I think the press release said the hotel is the bottom 11 floors of the tower, but still, same idea. They clearly give preference to the condos and the hotel seems like an afterthought.

The restaurant can’t provide breakfast but per Instagram can definitely host the daily champagne sabering.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csb1gkBplYV/

We were the only two who showed up for it. They walked around the restaurant asking people to come. No one did. They then let me sabre it. That was the best part of the stay.

This is sadly common in the US for new development luxury urban properties. Even hotels that aren�t built under huge condo towers reserve their penthouse and some other top floors for branded residences (ie Aman NY). It is just more efficient for developers as views in condos seem to command better premiums than views in hotel rooms do. For buildings that aren�t immediately obstructed (ie Langham NY), I don�t mind it too much. For other properties that are completely obstructed (Park Hyatt NY), it really devalues then�luxury� appeal of the property IMHO.

So many of these new hotel developments are condo first and hotel second. It is a sign of the times I guess. The CEO of Four Seasons is really pleased with all of this lol.

Stop playing hotel owner games.

Just charge it to your room and feign ignorance at checkout.

So if stays are booked with Amex FHR or Marriott STARS program, will breakfast be included at the restaurant?

I bet they'll give a totally inadequate credit, like $30 pp when the breakfast probably runs over $60 pp.

If Marriott doesn't call this property promptly on the breakfast denial, you can expect other properties across the US to engage in even more blatant benefit evasion.

They will only do something if lots of folks claim the $100. I�d decline the measly points ($6 worth) and put in a claim.

I have confirmed on STARS bookings, full daily breakfast is included for two per day.

What does that mean? Many properties give an inadequate dollar credit on FHR/STARS and still claim it's a "full" breakfast.

I will add that that they could give free caviar and foot massages for breakfast on a STARS rate and I still wouldn't patronize this property so long as it continues to evade the breakfast benefit for Marriott elites.

What is the definition of a full breakfast? Can you order anything off the menu? Or just one item? How about drinks? Or is it in a form of credit? Check that carefully if you decide to book this property and get it in writing since they like to play games.

I mean Marriott should really stop touting �free breakfast� when it�s essentially just a discount off the breakfast at most places these days. It�s sad this is also hitting the high end properties - the StR Punta Mita converted to continental, and the new StR Kanai is also two pastries and a plate of fruit that�s not on the menu (essentially forcing you to pay $25 a person for the full buffet).

At this point I would rather just book through FHR at other properties and get a full breakfast. It just feels so cheap that I�m being nickel and dimed for such a low cost item like breakfast.

Someone just commented on my blog: ***UPDATE*** St. Regis Chicago confirmed that they have just updated/clarified their policy on the breakfast benefit. The breakfast benefit will be offered for all elite guests. I just confirmed with the hotel manager. They are going to issue a formal press release on this. Thanks to this blog and others. You may want to call and confirm this yourself and update post! St. Regis Manager: (312) 787-3447.

it could be $10pp or a banana, a muffin, and a coffee, whichever cost more.

i guess when the first few TA reviews all talked about this, someone will notice from the property.

wonder why we can�t do this for all properties and maybe even with resort fees.

Thank you - I'm not surprised on this change - though, it's a shame it happened in the first place.