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
#181
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
1. Both are probably true.
2. You could have collected the breakfast guarantee ($100), but it needed to be done before check-out. When the lounge is closed, you're entitled to breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points. There are 14 hotels in the US that are exempt & offer 1,000 points, but the PHL MAR Airport is not on the list. The 1,000 points or $10F&B is the Platinum Arrival Gift options & has nothing to do w/ the breakfast situation, although it's amazing how many FDCs (and some managers) don't realize the 2 are different.
Cheers.
2. You could have collected the breakfast guarantee ($100), but it needed to be done before check-out. When the lounge is closed, you're entitled to breakfast in the restaurant or 750 points. There are 14 hotels in the US that are exempt & offer 1,000 points, but the PHL MAR Airport is not on the list. The 1,000 points or $10F&B is the Platinum Arrival Gift options & has nothing to do w/ the breakfast situation, although it's amazing how many FDCs (and some managers) don't realize the 2 are different.
Cheers.
#182
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
As Sharon noted, "$10 F&B credit or 1k points" is compliant with the Plat/Titan/Amb Elite Welcome Gift — which has nothing to do with breakfast at five brands of Marriott legacy full-service hotels.
Breakfast means lounge access for member + 1. If the lounge is closed or there isn't one, then breakfast is "breakfast in restaurant" for member + 1. Again, this is in addition to the Elite Welcome Gift. (At one Marriott legacy full-service hotel brand, Delta Hotels, it can also be Elite Pantry access.)
When I stay at a Marriott and the lounge is closed, the front desk usually provides vouchers for "continental breakfast" in the restaurant with tax and gratuity included.
In other cases, the restaurant has a list, and no voucher is required.
In both cases, the restaurant usually provides a full buffet, although a few cheapskate properties want $5 to $10 more per person if you dare put a spoonful of scrambled eggs and a sausage patty on your plate.
Last edited by Horace; Apr 28, 2019 at 12:40 pm
#183
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,717
Indeed, it’s an incredibly stupid policy which puts the onus on the customer to have difficult conversations with a property to try to convince them to follow Marriott guidelines. I can’t think of any worse way to design such a guarantee.
#184
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 117
What Marriott desperately needs is a separate hotline or email to report noncompliance that is actually monitored and handled promptly. You shouldn't have to call a reservations/customer service agent and expect them to have the expertise or ability to force a given hotel to comply, if you're still at the hotel.
#185
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
What Marriott desperately needs is a separate hotline or email to report noncompliance that is actually monitored and handled promptly. You shouldn't have to call a reservations/customer service agent and expect them to have the expertise or ability to force a given hotel to comply, if you're still at the hotel.
(Notice that the Lurkers seem to steer clear of Bonfire breakfast questions. They always answered them on the SPG forum.)
#186
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 117
"The breakfast offering for Platinum and Platinum Premier members will be expanded to 23 participating brands, including Courtyard, AC Hotels by Marriott, Protea and Moxy, as well as resorts. For certain brands, members will receive free breakfast or an on-property food and beverage credit for breakfast or other dining options."
(Source: https://marriott.gcs-web.com/news-re...ograms-one-set)
(Source: https://marriott.gcs-web.com/news-re...ograms-one-set)
Then there was the official FAQ, which stated:
"A breakfast offering is new for Courtyard, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels and resorts."
Of course, the "new" "breakfast offering" turned out to be a $10 voucher at Courtyard that in most cases isn't sufficient to cover coffee and any food item, except maybe yogurt, with tip and tax factored into the $10 limit.
#187
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,269
The newly opened AC Hotel in Lima doesn’t offer the $10 F&B credit to Platinum/Titanium/Ambassador Elites and only offered Fruit or Points as they “were a Hotel in Peru”.
This seems to be a denial of benefits within the matrix for the Welcome amenity.
This seems to be a denial of benefits within the matrix for the Welcome amenity.
#188
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
The new Bonvoy does not offer any consistency in benefits. This April I have booked a room for 1 night in 4Points Orlando Convention Center - a recently rebranded Hawthorn suites. As Titanium Elite I was upgraded to a suite and offered 4 pm checkout but this is where my luck had ended. I was asked multiple time about breakfast only to hear that the hotel doesn't provide breakfast but I can choose one instead of points. But I have booked a rate with breakfast! No, hotel doesn't offer breakfast. After going a couple times through this, I have talked to a manager and received a coupon for two breakfasts. In the morning, I was wisely advised to get two breakfasts to go. Those included:
1) A paper cup (size similar to AAdmirals' club soup cups) filled with cut melons and cantaloupes;
2) Three triangle (nice tough!) pieces of toasted plain bread
3) One extra sweet mini muffin and another sugary pastry of minuscule size; both were at least 3 days old
4) Three pieces of prepackaged butter to go with the bread.
And nothing else. This was an insult but not breakfast. Truly the worst I have ever had for long long time.
Coffee was free in the lobby to help myself.
I assume that Elite members who choose breakfast instead of points are not treated better.
1) A paper cup (size similar to AAdmirals' club soup cups) filled with cut melons and cantaloupes;
2) Three triangle (nice tough!) pieces of toasted plain bread
3) One extra sweet mini muffin and another sugary pastry of minuscule size; both were at least 3 days old
4) Three pieces of prepackaged butter to go with the bread.
And nothing else. This was an insult but not breakfast. Truly the worst I have ever had for long long time.
Coffee was free in the lobby to help myself.
I assume that Elite members who choose breakfast instead of points are not treated better.
Last edited by Alex_I; Apr 28, 2019 at 7:37 pm Reason: typo
#189
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
There are three different issues as play here:
1. Complexity of the Platinum Elite breakfast benefit program.
If the folks in charge at Marriott Bonvoy could have their way, there would probably just be three categories, modeled have how SPG did it: (i) breakfast in the restaurant as a Platinum Elite and higher Welcome Gift choice, as at most SPG brands; (ii) breakfast for nobody, as at Design Hotels; and (iii) breakfast for all guests regardless of loyalty program membership or status, as at Element. (There would also be lounge access as a separate benefit, as at Westin).
However, with 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, almost none of which are owned by Marriott and almost all of which are operating under franchise contracts that pre-date the merger, it's not surprising that breakfast benefits are still more-or-less what they were before the merger (with some improvement at a few brands).
2. Failure of some properties to provide what the Terms & Conditions promise.
When the Terms & Conditions call for "breakfast in the restaurant" at a full-service brand, a breakfast consisting of just a muffin, coffee, and juice is a failure. Vouchers for $10 per day for member + 1, when breakfast actually costs two or three times that amount, is a failure. When a Courtyard in Canada that is supposed to provide vouchers equivalent to $10 USD only provides vouchers for $10 CAD, that's a failure too. Somehow, there are some hotels continue to get away with it, while Marriott looks the other way.
This is inexcusable. It's bad business because it tells Elite members that Marriott says one thing, but does another. It's an insult to Elite members. And it's an insult to all the hotels that do a good job providing the published benefits.
Marriott should enforce Platinum breakfast standards for each brand, with encouragement to add something local or regional at breakfast that goes beyond the minimum.
3. No effective way for members to deal with failures.
As has been asked in this thread, how does one successfully request $100 compensation when a hotel says the breakfast is not a Platinum Elite benefit (at a brand where it is)? When an agent at Marriott Bonvoy Guest Services has never been trained on the Terms & Conditions and assumes the hotel is always right and the guest is always wrong, how does a guest get a failure corrected?
Of these three issues, the complexity is the one we have to live with. It is what it is. But Marriott can fix the other two — if it want wants to.
1. Complexity of the Platinum Elite breakfast benefit program.
If the folks in charge at Marriott Bonvoy could have their way, there would probably just be three categories, modeled have how SPG did it: (i) breakfast in the restaurant as a Platinum Elite and higher Welcome Gift choice, as at most SPG brands; (ii) breakfast for nobody, as at Design Hotels; and (iii) breakfast for all guests regardless of loyalty program membership or status, as at Element. (There would also be lounge access as a separate benefit, as at Westin).
However, with 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, almost none of which are owned by Marriott and almost all of which are operating under franchise contracts that pre-date the merger, it's not surprising that breakfast benefits are still more-or-less what they were before the merger (with some improvement at a few brands).
2. Failure of some properties to provide what the Terms & Conditions promise.
When the Terms & Conditions call for "breakfast in the restaurant" at a full-service brand, a breakfast consisting of just a muffin, coffee, and juice is a failure. Vouchers for $10 per day for member + 1, when breakfast actually costs two or three times that amount, is a failure. When a Courtyard in Canada that is supposed to provide vouchers equivalent to $10 USD only provides vouchers for $10 CAD, that's a failure too. Somehow, there are some hotels continue to get away with it, while Marriott looks the other way.
This is inexcusable. It's bad business because it tells Elite members that Marriott says one thing, but does another. It's an insult to Elite members. And it's an insult to all the hotels that do a good job providing the published benefits.
Marriott should enforce Platinum breakfast standards for each brand, with encouragement to add something local or regional at breakfast that goes beyond the minimum.
3. No effective way for members to deal with failures.
As has been asked in this thread, how does one successfully request $100 compensation when a hotel says the breakfast is not a Platinum Elite benefit (at a brand where it is)? When an agent at Marriott Bonvoy Guest Services has never been trained on the Terms & Conditions and assumes the hotel is always right and the guest is always wrong, how does a guest get a failure corrected?
Of these three issues, the complexity is the one we have to live with. It is what it is. But Marriott can fix the other two — if it want wants to.
Last edited by Horace; Apr 28, 2019 at 9:26 pm
#190
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,511
So I went down to the desk today to ask about this prior to heading out for my golf game. Lady at front desk said oh no you shouldn’t have got the $10 coupon you should have gotten this! It’s a Marriott corporate card for Platinums and Titanium’s she said - she gave it to me and it said complimentary continental breakfast which is the same thing here as the $10. Continental was $10 and absolutely minuscule! Literally a tiny, tiny bowl of small cut up fruit and one pastry!
I showed her the T&C’s and such and she said the coupons they have, came directly from Marriott corporate.
I was miffed so she said let me go get the Manager..... she came back out and said the Manager is going to call corporate and we will let you know when you get back. Manager wouldn’t even come out?!?
Well, of course they didn’t let me know.
.... I don’t even know anymore if I’m right because nobody seems to know.
Nonetheless like I said, I can’t wait to check out of here on Tuesday. Then I’m heading over to the Westin which I seen today they have gates up in the parking lot now.....$17.00 a day to park now along with their $32.00 a day amenity fee! LOL.
Oh.... I’m going to have sweet dreams of the old SPG life tonight.... although this AC in the room will probably keep me up all night.
I showed her the T&C’s and such and she said the coupons they have, came directly from Marriott corporate.
I was miffed so she said let me go get the Manager..... she came back out and said the Manager is going to call corporate and we will let you know when you get back. Manager wouldn’t even come out?!?
Well, of course they didn’t let me know.
.... I don’t even know anymore if I’m right because nobody seems to know.
Nonetheless like I said, I can’t wait to check out of here on Tuesday. Then I’m heading over to the Westin which I seen today they have gates up in the parking lot now.....$17.00 a day to park now along with their $32.00 a day amenity fee! LOL.
Oh.... I’m going to have sweet dreams of the old SPG life tonight.... although this AC in the room will probably keep me up all night.
#191
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,808
Its interesting that Marriott consider its acceptable that their own elites have to ask/beg/more beg the hotel for a benefit that was advertised.
Yet these benefit are given without issue to people who book through other channel (FHR, Virtuoso, etc)
I believe FHR/Virtuoso booking breakfast benefit is not $10 voucher ... or some pastry and juice.
And some hotel even add extra f&b credit too.
Yet these benefit are given without issue to people who book through other channel (FHR, Virtuoso, etc)
I believe FHR/Virtuoso booking breakfast benefit is not $10 voucher ... or some pastry and juice.
And some hotel even add extra f&b credit too.
#192
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
You can still get Marriott credit so long as you don't opt for the 5x points prepaid.
In many cases, better benefits than what Marriott status gives.
#193
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cockeysville, MD
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Titanium, Amex Plat, Hertz Gold 5*, National Exec, AA Plat
Posts: 9,467
Did you say ding dong? Marriott does all they can to write vague and easily to misinterpret clauses in their benefits (thinking of late checkout.) Its their MO.
#194
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Milano (Italy)
Programs: Marriott TITANIUM, BWR Dia, IHG, Millemiglia Alitalia
Posts: 486
The new Bonvoy does not offer any consistency in benefits. This April I have booked a room for 1 night in 4Points Orlando Convention Center - a recently rebranded Hawthorn suites. As Titanium Elite I was upgraded to a suite and offered 4 pm checkout but this is where my luck had ended. I was asked multiple time about breakfast only to hear that the hotel doesn't provide breakfast but I can choose one instead of points. But I have booked a rate with breakfast! No, hotel doesn't offer breakfast. After going a couple times through this, I have talked to a manager and received a coupon for two breakfasts. In the morning, I was wisely advised to get two breakfasts to go. Those included:
1) A paper cup (size similar to AAdmirals' club soup cups) filled with cut melons and cantaloupes;
2) Three triangle (nice tough!) pieces of toasted plain bread
3) One extra sweet mini muffin and another sugary pastry of minuscule size; both were at least 3 days old
4) Three pieces of prepackaged butter to go with the bread.
And nothing else. This was an insult but not breakfast. Truly the worst I have ever had for long long time.
Coffee was free in the lobby to help myself.
I assume that Elite members who choose breakfast instead of points are not treated better.
1) A paper cup (size similar to AAdmirals' club soup cups) filled with cut melons and cantaloupes;
2) Three triangle (nice tough!) pieces of toasted plain bread
3) One extra sweet mini muffin and another sugary pastry of minuscule size; both were at least 3 days old
4) Three pieces of prepackaged butter to go with the bread.
And nothing else. This was an insult but not breakfast. Truly the worst I have ever had for long long time.
Coffee was free in the lobby to help myself.
I assume that Elite members who choose breakfast instead of points are not treated better.
Luckily, here in Europe I NEVER had such an experience, since - till today - I never found an hotel that doesn't offer real buffet breakfast to whom are entitled, including Plat (never heard of different and cheap alternatives).
I am just wondering why do they behave like that: do they prefer save 5 $ in food items and, at the same time, LOSE the guest forever?
#195
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Hotels, like Airlines, are also practically printing money - they lose you forever, someone else takes your place.