In 2000 or so nights at hotels over 20+ years, I have learned that wake-up calls are not 100% reliable. I usually use them as a backup when I really need to be somewhere at a particular time. I set the alarm and schedule a wake-up call for 10 minutes later to be sure I get up.

The compensation the hotel gave was pretty good. I wouldn't complain about it.

Bruce

I always use my cell phone alarm and if I need a back up, I use my digital watch alarm. The only time I use wake up calls is when the property has a fully automated system I can program from the phone in my room. While the hotel did make a mistake, I think the compensation offered was very reasonable.

--Jon

P.S. I am generally in the camp of take respoonsibility for your own actions (or lack of actions in this case :D )

I always go with the belt and suspenders method. If it is the first night, how do I know if the alarm is going to work? Can't ever count on the wakeup call either. I can't count the times I got wakeup calls I didn't ask for. They were probably meant for someone else!

I agree.

I personally do not like wake-up calls.I always test the clock radio the night before to ensure that the alarm will work properly the next morning.

This method has never failed me.

I never even think of using a wake-up call. I've never stayed in a room without some sort of alarm clock.

I also think the hotel was fair with you. I set the hotel alarm, my travel alarm and use a wake up call as a last resort back up. I do think it would be nice if Marriott would use the same type of clock in every room across the brands.

The hotel was more than fair. Take the compensation offered and consider yourself lucky that they offered it!

I agree that wake-up calls have always been dicey. Always set the room alarm clock as well. I also use my cell phone as a backup in the US. Overseas, I use a travel alarm clock.

The hotel was more than generous. I had a similar thing happen earlier this year (Didn't miss plane, but missed the first hour of a trade show that I was selling at), and I had to push the Hampton Inn to get a free night.

Seems as tho I agree with most other posters. ^ to the hotel for not trying to lie to you, admitting the mistake, and making completely reasonable and generous compensation to you without prodding. People make mistakes but they owned up to it.

Among others, the Riviera Marriott and the Renaissance Paris Vendome.

I haven't stayed there, but a lot of European hotels have some sort of alarm clock built into the TV.

I think the compensation the hotel gave you is more than fair. If I have a critical meeting/appointment/flight in the morning, I NEVER count on the hotel or the hotel alarm clock to wake me up. I travel with a small alarm clock and set that and my cell phone alarm to wake me up.

You're right. The Marriott does; the Renaissance does not.

FWIW, I think the compensation was fair, possibly more than fair. They did mess up, but they admitted it, paid for the airfare, plus more. I'd be unsatisfied that the mistake happened, but satisfied at their effort to make up for it.

And, my order is cell phone, alarm clock, wakeup call, all three if I'm feeling paranoid. My most common mistake was to not notice that the alarm clock has the current time in AM when it should be PM, learned to check after a few unfortunate incidents.

And, my sympathies for the 3am night with the 7am wakeup, I'm sure most of us have our share of those also ...

--- Andy R.

. . . Any suggestions on resonable compensation? I thought only covering my hotel and flight costs was a little weak. . .

You've received ample compensation from Marriott. You missed a flight, booked another, and Marriott paid all associated costs with the new flight with a hotel certificate to boot. This is hardly "weak" compensation.

As others mention, if one is on a tight schedule, then it behooves you to set the alarm clock and to have your own travel alarm as a backup.

Be satisfied with what you receive and move on.

Barry