
#114
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
I’m with the latter two posts: the Prince de Galles offers a complimentary continental breakfast benefit suitable to any luxury property in Europe.
The key here is that European breakfast is inherently a bit different (appropriately Continental...as if the name isn’t self-explanatory!) than American breakfast. Even at luxury hotels. Eggs are not considered a breakfast staple in Europe as they are in America, just as “deli” meats and cheeses are not considered a breakfast staple in America as they are in many parts of Europe or fish, sushi, and soups are not in America as in many parts of Asia. Context matters.
I do also agree that some look the gift horse breakfast benefit in the mouth.
I definitely understand cultural differences but the PdG breakfast does seem to me from what's reported to be on the cheap side. Obviously, I understand not having eggs and bacon in France (although most European legacy Marriott properties do) but the reports here are that it doesn't include meat/cheese which would be a basic breakfast staple in Europe. Plus, for example, most continental Marriott properties offer both what might be construed as an English breakfast as well as a traditional continental breakfast. But ... I think this is a discussion for the PdG thread.
Jan 3, 2019, 7:17 pm
#115
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
I agree we ought to keep this thread to the coffee/muffin rather obvious violator.
I definitely understand cultural differences but the PdG breakfast does seem to me from what's reported to be on the cheap side. Obviously, I understand not having eggs and bacon in France (although most European legacy Marriott properties do) but the reports here are that it doesn't include meat/cheese which would be a basic breakfast staple in Europe. Plus, for example, most continental Marriott properties offer both what might be construed as an English breakfast as well as a traditional continental breakfast. But ... I think this is a discussion for the PdG thread.
I definitely understand cultural differences but the PdG breakfast does seem to me from what's reported to be on the cheap side. Obviously, I understand not having eggs and bacon in France (although most European legacy Marriott properties do) but the reports here are that it doesn't include meat/cheese which would be a basic breakfast staple in Europe. Plus, for example, most continental Marriott properties offer both what might be construed as an English breakfast as well as a traditional continental breakfast. But ... I think this is a discussion for the PdG thread.
Jan 3, 2019, 8:34 pm
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
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Posts: 15,521
Post How Properties handle the SPG Platinum Breakfast Benefit introduced in 2012
Paris - Prince de Galles, LC: Continental breakfast, value 39 EUR pp Les Heures restaurant (or 40 EUR pp for room service) + 500 points [Jun 2016]
Jan 3, 2019, 10:34 pm
#117
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,113
Crikey, a lot of posts on this thread for one particular property that does a nice (38/39E) for brekkie. Ironically, that property is now ON my list of places to stay based on posts in this thread 
I agree w/ others that this thread should really be reserved for the 'dregs' (aka, properties really, really, really dropping the ball/cheaping out) vs. quibbling over what some consider a nice brekkie & others not feeling the same (which is always the problem w/ these type of threads
).
I also agree that the # of properties that don't comply is, for the most part, minimal. Folks, I have maintained the exec lounge/brekkie sticky for 10 years & there are now something like 1,500 or more full-service properties, (I got a headache counting) most of which do a decent job or go above & beyond.
So, while I understand that folk want to 'out' the properties that do a crap job wrt brekkie (and I agree w/ that), I will again state that I think the proper place to do it is in the actual property thread vs. a 'vague' thread re: properties not complying (even if the vague thread has a wiki). If I'm considering a property I read the property thread for updates, not a generic thread that I'm going have to scroll through multiple posts to figure out if the property I'm interested in is mentioned, or if it is, it's listed multiple pages in. But that's just me. And based on experience, this thread will ultimately drop down.
I'll continue to monitor this thread because, ironically, those who haven't posted updates in the exec lounge sticky have provided some updates in this thread, so I've updated some properties (w/o the commentary) As mentioned before, the exec lounge sticky is a 'snapshot/cliff notes' version of what full-service properties do & I encourage all to post in that thread to provide input to your fellow FTers - and to post more details/pics in the property threads.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
Cheers.
I agree w/ others that this thread should really be reserved for the 'dregs' (aka, properties really, really, really dropping the ball/cheaping out) vs. quibbling over what some consider a nice brekkie & others not feeling the same (which is always the problem w/ these type of threads
).I also agree that the # of properties that don't comply is, for the most part, minimal. Folks, I have maintained the exec lounge/brekkie sticky for 10 years & there are now something like 1,500 or more full-service properties, (I got a headache counting) most of which do a decent job or go above & beyond.
So, while I understand that folk want to 'out' the properties that do a crap job wrt brekkie (and I agree w/ that), I will again state that I think the proper place to do it is in the actual property thread vs. a 'vague' thread re: properties not complying (even if the vague thread has a wiki). If I'm considering a property I read the property thread for updates, not a generic thread that I'm going have to scroll through multiple posts to figure out if the property I'm interested in is mentioned, or if it is, it's listed multiple pages in. But that's just me. And based on experience, this thread will ultimately drop down.
I'll continue to monitor this thread because, ironically, those who haven't posted updates in the exec lounge sticky have provided some updates in this thread, so I've updated some properties (w/o the commentary) As mentioned before, the exec lounge sticky is a 'snapshot/cliff notes' version of what full-service properties do & I encourage all to post in that thread to provide input to your fellow FTers - and to post more details/pics in the property threads.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...worldwide.html
Cheers.
Mar 18, 2019, 7:50 am
#118
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum, UA Gold; Marriott Platinum
Posts: 31
@C17PSGR, I agree with you about the Mexico issue. Staying at the JW in Los Cabos next week... Will report back. I posted about this topic in August in the property's thread, but no one has responded. Guess we just don't have enough info!
Last edited by Pheenblat; Mar 18, 2019 at 7:51 am Reason: forgot to quote
Mar 18, 2019, 8:18 am
#120
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
@C17PSGR, I agree with you about the Mexico issue. Staying at the JW in Los Cabos next week... Will report back. I posted about this topic in August in the property's thread, but no one has responded. Guess we just don't have enough info!
I like this property. Great pools, nice gym, nice spa. You can really enjoy it.
I have stayed in the Griffin Club on my stays there so they have breakfast, which is very good. One of the reasons I don't go there more often is that they tell me they don't upgrade ... even when they obviously have empty suites. Considering that, I wouldn't be surprised if they are cheating on the breakfast.
And, I'll add the W Union Square to the breakast cheating list. Nice property but breakfast benefit is a basket of three breads (varied by day but pastry/croissant/muffin), juice, and coffee/tea. No credit toward anything else.