My company has decided to drop Bass Hotels & Resorts, apparently there were just too many complaints. Bass just loves to hide behind the "each hotel is independently owned and operated" phrase.

They are looking towards Marriott (hotel has to be an Air Canada partner).

I would like to know what is the general feeling about Marriott Hotels?

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Consistant (sp?) service. I have stayed at Marriotts all over - Phila, Charlestown, WV, New Orleans, northern Virginia, Key West, London - and even at some Courtyard by Marriotts - always clean, above-par service. The Courtyards do not have room service or a bar (they do have a breakfast service area) but are very nice for a somewhat more affordable price. I'd give Marriott a try.

I agree that Marriott's typically have a very consistent service, but at times they are a bit too consistent: all the hotels appear to be the same and I don't find that you'll see the local flavour of a city or country reflected. The Marriott in Amsterdam for example could be anywhere in the world - there is no telling...

Intercontinental and Hyatt do this a lot better in my opinion - if you are in the Bali Hyatt, you're in Bali - not just in any other resort. The Intercontinental American hotel in Amsterdam (it's a Forum hotel really) is definitely very 'Amsterdam' - design, art work etc.

One of my biggest problems is the fact that under the Marriott portfolio, there are some properties that do not participate in Marriott Rewards ex. Renaissance Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Another thing is the fact that there is no toll free number for Marriott Rewards so it is not always possible to get a live person.

I am actually looking for concistent service. I did stay at the Marriott in Calgary Canada in October last year and the service, room and food were much better than what one would get at the Crowne Plaza.

I find though that some of their properties are a bit overpriced and I often wonder if it it is worth it?

Come on fellow frequent travelers, tell me what you really feel about the Marriott, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard, Towne Place Suites, Renaissance Hotels

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I think that Marriott has a lot going for it, especially with its very extensive portfolio of hotels.

I like the Marriotts and you will typically get what you pay for here. They are expensive, but so are the Hyatts and Hiltons.

Courtyard is probably my favorite set of properties, and you'll usually get the best bang for the buck at these properties. Nicely appointed clean rooms and good service at a reasonable price.

Residence Inns are also nice, though they can be a little expensive, but it is basically a suite you are getting for the price. This is probably my second choice after Courtyard for bang for the buck.

I've stayed at one TownePalce Suites, and I would not recommend it. Poor service and cheaply appointed rooms.

I've stayed at one Fairfield Inn, and it was too little hotel for me and will probably try and get Courtyards in the future over Fairfield. Good service, but the rooms were cheaply appointed.

I've yet to stay at a Springhill Suites, but considering some of them are rebadged Fairfields, I think that will be a good marker for comparison.

The things I like best about Marriott:

1. At their hotels & suites, the concierge lounge offers a very good selection, better than most full-service hotels I've personally stayed at. Ex: the usual fruits and cheese platters, free sodas & juices, but also serious hors d'ouerves like sweet and sour chicken, jambalaya, fried shrimp, and baked ziti. I don't even need to order dinner unless I happen to be exceptionally (for me) hungry. And, if you're platinum level, access is free.
2. The free gift boxes awaiting me. Every week: bottled water, chips, salsa, dried fruit packs. Plus chocolate truffles every night (NOT equal Rudi's Swiss chocolates, of course! OMNI: Thanks again, Rudi, the whole family really enjoyed those you sent.)
3. As the others have said, availability and consistency. Most towns, there is some Marriott property available, and you know what you'll get. If you're going to use some points and book a free stay, there's probably some kind of Marriott property nearby.
4. The Residence Inns' free shopping. Just fill out the shopping list on the counter and the groceries'll be in the fridge when you get in that evening. VERY nice service when you're in a strange town! There is no fee for the service and the groceries are added to your bill.
5. Electronic checkout at the full service hotels. The morning you're checking out, your copy of the bill is slid under your door. Turn on the TV and check out, or call the front desk. No waiting in line!

Marriott isn't perfect, but it is my favorite chain.

Flyaway: I think it all depends if you are comparing Marriott to Holiday Inn or Inter-Continental.

My view is that HI properties (particualy in the US) are a joke. Add to this the fact the the Priority Club is not exactly cutting edge and I think Marriott is superior in terms of accom and FF scheme.

However, my experience is that IC properties are far superior to Marriott, and the 6CC is in my opinion the only one that offers consistent levels of recognition (although no miles).

So I think it very much depends if you are moving to Marriott from mainly HI or mainly IC.

Nick

PS: For the record, Marriott has my loyalty this year. Hilton seems to be very patchy at the moment.

I don't know what parts of the world you're dealing with, but for Canada specifically, I have never dealt with a better hotel chain than Delta. Marriott seems to be pretty good also--I particularly like Courtyard.

I only have experience with Marriott's full service hotels and resorts carrying the Marriott brand name (as opposed to Courtyard or Residence Inn, etc.). To that extent I agree with everything hnechets said a couple of posts ago. But I'd add that you get free access to the Concierge Lounge not only if you're Platinum level (75 nights/year) but also if you're Black level (50 nights/year). Black level Honored Guests don't get the welcoming gift, however.

Marriott Hotels are fine in general. If you can get to the membership level that allows lounge access (or if your company's willing to pay for it), I'm certain you'll find your stays even more memorable.

TravelDave

Thanks to all of you for your input!

My company still has not decide if they will go exclusively with Bass Hotels or Marriotts. The Intercontinental Hotels are great, however, they just do not have a lot of locations in North America. The MArriott hotels are certainly better than Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn properties in general.



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