+1. Is there an opt-out? (Other than the obvious ones of not making special requests, not being Platinum Premier, not staying.)

It seems to be against Marriott's privacy policy, but then if the hotel is showing your information to other guests, it's the property (franchisee), not Marriott, disclosing that information. Some properties have their own privacy policies (such as this one).

It's not as bad as Starwood (which now forcibly mugshots some guests) but it seems like a hospitality business should know better.

If it's the property, then one would need to opt out at each individual Marriott property? This isn't realistic. I would hope that any hotel would have a policy that their staff members are not to share guest lists with any non employee. Period.

Most customer-facing businesses have something like a VIP list. Hotels are leaders in this. Not about silly marketing stuff like "elite status" but about people of note where the staff needs to pay special attention.

Could be a regular customer at the individual property. Could be the CEO's niece, perhaps the GM's nephew. And sometimes it's just an ordinary guy with some special needs or maybe the travel manager for a business Marriott is courting.

High end properties keep dossiers on regular customers, tracking their every preference so that when you call down to order breakfast, the order taker asks whether you would like your regular 4-minute eggs or whatever.

The employee ought to be terminated on the spot. Privacy aside, the whole point of doing this is to make the VIP feel really special, not that there's some crib sheet in the employee's pocket.

My Hen and I spent a week end at the local Ritz. We had never been there before, checked in on Friday, leaving on Monday. Sunday afternoon, we got a personal note 'welcoming me back'. Huh? Sunday evening and Monday morning at the lounge a little (ok, maybe a lot) more attention, "Welcome back", etc.. Come Monday morning, called for our car and was told "Dr Turkey, is there anything else we can do for you this morning?". Huh, "DR Turkey".

It's not like my last name is Smith or Wilson. There are not many 'Turkeys' here in the States (or elsewhere, especially after dinner time today).

Guess, Dr Turkey is high the VIP list!

I’ve run a couple of conferences at Marriott properties, and we have asked the hotel to add our speakers to their ViP lists. Normally this means they get a fruit basket or a bottle of wine.

At both the Singapore Marriott and the BKK JW lounge staff have taken my photo to be placed in an album in the back room so that staff (esp new staff) can recognize frequent guests (the regulars) and address them by name, as well as preferences noted. At the BKK JW the lounge provides personalized coffee/tea mugs for frequent guests. Staff knows that I prefer black coffee and in the evening my favorite cocktail is provided w/o asking. Several times the lounge manager mentioned that she knew I was coming since they check the elite list daily. This is only my experience from these two properties, and I expect that mileage varies--but at least some props pay close attention to elites.

Funny, I came across this several years ago and, with the Marriott properties I frequent most, I've asked to have my name removed from the VIP lists. At those properties, they already know me and I'm treated well enough. I value my privacy and peace far more than any amenities, most of which I find silly and totally unnecessary. Chit-chat with the GM or lounge attendant about my recent travels or how my family is doing is far more appreciated by me.

Sharing a list that has guest names and attributes (of any kind) is just wrong. As Socrate says, there are many reasons a name might be on that list...and none of them are anyone else's business.

:td: to this hotel and employee who did so.