... and what did they say when you asked if they can have anything available at the time you need to leave? The only people that can answer your question with any level of authority is the property. Our experience may differ from property, day of the week, management at the time, to staff on duty.

I see. Probably 6:20 ish.

IMHO, missing a breakfast at an FI/RI/SHS isn't a big deal. It's not like it's a full-service restaurant breakfast or decent concierge lounge spread you're missing. It's worth a few bucks at most, so you're not blowing any money by not partaking.

Agree. Best thing is to ask & find out if they can do it or not, so he can plan accordingly.

Cheers.

I did not ask that question on my first call and have not called back to ask if there's anything available before 7:00

Wow. I'm surprised this topic is catching so much attention.

A few short years ago, all of Marriott brands would have easy to grab, prepackaged items like granola bars, cereal, yogurt, milks, waters, juices, fruit cups, etc. Now in probably a cost cutting move disguised as "going green", I see less and less approaching zero. Certainly not hard to replace for a few bucks at the quickie-mart next door but at four-five times that amount at any airport...

PS - we are all suckers for "free" or at least getting what we paid for.

Well it's not really catching that much attention. There were some questions asked that you answered & suggestions made (which may prove helpful to others if they ever find themselves in similar situation) It's not like it's a 25-page thread ;) :p :D

Cheers.

When I'm traveling solo or with just my wife, I'd agree with you. The breakfast at these hotels is poor quality food that objectively isn't worth much and is easily replaced by grabbing something inexpensive, almost as quick, and substantially tastier en route to wherever we're going. When traveling with family, however, it's a different story. Suddenly the alternative to complimentary breakfast in the lobby, however shabby it is, is a trip to restaurant that costs $50 and takes at least three times as long.

Man, I *hope* they aren't claiming to be green. :eek: Breakfast at Fairfield Inn and Residence Inn is about the *least* green thing I see in hotels, with all of the styrofoam trash generated in the process.

Once in a while I find a classier (often newer and large-city urban) Residence Inn that has real tableware, but never a Fairfield Inn.

To answer the other question, I've never seen a to-go bag at any Marriott brand designed for people leaving before the regular breakfast time. When I'm in that boat (leaving the hotel at 5AM), I just accept that I'll get my breakfast somewhere inside the airport after I clear security.

Yup! Exactly... I'm trying to get to an ATV rental place by 7:00 and trying to get everyone up and fed is not easy. It is much easier to have breakfast at the hotel. Guess I'll have to look for alternatives...

Or, I don't know, you could call the hotel & see what they could do for you, explaining your situation. They may be able to work w/ you on having something. If not, then you can just do a McD's stop. But in the multiple times you posted on the thread you could have called back & found out your options (if any).

Cheers.

Well, plan #1 should be to call the hotel, as SkiAdcock has been suggesting, and see if they can accommodate your early schedule. Failing that, my plan #2 would be to find an inexpensive joint nearby the group can agree on for breakfast, something like Starbuck's, Dunkie's, or McD's. Failing that, my plan #3 would be to buy convenient breakfast foods the day before-- things like nutritious bars, dry cereal, and milk-- and eat in the hotel. Perhaps combine #3 with a bit of #1... can the hotel agree to provide basics like hot coffee and cold milk at 6am, if you bring the rest?

For what it's worth, I'd put the Fairfield Inn quality more on par with the McD's drive-thru than a sit-down restaurant where you'd spend $50 for 4 people.

In fact, the McD's drive-thru might be better. :eek:

That said, whenever I'm at a Fairfield Inn there's often a Flying J (or similar) nearby if you want the big hearty truck stop breakfast.

That's a good Plan A/B/C.

Cheers.

I recently stayed at the Fairfield In. Near the Detroit airport and they had the continental breakfast items only available at 4:00am. I was pleasantly surprised as I had to leave at 4:30am to catch a flight.