Originally Posted by user48640 (Post 33018207)

Recall that Marriott said it was lifting its suspension of brand standards, including Bonvoy elite status benefits. Recall that Marriott also never actually told customers that supposedly guaranteed benefits were suspended for much of the last year.

But it seems like Marriott didn't do this. Or some properties haven't gotten the memo.

I reached out to customer service with questions about a handful of Orlando properties that I'm considering for later this month. Orlando, as well as Florida as a whole, are fully open, including indoor dining. So any property that claims COVID as an excuse for a closed restaurant is lying. Closed restaurants in Florida are about cutting costs, not the pandemic or complying with state or local orders. Yet, three Marriott properties are not providing a breakfast benefit as required by Bonvoy's terms and conditions.

1. Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
No food-and-beverage service whatsoever. Everything closed. Elites receive points as the welcome gift upon check-in.

This is not compliant. This property is only offering the 1,000 elite welcome points. Depending on how you read the Bonvoy terms and conditions, a guest should receive an additional 750 points or $100 compensation since this property has no lounge, no open restaurant and no alternative breakfast.

See section 4.3.c(iv)(a) of the terms and conditions:



See also section 4.3.c(iv)(c):

It should be noted that the Castle is owned and operated by Kessler, which was notorious before the pandemic for cheating elites out of breakfast. One property was providing a $10 voucher that didn't cover the cost of anything on the menu.

2. Four Points By Sheraton Orlando Convention Center

They have no open bar or restaurant and no grab-and-go breakfast.

As a legacy Starwood brand, platinum and higher elites get a choice of 500 points, an amenity or breakfast in the restaurant. Failing to provide that choice is supposed to get a guest $50 per section 4.3.c.(iii) of the Bonvoy terms and conditions.

3. Courtyard Orlando International Drive/Convention Center

Marriott says the restaurant at this property is closed. While breakfast isn't an elite benefit at Courtyards, eligible elites do get a choice of a $10 F&B voucher that can be applied toward breakfast.

Yet, this property is SELLING rooms at package rates that include breakfast for two in the restaurant. That's fraud. But at least you get 5,000 bonus points.

Originally Posted by longtimereader firstimeposter (Post 33018516)

So claim your money!! I just received $200 for both lounge and the restaurant being closed. It was painful, the Ambassador desk didn’t side with me but in the end the hotel understood the policy and paid out.

Originally Posted by WScottsdaleInsider (Post 33018959)

The Cadillac hotel in Miami is only offering 1,000 points even though there restaurant is open for breakfast. No point in arguing with the front desk staff here, claim filed.

Originally Posted by user48640 (Post 33018259)

Just stayed here. I was given a choice of breakfast voucher or points. Chose breakfast, which worked for anything in the restaurant. Both buffet or ala carte. They said it didn't include tax, which I thought was cheap. I complained about the resort fee since some of the things aren't available. I was given a $15 voucher for a free drink each day. General manager is good to deal with but the hotel is very short-staffed. I saw some of the workers doing 12-hour shifts. Housekeeping is provided daily upon request only. In-room amenities removed unless you request them. Supposedly because of COVID but most likely to reduce housekeeping and laundry costs. I had dinner one night in the hotel restaurant, Donna Mare. Food was okay. Service was a little off in part because most of the staff don't seem to speak English as a first language. Also, everything is a little pricey because the hotel imposes a mandatory 20% tip in the lobby bar and both restaurants, which is a bit much if you're just ordering a cocktail. Restaurant manager offered me a free drink if I left a positive TripAdvisor review. That was tacky. I second someone else's comment about happy hour at the poolside restaurant and bar. They sell bottles of Moet & Chandon Imperial champagne at half-off.

Originally Posted by user48640 (Post 33018987)

Not my experience.

Originally Posted by houstr8male (Post 33019169)

Numerous Marriott properties are also selling rooms that include lounge access, Mlife club access etc even though all lounges are closed. This has been going on for the last year. The room rates are higher than the basic room so I wonder what they provide when you show up after booking a lounge access rate.