Le Méridien Essex Chicago [Master Thread]
Aug 10, 2021, 3:36 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,934
[/QUOTE]
Sorry to hear that
Wrigley is our reason for going, but we like the Grant Park area, so this appealed to us for that reason
The reviews I've seen have been mixed - lots of people compliment the staff [a few members in particular have gotten lots of praise], but the walls are apparently very thin, the rooms are a squeeze for more than one person and there are no suites so keep that in mind if you're expecting upgrades. Also consider the location on S Michigan and where you need to be - Chicago is delightfully walkable, there are some sights within your immediate access and the area is safe, but you're on the tail end of the tourism stretch.
khabah
khabah
Feb 15, 2022, 10:50 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Meh!
Property is playing shell games with their elite benefits. No choice offered. What they do offer is a voucher for “$15 refund of the destination fee,” which is good towards breakfast (or lunch) in their restaurant as a way to justify the application of a destination fee. This seems to fly smack in the face of the terms and conditions, so I’d like a Lurker to check in on this.
As for other quirks, whilst the room (Deluxe) was small and well appointed, the shower here is the worst. No pressure at all. Also, you can skip the $72 valet and pay $10 for 9 hours of overnight parking right behind the hotel.
As for other quirks, whilst the room (Deluxe) was small and well appointed, the shower here is the worst. No pressure at all. Also, you can skip the $72 valet and pay $10 for 9 hours of overnight parking right behind the hotel.
Feb 15, 2022, 1:42 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
Property is playing shell games with their elite benefits. No choice offered. What they do offer is a voucher for “$15 refund of the destination fee,” which is good towards breakfast (or lunch) in their restaurant as a way to justify the application of a destination fee. This seems to fly smack in the face of the terms and conditions, so I’d like a Lurker to check in on this. .
According to the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, at Le Méridien (and six other Starwood legacy brands, including resorts), members who are Platinum Elite and above are allowed to choose one of the following as an Elite Welcome Gift:
— 1,000 Points per Stay
— Amenity per Stay
— Breakfast in restaurant per night of Stay for Member +1
If the Elite Welcome Gift choices are not offered at time of arrival, the member is entitled to U.S. $100 compensation.
A reasonable person staying at a premium hotel brand like Le Méridien would expect “breakfast in restaurant” to mean just that — daily breakfast commensurate with the quality of the hotel. If there’s a second guest in the room, there would be second daily breakfast.
Not a $15 voucher. Not a continental breakfast. Not a discount off a slimy “destination fee.”
Essex Hotel Chicago chose to become Le Méridien Essex Chicago to benefit from Marriott’s marketing. This includes attracting elite guests and providing the published elite benefits.
If enough Platinum Elite (and above) members demand U.S. $100 compensation, Le Méridien Essex Chicago might learn to play by the rules.
Feb 15, 2022, 1:51 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
That's disappointing.
According to the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, at Le Méridien (and six other Starwood legacy brands, including resorts), members who are Platinum Elite and above are allowed to choose one of the following as an Elite Welcome Gift:
— 1,000 Points per Stay
— Amenity per Stay
— Breakfast in restaurant per night of Stay for Member +1
If the Elite Welcome Gift choices are not offered at time of arrival, the member is entitled to U.S. $100 compensation.
A reasonable person staying at a premium hotel brand like Le Méridien would expect “breakfast in restaurant” to mean just that — daily breakfast commensurate with the quality of the hotel. If there’s a second guest in the room, there would be second daily breakfast.
Not a $15 voucher. Not a continental breakfast. Not a discount off a slimy “destination fee.”
Essex Hotel Chicago chose to become Le Méridien Essex Chicago to benefit from Marriott’s marketing. This includes attracting elite guests and providing the published elite benefits.
If enough Platinum Elite (and above) members demand U.S. $100 compensation, Le Méridien Essex Chicago might learn to play by the rules.
According to the Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, at Le Méridien (and six other Starwood legacy brands, including resorts), members who are Platinum Elite and above are allowed to choose one of the following as an Elite Welcome Gift:
— 1,000 Points per Stay
— Amenity per Stay
— Breakfast in restaurant per night of Stay for Member +1
If the Elite Welcome Gift choices are not offered at time of arrival, the member is entitled to U.S. $100 compensation.
A reasonable person staying at a premium hotel brand like Le Méridien would expect “breakfast in restaurant” to mean just that — daily breakfast commensurate with the quality of the hotel. If there’s a second guest in the room, there would be second daily breakfast.
Not a $15 voucher. Not a continental breakfast. Not a discount off a slimy “destination fee.”
Essex Hotel Chicago chose to become Le Méridien Essex Chicago to benefit from Marriott’s marketing. This includes attracting elite guests and providing the published elite benefits.
If enough Platinum Elite (and above) members demand U.S. $100 compensation, Le Méridien Essex Chicago might learn to play by the rules.
Feb 15, 2022, 2:20 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum, United Silver, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,276
Most Marriott Bonvoy hotels comply with the published benefits. Many make a real effort to treat elite members well, recognizing that it's good business to do so.
There really should be an easier way to get the "bad apples" to change their ways. That's the purpose of the U.S. $100 compensation for non-compliance. It's supposed to be painful for the hotel. Unfortunately, if a hotel can simply refuse to pay the $100 and there's no easy way to make it happen, then the "bad apples" can keep damaging the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Mar 1, 2022, 7:24 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Contact Marriott Bonvoy Lurker or Marriott Bonvoy Lurker II or email [email protected]
Most Marriott Bonvoy hotels comply with the published benefits. Many make a real effort to treat elite members well, recognizing that it's good business to do so.
There really should be an easier way to get the "bad apples" to change their ways. That's the purpose of the U.S. $100 compensation for non-compliance. It's supposed to be painful for the hotel. Unfortunately, if a hotel can simply refuse to pay the $100 and there's no easy way to make it happen, then the "bad apples" can keep damaging the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Most Marriott Bonvoy hotels comply with the published benefits. Many make a real effort to treat elite members well, recognizing that it's good business to do so.
There really should be an easier way to get the "bad apples" to change their ways. That's the purpose of the U.S. $100 compensation for non-compliance. It's supposed to be painful for the hotel. Unfortunately, if a hotel can simply refuse to pay the $100 and there's no easy way to make it happen, then the "bad apples" can keep damaging the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Nov 21, 2023, 3:16 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
Any 2023(!) reports? At my 60 WOH nights so going to burn some Bonvoy points here (resort fee and all...gag) in a few weeks, given location for where I need to be.