Looks like I may take a first ever stay in a Courtyard hotel (Plzen) and was hoping for some help on what to expect. I'm guessing they're like those dreadful AC hotels , but hoping they're better. What are the beds like? Do they have robe/slippers? Down duvet? What benefits do they give to Platinum typically? No lounges I'm sure, but anything? Thanks

If you were staying in an Asian CY you'd have exec lounge, upgrades, good service, etc. However since you're not, you can expect free internet. Not having stayed at an AC hotel, I believe CY is a step above those.

Cheers.

I've not stayed in a CY in Europe, but as SkiAdcock mentions, the Asia CYs are run as Full Service hotels.

I have stayed in NA CYs and while breakfast isn't usually provided (unless it is part of the rate), room upgrades are possible (though you may have to ask for it.) I am able to regularly get a suite upgrade in CYs in NA. I would definitely suggest asking about a suite room or other upgrade (check the website for the type of rooms they have available).

Looking at the hotel's website, this one might be a bit nicer than most standard CYs. Seems to have a great location, outdoor terrace, gardens, and open kitchen where you can watch the chef prepare meals (the latter definitely not being the norm at CYs!). Has 17 suites. It's still a CY so it's not going to be a JW (need to set expectations), but think it's above a AC. Ranked #3 of 30 hotels on TripAdvisor.

Hotel's website has pics of the property & rooms:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel...rtyard-pilsen/

Cheers.

What's the beef with AC's? They seem nice, especially in Spain or France or Italy ...

Nothing wrong with them, but they've more economy brand I think. The OP is used to staying at JW or Ritz. CY seems to be a step above AC from what I can tell, but don't know for certain

Cjeers

The ones in Spain are awful. Uncomfortable beds, tiny, barren, boring rooms with no comfort. The rooms are clean though which is a huge plus. The only other positive is the staff genuinely seems to want to do their best (not always common in Spain, even in luxury hotels). AC hotels are really just a step above an IBIS hotel (maybe two or three steps depending on how many steps there are in total because IBIS is so awful it's painful ).

Thanks to all for the comments about CY. Will give it a try.

Expect no elite benefits and no points for incidentals.

Be happy if, as some properties do, they throw you a little bone if you are Gold or Plat. Free drink, appetizer, etc. The one in Denver gives me chits for free pints at the brewery across the street.

Don't know how they compare to AC. Do Marriott elites get benefits at AC? I noticed they are building an AC Hotel in Kansas City...thought that was strange since I think of AC as a Spanish brand. Guess it's becoming more international than I thought.

Free i-net is basically it, and yes Marriott is expanding AC to the US.

Cheers.

I stayed in one years ago, before it was affiliated with Marriott. It seemed more like a really good hostel or a Club Quarters, if you've ever stayed in one, than a real hotel. And yes, it was in Spain.

While the CY is not a JW, I think the OP will definitely be more happy with it than an AC - and again, from the hotel's website it looks like it's one of the nicer CYs (although not Asia calibre of course).

Since we don't yet have a trip report on the CY Plsen, hopefully the OP will do one in this thread after his stay to make it easier for others if they do a search/want info about the property.

Cheers.

Actually, Sharon, I may be at this hotel with the next couple months. I've got a few weeks vacation left this year and was discussing going to Prague with a friend. Based on this thread, I looked into Plsen and think we may do a night or two there. If we do the trip, we will also likely stop in Amsterdam, in which case, I may do the Ren just to compare it to the FS.

The ironic part (at least to some of us on FT who are not generally fans of CY) is that there are some excellent newer CY's opening up that are of near-FS quality and service levels.

Even if withholding elite benefits is going to be part of Marriott's long-term strategy with this brand, I cannot for the life of my understand why we shouldn't get points on incidentals. You'd think that as more CY's come online with real restaurants and bars inside, they'd change this.

I still won't eat breakfast at CY out of principle, but I'd certainly be tempted to grab a late-night meal or drinks there if I was getting points. We pay a hotel premium (vs street prices), but getting a little bit back...even 10-20% in value...makes that a bit more palatable.

That's my next windmill with Marriott. No points for incidental spend at Ritz, Edition, CY, SHS (the newer ones) makes no sense to me given they have FB outlets.

Cheers.

+1

Heck, I am in a new FI (CMH Airport) and it even has a bar. I think points for incidental spend should be standard across all Marriott brands. As Sharon noted more and more of the brands do have food and beverage outlets. Off SoapBox Now....


--Jon