Another One Bites the Dust!
 

You know, I had one of the best weekend family stays I have had in a very long time. I even throughout the weekend had started an email to the GM and others, outlining the superior service and over the top "Spirit to Serve".

We were staying at the Rennaisance SeaWorld Resort in Orlando. They are in the midst of a rennovation and results are fabulous (another thread).

As I was making some plans for reservations for the remainder of the year, I asked when the lounge would reopen (originally scheduled to close for one month).

The lounge will not be reopening!

The rationale was simply, they were the only Renn. Resort in the US with a Lounge (true), of course this was the reason they went from 7 days a week to 5 some time ago. I guess that being unique is no longer a positive thing...even with a chain wide moto of being "Uniquely Rennaisance".

I guess I am really disappointed that one more feature is being taken away, just when this property could have sealed all of my Orlando business with the awesome overhaul. (This was the only property in the attractions are with the lounge JW & Marriott World Center do not have lounges either).

Ah well...another one bites the dust.

The trend over the last several years to close lounges (it started with closing them on the weekends) is very disappointing. So often I end up making my decisions based on lounge, free bfast, and odds of a suite upgrade. The latter advantage almost always goes to SPG, so I have ended up shifting enough business there the last two years to be platinum. Although I am still platinum at Marriott, and might even requalify this year (it will be close), they have lost about 50% of my businessover decisions like these. :(

Brutal. I love Marriott, but they are the worst in the business with using the term "resort" to mean nothing but bad things for the traveler. What extra does that Renaissance provide for guests that some other Renaissance - say the one in Chicago or Seattle - does not? I don't really care what Marriott decides to call their properties, but it is sad that we end up having to specifically avoid places that call themselves "resorts" - even if it's just a standard middle-of-the-road Renaissance sitting in the middle of a parking lot next to an Interstate.

Why not let the G.M. know about how his actions will affect your decisions as to staying at his property?

I did in email. Unfortunately, doubt it will change anything. It was kind of like a funeral walking by it this weekend after I heard the news. Interestingly enough, celebrated 3 birthdays there over the past 5 years.

This Renaissance differs in that they are within walking distance to Seaworld.
They really don't have that awesome of a resort style pool etc. (like say world center)

Well, that's great, but most successful hotels are within walking distance of something worthwhile - or they are a destination in and of themselves. (Chicago Renaissance, for example, is walking distance to all sorts of interesting things.)

If Marriott really wanted to use the "resort" tag well, they'd use it highlight their properties that really are a destination. I still wish they wouldn't use it to hose their guests out of benefits, but I'd respect it more if it was only placed on top destination hotels worldwide - not anything that happens to near an amusement park.

Oh to just get rid of the whole "resort" concept with M & R hotels.

Thanks for letting me know. I am staying there next week and the lounge is one of the reasons I stay there.

I will inform them that I will not be staying there during my future visits.

It's too bad. I enjoy this hotel, but the lounge closing will be the difference maker.

[QUOTE=Fripp]
I will inform them that I will not be staying there during my future visits.
QUOTE]

Bravo. If more of us did this, vote with our wallets, when properties start nickle and dimeing (sp?) benefits (particularly during times like this of near record occupancy and profits for hotels), then g.m.'s might think twice about such short-sighted actions. Just as important as making decisions based on such factors, is letting the local management know what you're doing.

[QUOTE=ohmark]Couldn't have said it better myself. As big a fan as I am of Marriott brands, there's something wrong with this picture when prices go up (at a rate exceeding inflation) and benefits go down. I also have a bit of a problem with some of the resort policies when Marriott effectively says to its best customers, "Spend your vacation with us, but we're going to take away some of those favorite perks and benefits you've come to expect from us"

I have stayed here numerous times and LOVE (D) this hotel, as I will not be back. The lounge is THE REASON i stay away from Hilton and their hit or miss yes or no lounge.

Oh well, the airport marriott just got purchased by corp and is planning HUGE renovations. Was just at this dive (it is rough) 2 weeks ago!!!

Was there ever a time when all concierge lounges in the United States were open on the weekends? I have only stayed at hotels since 2001.

A Walk Down Memory Lane...
 

While writing an email to the GM, I decided I would include a link to this topic, but also see if there were any others that should be shown. I stumbled back across the last time the made cuts:

Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld

So for review:

Lounge closes on weekends (7/2005)
Rumored Loss of Sofa Sleepers (Unconfirmed)
Free Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate Discontinued (1/2006)
Lounge Closes Permenantly (8/2006)

It really hurts to see the "extras" that really made the hotel shine disappear. I'm definitely torn, because of my wife's love of this property, and how awesome the renovationed rooms are.

Bruce actually put it best in the other forum:

We had one of the most memorable long weekend ever a few years ago and this property was a big reason for that. We are going back to Orlando in February to celebrate our daughter's 5th birthday and had planned on staying at the Renaissance again. No way now. I was having difficulty justifying the price, but without the lounge I'm going to cancel and will write the GM.

I've been watching this thread with interest and have already expressed my displeasure regarding the removal of perks and benefits that have come to be expected/anticipated.

I'm sure, however, that Marriott feels that a CL....or the lack thereof...typically does not impact guests' decisions to stay at a resort-flagged property. I have to admit that's the case with me. When I'm on vacation, hanging out in the lounge isn't on my "to do" list. The lounge serves more of a purpose for me when I'm on a business trip. Then, having a place to grab a bite for breakfast, an evening drink or snack is important to me.

The continuing trend with Marriotts using lounges as handy target for their cost-cutting efforts is unfortunate and disturbing. But its more disturbing to observe this when it happens at non-resort properties. In the case of resorts, I'm sure they've done their homework and understand that leisure travelers attracted by new features in a rehab will more than offset disgruntled customers who leave because the lounge has gone away. (Of course, if they're smart, they'll go ahead and throw in breakfast vouchers, etc. to elites and regulars who are upset.)