May I never become like that...

I always found out that asking/reminding nicely once works wonders. Getting all pumped up for something that trivial is, like kymba said, completely out of place; crisis or not.

I was stuck in Houston during Ike, and the hotel lost power and even water for about 2-3 days, but seeing the staff working really hard to put things back together, and all those evacuees and people who lost everything; I would never have dared .....ing about anything. Yet, some people go beserk because they don't find a newspaper at their doorstep...

Set your priorities straight.

Everyone has their personal breaking point. OP's was the comic, i mean usa Today.

Personally, I hate bending over to pick up the paper as I leave the room in the morning, and am just as apt to run over it with my computer bag and pick one up in the lobby instead, so yeah, good on Marriott for eliminating this potentially back breaking benefit.

don't quit your day job

your future as a comedian is quite limited

Maybe if you insult the manager and threaten to move your business elsewhere, some clerck will be there in the morning holding your newspaper so you won't have to bend over. ;)

I would call that an enhancement - for Plats only :rolleyes:

Paper Delivered at Springhill Suites
 

Recently, the Springhill Suites in Louisville started slipping the USA Today under the guestroom doors early in the morning. Prior to that the paper was to be found on the table near the elevator.

I don't know if that is typical or just the staff's desire to do something a little extra for the guests. (Seems to be contrary to Marriott's stated policy)

Seems harsh, and I don't understand the blurb about government jobs...makes no sense, and not your proudest moment. But thanks for helping keep my taxes low...ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Generally speaking....
 

Dingo...my blurb about us taking a $600 net hit every month was merely to point out that everyone is taking a hit in this economy, that's all.

I am not in the least embarassed or feel shameful of my reply. And, for those that responded as well, seems like I'm in good company.

I just think in these times, it is absolutely ridiculous to want to take your business elsewhere because a hotel no longer puts a newspaper on your front door. Someone needs a reality check.

I did have a chuckle from the fellow that said the daily newspaper at the front door is more of a nuisance than perk. I have the same feeling every day as I roll over the paper with my computer bag, bend down, grab the paper and toss it into the room.

My husband absolutely loves reading the paper. So I know there are many people that enjoy reading a real hard-copy newspaper. I'm just saying that there are cutbacks that we all have to deal with and to put this in perspective.

I stand by my post and feel no different today. I would admit it, without a problem, if I thought I responded too harshly, I have no problem with that, but in this case, sorry....I still feel the same.

Dawn

Everyone makes choices based on something.

I don't really care about the newspaper, but the OP does. And I feel your post belittled him in a very un-FlyerTalker way. But that's just me.

Speaking as a moderator, I tend to agree that the response was kinda harsh. We do pretty well here disagreeing without being disagreeable. Let's stay on that path if we can. Thanks!

Bruce
Moderator

I agree with Kymbakitty, but I also agree with the Mod. in that I would have worded my post a bit differently while trying to make the same point which Kymbakitty made. I guess we all have our breaking point, but in the overall scheme of things, I'm not going to let the lack of a paper at my door drive me over the edge. Life's too short, and believe me I know; I work in an ER and many of my patients would love to have their biggest worry be the lack of a newspaper at their door. Until a true disaster affects you personally, sometimes it's hard to understand how trivial all the other stuff really is.

Agreed.

He actually should have been belittled for his atrocious spelling. :D :D :D

Look, FT brings out a good amount of ego-driven, DYKWIA, SPS types. It's probably best just to let them rant.

Personally, I really do like and appreciate getting a newspaper at my room door every morning. It is one of the few quiet times I have to just sit and read the paper before I head out into the cold, cruel world. :) Now, I tend to sit and read the paper before I shower, shave, etc in the morning. I like to make a cup of hot tea and read the paper. Now at some Marriotts, I will have to get dressed before I can read the paper. (And that also assumes they don't run out before I get there. So I might have to get up earlier just to get a paper now.)

Now while I probably won't change staying at a specific hotel just because of the paper delivery issue, it is one more thing that I will take into consideration when choosing where I will stay.

Plus who am I to tell someone else what their priorities should be?

Perhaps the newspaper isn't the end all to me switching hotels, but the point is, Marriott may close the CL on Sundays, they have cut back on the CL services and food, they have take the mouth wash out, no newspapers delivered now. What else will they cut back?? I thought that Plats, Gold and even Silver are their best customers. In this down economy shouldn't you look at ways to get more guests, not less??

I think they're looking at ways to get more guests of the type that don't yell at them. :D :D :D

Night credit bonus promos, 20% off promos, providing "rollover" room nights for people who might not make Plat or Gold but who are substantially over Silver or Gold...these appear to me to be ways to get more of the fattest slice of the pyramid of guests - the ones who stay 5-25 nights a year at hotels.

I don't think many on FT realize just how dire it is in the hospitality business these days.

Although GREAT promotions and I welcome them, it is easier to retain existing customers then to find new ones. The amenities they discountined are so realatively minor in the whole picture of saving money. I would have no problem at all if they had to raise the rates $10/night to stay in business and make money.

You would have no problem; a far greater number of potential guests would. In a 30% occupancy market, it's all about stealing market share from others so that your hotel still loses money, just loses it at a little slower rate than the competition.

i understand that many of you still cling to the tradition of the morning paper. personally, i have been getting my news electronically for quite some time, so i find it useful that i can permanently request "no paper" so that i don't have to do it every time i check in. i am disappointed when i forget because the paper that is left for me will be just another unread, unrecycled stack of newsprint.

enjoy your print newspapers while you still can, i guess :)

+1

So you don't deem your words offensive? That's just insane. That's not the world we live in today. Only the person on the receiving end of the words gets to determine offense and how much their feelings are hurt. Certainly they teach that in the government don't they? It's called politcal correctness, so your opinion of your words isn't relevant. They were intolerant.

I don't agree with your sentiment that the economy sucks we must all suffer. I'm tired of that tripe b.s. line from people and it rings hollow here at least to me. I will continue to expect the same service that I have come to know and vote with my dollars and feet. So please don't give me this 'you must lower your expectations because the economy sucks' routine. If I were running a business, and I do, I would think just the opposite: how can I delight my customers to help them realize how much I appreciate their business.

I know that there are no customers for government EE's so that may be a foreign concept.

At any rate, and I don't mean this personally, I don't mind hearing that government EE's are taking pay cuts.

Well said! Thanks

David

PC....?
 

Sorry if I wasn't polically correct enough for you....and yes, that is taught in gov't as it is in every other workplace. But I can state my opinion and not precluded from doing so just because I happen to get a check from the gov't...I'm not on state business. I didn't call anyone any personal names, or use racist or sexist remarks. I think someone after me did a much better job of saying what I wanted to say and did a better job--that is true.

If you remember, I mentioned that as far as the paycut, I say, "why not state workers?" so I don't think we are beyond reproach whatsoever. I didn't take it personal in the least.

I wish you continued success in all that you do and may you never experience any loss in your business/health/loved ones or worth as a result of the mess our country is in...and may every one of your friends and family also prosper and not get pulled into the mess that so many Americans are facing every day.

The ER nurse hit the nail on the head....until you are faced with a tragedy, head on, you still sweat the small stuff. I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff.

I learned something about the paper as a result of this post. I had no idea that I could STOP it from being delivered to my door by changing my profile. That paper is a pain in the b*tt! It is a waste on me and I never read the darn thing. I'll go check out my profile right now!

And by the way, I wish I could share the personal emails I have rec'd from others in support of my post. But of course I would never do that...but thanks to those that emailed. I appreciate it! And yes, I know why you did not publically post your reply!

Dawn

My post was merely my feelings that Marriott (and other companies) should not reduce their services to their best customers. If they do, and their customers complain, they should re-think their strategy. The newspaper, although minor to some, represents one more step in reducing the quality of the product out there.

Continental once did away with full elite miles on some fares. Too many elites complained and they were reinstated. This was my sole purpose of posting the newspaper post.

If we let Marriott and other companies do away with items we expect, what would be next? Bring your own pillows and sheets?

The reason I stay at Marriott brand hotels is because of the service and amenities I expect from them. If I wasn't interested in them then Holiday Express or La Quinta would get all of my business.

My post was to let Marriott know that some are unhappy with their decision. Perhaps the preferences that the FS and the Ren look at can be expanded to all the brands - this way if you want a paper you get it regardless of where you stay and if you don't want it you don't get it.

For what is is worth, I too am self employed and give my customers more than they ask for -- especially in this economy.

Thanks to all,
David

Some Perks
 

I agree with the majority of these replies, keep the paper for the Plat. They have already downgraded and degraded the other perk, lounge offerings. Very few other perks can spark the loyality facor to Marriott.

I would think in these tough times, you would want to keep your more frequent patrons loyal & happy. They are paying the majority of the salaries...

But then again, I am in customer service - silly me@:-)

Darn it. I've got no emails in support of my posts. Ah, hold on a second...I don't need the emails or approval of others to validate my sentiments.

Continue on with your pity party...remember, the economy sucks so you must assume everyone has to suffer in ways that you get to define. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need afterall (Karl Marx, 1875).

After staying at CYs for a while and having to trek down to the FD to get my paper every morning, I was looking forward to having the local paper delivered to me this morning at the FS here in Tysons Corner.

Unfortunately, I guess they didn't print the Washington Post this morning since I'm sure Marriott wouldn't just ignore their latest "upgrade" in service -- especially for the Plats on the concierge level.

Oh, and not only did I not get a local paper, but I didn't get ANY newspaper. The lounge had only 2 copies of the USA today (at 6:30am) and no WSJ. At least the CY had a decent supply of WSJs at the front desk.

I was planning a second night here, but I'm going to check out instead and try the Hilton down the street.

That echoes my experience at another full service property and noted in an earlier message. I can understand the limited service properties going to an alternative delivery system, but the full service properties cutting back - against what was posted here and on the Marriott web site - is pretty low. :mad:

I am posting this message from a Hilton Garden Inn where I will get not only a newspaper, but a complimentary cooked breakfast and a full compliment of toiletries, including mouthwash (try this at a Courtyard).

After more than a decade as a Platinum at Marriott, I have voted with my feet. This stay makes me a Diamond at Hilton. ^ The cutbacks - not only the newspapers, but things like the lounge cutbacks are noticed makes the Marriott brands less attractive.

I hope they are reading this.

We all need to starting doing this. To you its the newspaper, to me its mouthwash, to another its the lounge. Whatever it is, its a concerted effort by the Marriott chain to cutback in the worst possible, penny-wise and pound foolish manner.

Although Marriott is visibly cutting back benefits, other hotel chains, which I would never have given a second look two years ago, are actively courting business travelers with upgraded amenities and sweetened frequent traveler programs.

I've talked with my traveling coworkers, several of them who were once fiercely loyal to Marriott, and they now consider Marriott a second choice.

Keeton and Joshua362,
You can see the move away from MI by the decrease in postings on the FT MR forum.
Even those loyalist who used to shout down the folks who questioned Marriott's actions(such as myself)are now looking at/staying with other chains.
I have my second night this year with a MI property,picked soley only for finacial reasons,that is a huge drop off from the business I gave them last year,and HUGE dropoff from the years before that.

Now some(the few loyalist/apologist still here)will pipe up with-"Good, don't let the door hit you on the way out"or other such glib statements-but how many others have to start spending elsewhere before Marriott gets the message and starts actively persuing our loyalty once again?

My last stay was Saturday to Monday. There was no paper delivery Sunday morning and, indeed, the only papers anywhere in the property were some Friday USA Todays near the restaurant.

I would've mentioned this earlier, but it slipped my mind, as it occurred right before I received appallingly bad breakfast service for the second time in 2 stays.

This reminds me of a personal situation where another industry is hell bent on shooting itself in the foot. About 2 years ago, I had an opportunity to invest in a business and decided not to touch "stock investments" (a big mistake in retrospect). Due to STELLAR credit, there were no shortage of credit card companies throwing low and no percent offers at me, which I took full advantage of being a CPA.

Now, I've never been late on a payment in 30 years and still haven't. I enjoy the low rates, deduct the interest and the business is starting to generate more cash than I ever expected. Yet my FICO credit score (a useless measure if I ever saw one) has plunged for using the credit extended and morons like AMEX, Citibank and others have closed and reduced lines to unusable levels - and I can't get any others to open any others for special point/mile/other earning opportunities. And I charge and pay off fully some $25,000 monthly - what's the 3% merchant fee from that?

So what's my reaction? Boycott anything to do with Amex and Citibank - whom which I have a very long relationship with, stop taking AMEX in my business and just have a sour taste towards all of them in general.

I see the Marriott similarity here - ignore the long, profitable relationship with a "good" customer with a PROVEN POSITIVE TRACK RECORD in favor of a raw number or potential "savings" some computer or bean counter spit out.

Ignore the facts, story and erosion of goodwill behind the numbers because a computer can't possible be wrong. Sadly, I've tried but I can't convince or reach anyone with decision making authority the error of their ways.

A computer can't program/anticipate human emotion and reaction !!

There was a burst of activity on FT's Marriott thread after the (in)famous memo of last year came out around December. I think the activity has been subdued after that died down when people realized what properties have cut to the bone. Not every property has decided to follow that memo, and there have been some properties who have not changed things. Of course, you won't see me post that list publicly since I have no desire to see Marriott making the service more consistent by forcing these properties to cut back their offerings to elite members.

I have a list of Marriott properties that I frequent (mainly FS Marriott and a few CYs), but the days are gone where I would book a Marriott sight unseen. There have been cutbacks at several hotel chains with the soap cutback reported at *Wood properties and the closing of lounges at Westin properties and the closing of lounges by Hilton for US properties.

Marriott has been short sighted with some of these cuts, but I will not expect things to get better until RevPAR starts to go up. That might happen in 2011, assuming most of Marriott's gold and platinum guests have not defected by then.

Since most of my stays are at one property, I have made it clear to that hotel what my limits are. They can stop giving free stuff to the semi-frequent guests, but I expect certain comps, and I have no qualms about moving my business if they decide to say no to me on what I want.

I realize that the hospitality industry is hurting, but kicking your best customers in the face is not going to get them to open their wallets. It has only been in the recent 2-3 months that room rates have started to drop to meet the reduced demand (and service offered). Someone wrote a thread on FT about a recent Fortune article on how Marriott is trying to manage in the current environment. I thought that article was more sympathetic to Marriott than the actual reality.

Travel demand will return, although business travel might not fully recover if videoconference meetings become much more popular. Marriott may discover that their flag's value has declined after a long period of service cutbacks. The Marriott of 2009 is far from the Marriott of 2004-2005 in my mind. Hotels better consider how they can participate in the growing videoconference business and how to offer value for customers.

The ability to price discriminate will drop as people become more tech savvy. This is an unavoidable fact with the greater ease of looking up information online. Your 20 & 30 year old hotel guest is more adept at comparing price and properties online than the 50 year olds who dominate upper management today. Marriott (and other hotel chains) better adapt to this changing reality.

Great analysis. I know many 50 year olds that stay where they are told to stay regardless, but in my 40's I question and book as I please...

This is a review of the Tysons Corner Marriott after my first stay in over a year. I did not visit the gym or use their laundry machines. I will hijack this thread with a rather detailed review.

I checked out today from the Tysons Corner Marriott on an EEO stay at $85 that included the movie vouchers (it seemed like they handed out a bunch of them this past weekend since I got the last sheet). The lounge had a few USA Today and about 5 WSJs when I was in the lounge at 8:30. I got a delivered WSJ in front of my room and was upgraded to a larger king room that had a shower only bathroom (the shower is separated by only a shower curtain). They have 5 copies of the WSJ and 2 copies of the USA Today as of writing this post. The papers are located near the tables in the middle on the left side if you face the front desk. Yes, they don't offer free Washington Post papers anymore on weekends. I did see the guy drop off a small bundle in the lobby at around 5 am on Sunday, but you have to pay for those papers.

This property used to have free internet for Boingo roaming. They got rid of that, and you have to pay $12.95/night for internet (wireless or wired) for the WFB package that includes unlimited local and long distance (within the USA). Now, you can get free internet in the lobby in 2 hour increments (used to cost unless you roamed with Boingo or other former partners). (This also explains my presence in the lobby at 5 am on Sunday.) There is also free wireless in the concierge lounge.

The offerings in the CL have dropped from what I remembered on my last stay of more than a year ago. The appetizers and dessert used to be amazing. Sunday night had one hot appetizer (a small, filled tortilla cone with some vegetables, cheese and meat), two types of cheese (cheddar and some green vegetable cheese mix- I don't remember the name), crackers, colored tortilla chips and salsa, a bit of a nut mix and some portable fruit. They used to have full salads (including one pasta one), fresh cut fruit (strawberries, cantaloupe, and pineapple) and hummus with pita bread.

The dessert was solely chocolate brownies with some nuts on top. I remember when they served cake and occasionally cheesecake. Breakfast was fairly good with the cutbacks being no bacon/sausage, no sliced cheese, and no oatmeal. They still have the scrambled eggs with shredded cheddar, sliced fruit, sandwich meat, yogurt, cereal, coffee, tea, juice (cranberry, grapefruit, apple and orange), muffins and bagels. Breakfast in the lounge runs from 6:30 - 9 am, and you better show up by 9 since the lounge attendant starts breaking down at 9:02. Some other lounges in the DC area keep serving until 10 am (i.e. the Fairview Park Marriott), but the Tysons Corner Marriott offers more food for breakfast.

All rooms have 32" HDTV with about 40 channels. The upgraded room had only shampoo, conditioner and body lotion (in my case, I had two bottles of conditioner by mistake).

Platinum members are still treated well (with room upgrades and other stuff) at this property. They did mess up my bill by not taking off my second night and sending me a second bill after omitting a restaurant charge. One bill (the restaurant bill) had my Marriott number while my room charges did not have that. I got it straightened out at checkout. A 2 pm late checkout request was honored although I was running late after taking longer than expected to pick up a Hertz rental car (after my own car died this weekend on I-95).

You mean like this?

Starwood and Marriott Introduce 'Telepresence' Systems

At the SHS Gaithersburg (where for some reason they are offering the weekend AY3 rate midweek, and they say they are busy:rolleyes:)

They wanted to charge me an extra 7 bucks for 2 beds. I said ask the GM to call it an upgrade (my mom and i will NOT wipe out breakfast!)

At 7:45 there were exactly 5 USATodays and a stack (maybe 12 or so) WSJs! By 8:15 they were gone.

Breakfast ends at 9 and it's impossible to get to......

And over our heads is a noisy something or other (supposedly a SMALL exhaust fan.)

I think i am moving to the FS Gaithersburg Friday...(stopped in today, was offered free coffee and told that i can come there for free breakfast!^) Maybe i should have moved today!

This paper crap is really annoying! Can we PLEASE give plats a paper outside my door. ok so i am lazy. Oh, and they no longer put plates in the rooms...have to haul bottom to the lobby!

The FS in Gaithersburg never gave free breakfast on the weekends, and the weekend buffet costs $3 more than the weekday. They had a nice lounge from my one stay of about 2 years ago and used to give free gym passes to the Sports & Health nearby (don't know if they still do that).

i know....but the AGM himself told me...heck he even invited me to come eat there on him!:D perhaps they are TRYING...who knows....(actually some years ago they did give breakfast.............)

as for the sports club....yeah right. :rolleyes: my idea of exercise is sleeping!
lol!

So..this AM in a 160-odd room SHS that is probably 80-90% judging from the amount of cars and people in the lobby, at 8AM there were no McPapers left and 3 WSJ. The clerk (who has been around for 8 years:rolleyes: and is SUPER clueless)-says they only get 30% So....that means less than 1/4 of guests will get a paper!

I tell her to buy me a Wash Post and to save me one. I was really going to drive over to Fernwood and knock on Bill's door, give him a piece of my mind and chop up my PP card.

But..since Tiger is in town for his golf tourney...too much traffic.:mad:

This nickle and diming is annoying....awaiting a call back from the powers that be over there in Bethesda.

And try to get breakkie here! Should have taken up the AGM at the FS next door on his offer to go eat there........

ok...done venting.

You should have moved your reservation. I have not had to complain to anyone yet for not having a paper, but I am ready to do that and/or move my reservation to another Marriott or Hyatt property.