The 'tuck in the top sheet' lesson precedes the 'point all tissues' lecture followed by 'close the tv cabinet doors' everyday!

[This message has been edited by ROADRUNNER (edited 05-15-2001).]

Are Marriott pillows off-topic? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I got very tired of wrangling with housekeeping over how many foam pillows they'd let me have. Finally I took to explaining to housekeeping that I'm allergic to feather pillows, and I just get the lot changed out. It's even sort of true, and it always works. But it does involve time and hassle and tipping factors. Now I've noticed that the booking form on the website lets you request foam pillows. Do any of you do that? Does it work for you? This could be an actual improvement! Of course, if you change rooms at check-in, it's not helpful, but somebody noticed something.

This is either the most or the least appropriate topic to be discussing during a bit of insomnia - I can't decide which, but I think I'll go back to bed. Sweet dreams everyone!

Phil - Bill is JW, Jr. is he not? But I didn't know that there was a Priceline 15 years ago! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I have recently switched to Starwood (more specifically--Westin and the "Heavenly Bed") for that very reason.

Recently stayed at the Westin SFO Airport at $129 with the "Heavenly Bed". The Marriott Courtyard with the "3 inch foam" was $209. NO COMPARISON!

I now look for Westin's that feature this bed--Marriott had better wise up. Some of the worst night's sleep I have ever experienced have been at the Downtown Chicago Marriott--not only are the bathrooms there closets, but the beds are awful.

I like their beds and find them perfectly comfortable compared to Hilton's, Sheraton's and at some places also Hyatt's.

Muerz

------------------
Hyatt Platinum
Marriott Silver

I have requested the foam pillows numerous times on the website and to date have not received foam pillows at check in.

Regarding the concierge level, It is rare I don't get the level, but I generally stay at the same properties over and over which may help.

And yes, I am discerning http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Though I have to admit I have more problems with the sheets than the mattresses, but am usually tired enough to sleep anyway (then again, I've fallen asleep on the Marriott couches plenty of times, the chairs, etc.)

I guess I am in the minority, but the Marriott foam mattresses are actually extremely comfortable for me. I get a great night's sleep on these almost every time. As long as they are changed out on a regular basis so they maintain their firmness, they are more comfortable than my own bed and Westin's Heavenly bed!

Have you ever taken the sheet and pad off the mattress and looked at it? Like studying tree rings, it can give you an idea of how old it is!

Mattresses wear faster then most people think. Many people who don't respond to physiotherapy for low back pain, have OLD BAD mattresses, that have not been regularly turned over. Especially the kingsize, since they are SO BIGG! Surgery is TOO often the last resort, that only compounds the problems.

I have been through several mattresses in the last 10 years, since the breakdown can be felt in a matter of months. After about 1 year, the center 'sags' enough on inspection to warrent a FREE replacement under the current 10 year warrenty. I do not anticipate paying for another NEW mattress ever again. The warrenties have been reduced from 20 years pro rata to 10 years Full Warrenty.

Have you noticed that most Bedding company names start with the letter "S"? Serta Simmons Springair, Etc. Only a couple of exections. ANyone have an idea why? My only guess is sleep starts with the letter (S)leep!

Most of the companies have been consolidated into a couple of companies through mergers in the last several years.

About 15 years ago I met a mattress salesman in Salt Lake City, and we discussed different types of mattresses. He said the Latex ones were the best. At that time, I asked why were the Marriott beds so comfortable. His reply was, that they were replaced often. That has obviously changed and Marriott opts for deferred renovations with older mattresses along with the other furnishings.

If you wake up early or during the nite, it just might be your mattress. Moreso, if it is older then a year or two and not turned over every couple of months. Take a yard stick and lay it across the center of the bed and see if there is a depression.
The other way to tell if you have a bad mattress is, if you keep looking forward to sleeping in a heavenly bed at the hotel instead of going home! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You might want to search on prior topics as the topic of the crummy 4 in pieces of foam has been discussed recently on this board. A few weeks ago I read a big article in US Today on all the major hotel changes doing a complete change to their bedding. Marriott was among those chains who are going to be changing all their mattresses to better, thicker more luxurious ones over the next couple of years. Marriott said 50% of the properties would have the new bedding by the middle of 2002. I can't wait. I hate those 4 inch pieces of foam that they call a mattress. I also hate their flat as a board pillows and end up putting three of them under my head to get the neck support I need. Why do I stay at Marriott so often then? Well I own 2 time shares with them and so I try to buitd more points when ever possible.

MileKing:

Marriott's matresses more comfortable than Westin's Heavenly Bed? Seriously?

I'm in the Albany, NY Marriott tonite...the foam is so bad I'm gonna sleep on the floor tonite. What I'll do for points. Oh...for the comfort of a Motel 6!

If Marriott does change their mattresses you can be sure it will be changed LAST in the timeshares ... and you know it won't be Marriott footing the bill for it!!

There was an article about the "Bed Wars." Marriott is supposed to be getting new beds, but Westin is far more reaching in its marketing, and in the time that its taking to get the new beds into the rooms. Also, some of the Sheraton Properties are getting the new "Sleigh Beds" which are the exact same mattress, different bedding and Frame. ( http://www.sheraton.com/promos/sheratonrooms/index.htm )Of course, All W's have the mattress.

Also, when the sheets do come off, take a look at the side of the mattress. They typically have a month on them (Like Oct Nov Dec) Hotels are supposed to (at least the ones that I have worked in) rotate the mattresses every few months, and flip them over a few times a year.

I love Desert Springs in Palm Desert (the timeshares) but the beds ARE awful - I have always had to ask for a board. I think it depends on the property. The beds at the Grand Ocean were fine.

------------------
DtG

I stayed at the San Mateo Marriott on Saturday and had the most awesome bed. It was as good as any Westin Heavenly bed I've been in. I've never had one like it at a Marriott (or Hilton or Starwood except Westin) I hope its the beginning of a transition.

The Marriott's with the feather beds, (e.g. New York Marriott East Side) are very comfortable. I have also heard that the Marriott in South Beach, Miami also has feather beds. Since I am going there next week, if anyone can confirm this, it would be great.