Stayed at the TownePlace Falls Church VA again this week. Guess I must be stupid becuase this is the 4th time I've stayed there in the last 3 months. Twice the stays have been ok, twice just tolerable.

This time I got a Platinum welcome gift (only gotten that once before at this property), however today there was no bill under the door. When I went to check out, I was told that they only put the bill under the door when the guest specfically requests it (hmm, that's strange as every other time I've stayed there, it's been under the door and I've never specifically requested it).

I've been staying at the hotel becuase it is the only Marriott within a reasonable distance of McLean that is at or below per diem and of course being a Platinum, I kind of have a loyalty to Marriott.

Now my question: Do you think having "status" (such as Platinum) drives stupid behaviours? If this was another chain's hotel, I sure as heck would not have stayed there twice, much less four times! Yes, I could get per diem rates at other hotels closer to my client's office (such as Embassy Suites), but I think I'm Marriott point-adicted. Is there a cure??

Yes, but it's still in FDA trials.

I guess I've been lucky having never stayed at a Marriott branded property I would hesitate to visit again. If you're that uncomfortable, unhappy, and unsatisfied at this property, I would stay elsewhere.

TownPlaces are not really the cream of the crop when it comes to Marriott properties. As a Platinum myself, I don't really expect too much out of them becase (1) there isn't a whole lot they can offer and (2) I don't think they are exactly designed to cater to the frequent upscale traveller. I guess, in short, I have a different level of expectations if I'm staying at a TownPlace/Fairfield vs. a Courtyard/RI/SHS vs. a Marriott/JW/Renaissance.

In your situation, having to choose between a TownePlace (especially one that you're disappointed with) and an Embassy Suites, the Embassy would be a no-brainer for me (unless there's something about that hotel that isn't up to standard). The two of them just aren't even in the same class of hotel. And while I might miss out on the full kitchen at TownePlace on a long-term stay, the Embassy at least has a microwave and mini-fridge so you can make a few things if you don't feel like going out every night.

Of course, I typically get well over 100 nights with Marriotts each year, so a few diversions to other brands don't cause me to lose my status. Plus, even though I don't worry about getting status at other brands, its nice to have a few points built up for those occassions where Marriott isn't in the exact location you're looking for.

I'm guilty as charged. It's all about the points.

Is it safe to assume you mean government per diem when you say that? If so, the Tysons Corner Marriott and Fairview Park Marriott (both very convenient to McLean) almost ALWAYS have gov't rate rooms available. Heck, even the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons almost always has rooms at gov't rate (yes, I know you don't earn points there but it sure beats the heck out of a mediocre TownPlace). I think if you look a little harder, you'll find plenty of Marriott opportunities in the immediate vicinity!

I would encourage you to contact the GM and discuss the issues you've had on numerous occasions

I did. I sent an email to the address on the the business card left with the Platinum welcome gift, however I never received a reply.

hmm, I just tried and Tysons Corner Marriott said they were sold out of rooms at that rate. Maybe next time....

Platinum = Stupid?

More and more I believe the answer is yes... I believe Marriott is no longer rewarding my loyalty appropriately. Last year out of 175 stays I can count on one hand the number of upgrades I received. Plus it just seems like more and more staffs at various hotels could care less that I am a Platnium member. The antithesis of the white glove treatment we are supposedly to receive.

For their part, corporate Marriott has made it quite clear based on extra point/night specials rewards that they would rather reward Silvers than higher levels. Guess I'll do my part by freeing up rooms this year for all of those highly valuable Silvers...

No need to Thank me, Marriott.

I used to be Gold w/Marriott for many years. I found it harder to get upgrades and more Concierge Lounges began closing on weekends when I did a lot of traveling. It was geting harder to get a breakfast comp. when the Lounge was closed. Actually got into a heated argument w/ a Front desk manager in Austin. By contrast I seldom have that problem at Hilton or Starwood -- 90% of the time they offer a breakfast voucher when their lounge is closed automatically without me asking.

The end result is that my Marriott nights have been reduced 80% over the past two years (while my nights traveling have not). There is no appropriate return for staying 40 addiitional nights to achieve Gold (vs. Silver). Interestingly, I can get the same treatment at Hilton for as few as 16 nights/year (HH Gold) and at Starwood for as few as 25 nights/year (SPG Platinum).

Do the math and figure out where those 40 Marriott nights went!

Finally, I'd take a Embassy Suite over Town Place Suites any day. You get a full cook-to-order breakfast regardless of your HHonors status.

W/O a doubt, it causes stupid behavior! I�m still hooked airline status wise, but have managed to somewhat kick the hotel status gig.