You are right Socrates, some franchises do use the email system. My estimation of 99% was too high (always exaggerating!). This is still a quick way to tell if a hotel is franchised if you see the other email addresses, but you still may have to do further questioning. Thanks for clarifying!

I'd be curious to know if there is anything in the public domain which provides an overview of which group owns/manages which properties. I'd be encouraged to seek out properties owned by a particular group which seems to embrace the Marriott philosophy more that others.

The Marriott employees, that's my experience, treat you really very well when you are Platinum, even if you don't pay the full rate, only a 50% rate of a company code or even on a reward stay.
I think also the difference of being nice depends on the General Manager and each employee. The GM in the Atlanta Northwest Marriott calls every Platinum every week in the room to say thank you !
What Marriott could do additionally as a benefit for Platinum:
- Free Internet Access in (full) Marriott
- Free Beer and Wine in Concierge Lounge (in general or vouchers per day)
- Room Selection ("Which room can we offer you in our hotel?" would be nice)
- Early check-in like the existing late check-out

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Pet peeve of mine, Marriiott Platinums do not get any break or comp breakfast at Courtyards vs.the competition Free continental breakfasts at Hilton Garden Inn's for Gold and Diamond which may be upgraded to to full buffett for $2 more! :rolleyes:

I do not flaunt my status as I feel this is very tacky.

It is tacky. But 1 out of three stays, I have to go back to the front desk to get my key recoded for concierge lounge access--oftentimes reminding them that gold members receive complimentary concierge access.

I am not sure who runs the CY San Fran airport, but after my first saty last week they must have noted my preferences. because when I arrived last night, everything was set up perfectly: balcony room, Plat gift in the room, and the TV was even turned toward the bed.
Since I'll be there for a while, it was very nice to see. And I did make the reservations thru the Plat line, which is always a breeze.

Though, the lack of a free breakfast does leave a little mark against the whole thing. $10.77 for powdered eggs and wimpy bacon this morning was a little disheartening. but wow was the service fast.

If I stay in Marriotts for my remaining trips for the rest of the year I will make Platinum. Is this something I should strive for; is Plat that much better than Gold?

TV Guides turned to the correct page of the day?

Never heard of or seen this before :confused:

Not that I care, just curious.


PLT rocks. I had a CY in the Los Angeles area invite me to their holiday party after staying 6 months. I also received b-day and holiday cards from them. And yes, I returned the favors! :cool:

I'm staying at the Ren in Atlanta and this was done here. This is the first time I've seen this.