On three separate occasions, over the last month, I tried to make a reservation at a Marriott. Most were properties that I had previously stayed at.

In each case, the hotel was no longer a Marriott! In most cases, the change was to Wyndham. The properties were:

Casa Marina Key West > Wyndham
Reach Key West > Wyndham
Andover, MA > Wyndham
Greentree Pittsburgh > ?

Also, earlier this year:
Orlando > Wyndham

Is it just me or does this seem like a trend?
I realize that hotels do change branding, but
was surprised by all the changes.

Note that some of these changes don't occur
until 10/1. Also, I would not be surprised if the Pittsburgh property was dropped by Marriott. It was definitely one of their lesser properties, but my special $50/night rate was great.

Bill

in individual cases this may hurt, yes.

but I did notice (to my and Marriott's favour):
- Marriott does inform early about changes (I had a res for the Orlando one for this sep, they did inform me months before and allowed me to cancel the prepaid rate)
- they get 'rid' of the 'less Marriott standard' properties
- Marriott opens more new ones than closing/selling old ones, so the balance is positiv

(Hilton never informed me when I had a res in New Delhi (near Connaught place) in may 98; three months before Hilton got that franchise contract from Holiday Inn, but before my arrival InterConti had already taken over. And at the airport (just before midnight arrival as always - big fight for fair taxi-cab rates as always - big worries and me not believing first when the taxi dispatcher told me "you mean to the InterConti", at an airport where all touristic guides warn you about taxi-scams .... I tried to get my HHonors-points for that stay (and the 1'000 www-booking bonus - but never got a reasonable answer, and yes, I gave up on this one).

Interesting. I just got a note the other day that the Wayne, PA Marriott Suites is changing or has been changed to a Wyndham. Having stayed there a few times, I certainly wouldn't call that property "less than standard". And the place always seemed to be crowded so I can't imagine it was a financial decision.

Reasons for the many changes are apparently many and varied as well. It is puzzling, however, in view of Marriotts recent effort called "2000 by 2000" in which they have undergone a rather massive expansion worldwide in an effort to reach 200 properties (with an attendant lapse in service I might add, IMHO).

Confirming Rudi, Hilton has never provided any advanced waning to me and Starwood/Sheraton barely metioned it when I called to reconfirm at the former Century in Manila, Philipines.

These changes have accelerated in the last few years and are just one more thing to be concerned about especially if you want mileage and more importantly for me personally, upgrades.

I now routinely call ahead to confirm the reservation and also to check if a lower price is now available. This has often proved not to be a wasted call and over time can save some big bucks!

For all you Texas Ranger baseball fans, earlier this month the Arlington Marriott nextdoor to the Ballpark in Arlington became a Wyndham also.
On the other hand, the Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth was purchased by Marriott and is now the Renaissance Worthington Fort Worth. A very nice property!

Say it isn't so!!! The Casa Marina is one of my favorite properties of all times!!! I hope that the change doesn't effect the property or the level of service!

I think this had something to do with Patriot American(Wyndham) acquisition of Interstate. I believe Interstate was (and still is) a large franchisor of many hotels, including Marriott. I believe there are about a dozen hotels converting from Marriott to Wyndham, including Casa Marina...

Maybe Marriott can convert the Pierhouse or something???

That's really surprising that both the Casa Marina and the Reach (both in Key West) switched, does this mean there's no full service Marriott there?!?

That's especially surprising considering both Hilton and Sheraton have opened hotels down there in the past few years ...

BTW, I've heard nothing but bad things about the Pier House, I'd avoid it ... the Ocean Key House right across the stree is a better choice ... or the Hyatt a couple blocks off of Duval.

I wish the Pier House would become a Marriott. I have stayed there before and will be back for a week next month.

It's a good location, but quiet with it's own beach.